Our Fabric Bases

Have you ever taken a look at our shop or have seen our preorders and wondered what all of the different options are? Before I started sewing, I knew minimal about different types of fabric, now I am a fabric encyclopedia! I love learning about fabric bases, and getting to use different bases in my shop. I'm going to give you a run down of our most popular fabric bases we use here at Pretty Plum Boutique, so you can make a clothing purchase that fits your needs! 

Our most popular base, cotton spandex fabric, also known as cotton elastane or cotton Lycra, is a stretchy material that combines the natural breathability and softness of cotton with the elasticity of spandex. It is a popular choice for a variety of clothing items, including activewear, jeans, leggings, and T-shirts, as it offers both comfort and flexibility.

Cotton spandex fabric typically contains around 95% cotton and 5% spandex, although the exact ratio can vary. The addition of spandex fibers allows the fabric to stretch without losing its shape or durability, making it ideal for clothes that require a snug fit or freedom of movement. All of our cotton spandex fabrics stretch at least 50% to give ultimate stretchiness!

One of the key benefits of cotton spandex fabric is its breathability. Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft and comfortable against the skin, while spandex provides the necessary stretch and recovery. The combination of these two materials creates a fabric that is both comfortable and easy to move in, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.

In addition to its comfort and flexibility, cotton spandex fabric is also easy to care for. It can be machine washed and dried, and does not require any special treatment or ironing. (which you know we love, since we are all about functionality) 

Overall, cotton spandex fabric is a versatile and popular material that offers both comfort and flexibility. Whether you're looking for clothes that are soft and breathable, or clothes that allow for movement and activity, cotton spandex fabric is a great choice for a variety of clothing items.

Our most popular fabric base! Almost exactly the same as our regular Cotton Spandex, Rib Knit Cotton Spandex fabric is a type of stretchy material that combines the softness and breathability of cotton with the elasticity of spandex, in a ribbed knit construction. This fabric is knitted with a distinct ribbed texture that creates vertical lines running parallel to each other. 

The combination of cotton and spandex in rib knit fabric creates a comfortable and flexible material that can stretch a crazy amount without losing its shape or durability. The ribbed texture adds an extra dimension of stretch and comfort, making it an ideal choice for clothing items that require a snug fit or freedom of movement. The ribbed texture also helps to increase airflow, which can keep the wearer cool and comfortable in warmer weather.

Bamboo spandex fabric is a type of stretchy material that combines the natural softness and moisture-wicking properties of bamboo with the elasticity of spandex. It is a popular choice for a variety of clothing items, including activewear, underwear, and loungewear, as it offers both comfort and flexibility.

Bamboo spandex fabric typically contains around 95% bamboo and 5% spandex, although the exact ratio can vary. The more spandex, the more stretch the fabric has. 

One of the key benefits of bamboo spandex fabric is its natural moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo fibres have the ability to absorb moisture and wick it away from the skin, which can help to keep the wearer cool and dry. This makes it a popular choice for activewear and other clothing items that are worn during physical activity.

In addition to its moisture-wicking properties, bamboo spandex fabric is also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. Bamboo fibres have natural antibacterial properties that can help to reduce odour and prevent the growth of bacteria, which can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

Bamboo spandex fabric is also eco-friendly, as bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource. Bamboo requires less water and pesticides to grow than cotton, and it can also be grown without the need for fertilizers or other chemicals. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice for clothing production.

Overall, bamboo spandex fabric is a versatile and popular material that offers both comfort and functionality. Whether you're looking for clothes that are soft and breathable, or clothes that can keep you cool and dry during physical activity, bamboo spandex fabric is a great choice for a variety of clothing items.

Tencel Modal fabric is a type of fabric made from the cellulose fibres of beech trees. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cotton fabrics, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry. Tencel Modal is known for its softness, durability, and versatility. And when we say it is soft, we mean it is REALLY soft! 

While modal is a type of rayon that is made from the cellulose fibres of beech trees. Tencel is a brand of lyocell that is also made from cellulose fibres, but it is produced using a closed-loop process that is more environmentally friendly. When these two fibres are combined, they create Tencel Modal fabric, which is known for its softness, durability, and versatility.

Tencel Modal fabric has several unique properties that make it a popular choice for clothing items. One of the key benefits of this fabric is its softness. Tencel Modal is known for its silky-smooth texture, which makes it comfortable to wear against the skin. It is also highly breathable, which helps to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating.

Another benefit of Tencel Modal fabric is its durability. This fabric is more resistant to shrinking and fading than traditional cotton fabrics, and it can also withstand repeated washing and drying without losing its shape or texture. (We have put this to the test!) It is also less prone to wrinkling, which makes it a convenient choice for travel and everyday wear.

Tencel Modal fabric is also eco-friendly. The beech trees used to make this fabric are grown without the need for irrigation or pesticides, and the closed-loop production process used to create Tencel Modal fabric recycles water and chemicals, minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact.

In summary, Tencel Modal fabric is a sustainable and versatile fabric that offers softness, durability, and breathability. Its eco-friendly production process and durable properties make it an attractive alternative to traditional cotton fabrics, and it is increasingly used in a wide range of clothing items, from activewear to luxury fashion.

Cotton woven fabrics are a popular type of fabric that are made from cotton fibers that are woven together to create a variety of different textures and patterns. These fabrics are commonly used in a wide range of clothing items, including shirts, dresses, and pants.

One of the key features of cotton woven fabrics is their breathability. These fabrics are known for their ability to allow air to circulate, which helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable. This makes them an excellent choice for clothing items that are worn in warm weather or for physical activity.

Cotton woven fabrics are also versatile and come in a range of different textures and patterns. Some common types of cotton woven fabrics include denim, chambray, and twill. Denim is a heavy, durable fabric that is often used in jeans and jackets. Chambray is a lightweight, soft fabric that is commonly used in shirts and dresses. Twill is a fabric with a diagonal weave that is commonly used in pants and jackets.

Another benefit of cotton woven fabrics is that they are easy to care for. These fabrics can be washed in a washing machine and are typically durable enough to withstand regular wear and tear. However, it is important to follow the care instructions on the label to ensure that the fabric retains its shape and texture.

Cotton woven fabrics are also eco-friendly. Cotton is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and can be grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. This makes it a more sustainable choice than synthetic fabrics.

Overall, cotton woven fabrics are a popular choice for a wide range of clothing items due to their breathability, versatility, and durability. Whether you're looking for a lightweight summer dress or a durable pair of jeans, cotton woven fabrics are an excellent choice.

So there is my long explanation of a bunch of different fabric bases we use. Cotton Spandex Rib Knit is our signature fabric. Children and adults alike, love the stretchiness and softness. After reading this, I hope you can gain some insight into which fabric base you would prefer! At every preorder we offer every option, so you can order the one you truly love!