The next in our series on Cloth is a guide to weaves and to designs.

As with the A-Z this is meant as a reference tool, which we will link to as we publish more detailed pieces about trousers, jackets or overcoats.

When we describe the benefits of gabardine for trousers, for instance, and how its tight weave creates a cloth that is particularly good at holding its shape, we will link to this page for an explanation of that weave.

Or when we recommend cloths for business suits, and suggest that a little surface detail can be attractive – such as birdseye, pick-and-pick or end-on-end – we will link back here for details and illustrations.

Readers can also use this page to browse these different kinds of technical benefits, or aesthetic designs in cloth.

We have spent a while pulling together technical sketches for the different variations, as well as pictures of the cloths themselves, but there is still the occasional gap we will fill in later. All images should be expandable by clicking on them, in order to see more detail. 

 

Weaves, designs and finishes

There are really only a small number of weaves – in most definitions, three.

These are:

  • Plain weave
  • Twill
  • Satin

Everything else that we describe as a weave is actually:

  • A design, where the yarn colours and sequence in one of these three basic weaves are varied to achieve a particular pattern
  • A different construction, where the weave’s density of warp or weft, or type of yarn, are varied to achieve an effect
  • Or a secondary weave, where one of the basic weaves is varied in some way; such as hopsack, which is merely a double plain weave

Below the three weaves are explained and illustrated, followed in each case by designs, varied constructions, and secondary weaves that spring from them.

We have included pictures of each, as well as technical sketches or plans where available.

 

Plain weaveplain-weave1 Plain weave

A plain weave is the most basic type of weaving.

Each horizontal weft thread is interlaced with each vertical warp thread by going over the first and under the second, over the third and so on.

Because of such rigorous interlacing the plain weave is the most solid construction. The fabric can be very light and airy without sacrificing stability.

 

1.1 Plain weave designs

end on endEnd on endEnd on end

A design using a 1a1b arrangement of yarn colours on the warp and 1a1b on the weft.

The same sequence is used to obtain a pick-and-pick design on a twill weave.

 

1.2 Plain weave constructions

802441Seersucker

Based on a plain weave, the original seersucker effect was obtained by using two different kinds of yarn in the warp, with one having a different twist, yarn count or containing different fibres.

During the finishing process this yarn would shrink more or less than the other, creating the wavy effect down each alternate stripe.

Nowadays seersuckers made using these techniques are rare, as the difficulty of controlling the shrinkage makes them more expensive and less reliable. It is more usual for one type of yarn to contain elastane and the other pure cotton.

 

Popelinepopeline

Popeline is the gabardine of the plain weaves.

As with gabardine, the warp density is almost double the weft density.

It is not a common construction for suiting cloths, being more often used in shirtings.

 

1.3 Plain weaves – secondary weaves

hopsackHopsackhopsack

Hopsack is a modification of a plain weave in which two threads in the warp are followed by two threads in weft.

This creates the appearance of small cubes.

This type of weave is very popular in jacketings, but can sometimes be seen in suitings and outerwear.

 

cordRib weaveRib weave

A rib weave is a form of enlarged plain weave.

The rib can be in the warp or weft, but is more common in the weft.

The effect is similar to a faille or bedford cord, but the ribs are obtained purely through the weave.

 

2 Twill

TwilltwillA twill’s characteristic diagonal appearance is created when a warp thread stretches over and under two or more weft threads.

The most common is the 2-by-2 twill, where two warp threads go over and under two weft threads at a time.

3-by-3 twills, and sometimes even 4-by-4, can also be found.

Twill fabrics offer great versatility and drape, which makes them excellent choices all year round.


2.1 Twill designsScreen Shot 2017-01-22 at 12.24.52

Houndstooth

A houndstooth design is based on a 2-by-2 twill, with a 4-and-4 sequence of colour for both warp and weft.

(Four yarns of the light colour and four of the dark colour).

 

Pick and pick / sharkskin

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 12.26.46pick-and-pickGenerally called a pick-and-pick in the UK but sharkskin in
the US.

It starts from a 2-by-2 twill and has a yarn sequence of 1 light then 1 dark in both the warp and the weft.

The same effect is possible starting from an hopsack weave.

 

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 12.30.23Solaro

Solaro is a classic design based on a 2-by-1 twill with complimentary colours in the warp and weft.

It is normally woven as a herringbone, as pictured, which is itself a weave variation on a twill.

The classic solaro has a light brown warp and a red weft. The colour contrast of the two gives it an iridescent quality.

 

glen checkPrince of Wales / glen check

The terms Prince-of-Wales check and glen (originally Glenurquhart) check are used largely interchangeably to describe a tight checked pattern.

Both, however, originally referred to something specific: glen check to that used by the Countess of Seafield at the beginning of the 19th century for her gamekeepers, and Prince-of-Wales check to the pattern developed by Edward VII when he was the Prince, inspired by the Seafield check.

The latter was later popularised by his grandson, the Duke of Windsor.

Either way, it is a twill design comprising varying sizes of checks, often with an overcheck in a contrasting colour.

 

2.2 Twill constructions

gabardine clothGabardineGabardine

Gabardine is based on a 2-by-2 or 2-by-1 twill, with a warp double the density of the weft.

This creates diagonal stripes on the face of the cloth.

The construction of the cloth is very tight, so it is often used for trousers.

 

2.3 Twill – secondary weaves

prunelle2-by-1 twill

A 2-by-1 twill is a twill where one vertical warp thread goes over two but under only one horizontal weft thread.

It is also known as a prunelle.

A common characteristic is that the face of the fabric looks different from the back, especially if different shades are used in warp and weft.

 

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 12.48.18Herringbone

Here, the twill weave is modified so the diagonal structure changes its direction after a consistent number of warp threads.

The result is a zig-zag effect.

This looks a little bit like the skeleton of a herring, hence the name.

 

Cavalry twillScreen Shot 2017-01-22 at 12.52.28cavalry-twill

A complex twill, as can be seen by the development of the twill pattern in the technical drawing.

It creates a cloth with great body and drape, and so is often used for trousers, as well as overcoats.

 

Bell hopsackBell hopsack

Bell hopsack is another example of a rather complicated secondary weave.

Although based on a twill, this also has similarities to a hopsack in its appearance.

It is usually reserved for jacketings as a result.

 

Birdseye

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.15.21BirdseyeA birdseye is a spot-like micro-design for worsted wool.

However, to obtain the round “eye” in the cloth, the sequence of colours is also fundamental.

Without it, the eye wouldn’t be circular but square, which wouldn’t produce the same avian effect.

 

3 Satin

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.17.45satinSatins are created when the weft is allowed to pass over multiple yarns.

This creates a very smooth face, and a very rough back.

Normally satins are heavier than plain weaves or twills, but they have a soft handle and excellent drape.

 

3.3 Satin – secondary weaves

Satins are most significant for their secondary weaves, rather than for designs or variations in construction/yarn. The differences in the appearance of the cloth, however, are very subtle.


BaratheaScreen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.27.20Barathea

Barathea is a variation on satin usually used for evening wear.

As you can see from the technical drawing, the weft (left to right) is passing over fewer warp yarns than a plain satin, and goes under more. 

It allows two warp yarns to appear on the face, and goes over one and three, alternately.

 

VenetianScreen Shot 2017-01-24 at 15.15.09Venetian

The other best-known variation on satin, with single warp yarns showing above the left in a diagonal direction. 

Also at greater remove from satin, and more similar to other weaves, given the weft threads do not pass over more than one yarn at a time.

 

4 Designs for any weave

Many cloth designs can be applied on different weaves, and therefore don’t fall into the categorisation above.

A stripe is a stripe whether you find it on a plain weave, a 2-by-2 twill or a satin – although some of these designs do suit some weaves more than others.

These designs include:

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.35.52Pinstripe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shadow stripeScreen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.37.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Windowpane checkScreen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.36.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.37.35Gun-club check

 

 

 

 

 

 

PinheadScreen Shot 2017-01-22 at 13.36.36

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Hristo

This is a very well structured and very useful overview.

Anonymous

It would be good if an indication of formality could be provided. So, which fabrics are intended for suiting and which as separates.

winston

I am looking to buy at lest 3 pair of shoes. I am looking at Barker shoes on Jermyn street. is there a link that you know of were I can fine out about they shoes compere to Crockett & Jones, Foster & Sons and Alfred Sargent, 3 other shop I have check out. I am looking to spend around £400 a pair
any help you can give will be appreciated.

Anonymous

Who did write the words? Not you Simon surely. Popeline? French word for poplin, to make shirts from.

Intellectually or technically this may have merit, but no use to go to a tailor with. Making the choosing of cloth more complicated as it might raise questions about cloth which are meaningless.

Rohan

A great resource and great addition to a thoroughly informative series, especially for those new to the nuances of suiting.

Coming off topic here, for those such as myself who have been a long time reader of your blog, I’m still taking my baby steps to build up a solid wardrobe. With such a plethora of resources out there, both good and those less so, are there any particular websites in a similar vein to yours that you may recommend?

Thank you very much
Best wishes
Rohan

Anonymous

Would you class blue wool cavalry twill trousers as formal or casual?

Anonymous

For that, I rely on you 🙂

I guess it’s more around whether they can be worn without a jacket or with a casual jacket.

Anonymous

This is excellent Simon, thank you. The text is clear and precise and matching it with good, clear images helps even more. One of the most understandable weave guides I’ve seen. Given their popularity could I ask for some detail on barleycorn, serge, flannel, tweed and cord? Thank you.

Joseph

Greetings, Simon:

The lengths to which you go to illustrate every aspect of craft quite frankly astound me. I’ve been compiling a rather simplistic version of this list as a quick personal reference, but it immediately pales in comparison to what you’ve created here with Scabal. I’m sounding like a fanboy, but in all candidness I believe you have done so much for the contemporary reception of menswear, luxury and craft all over the world.

That said, I do find this list wanting for some positive and negative properties for each subgroup of materials. That’s particularly important for me since I’m looking to build up a crafted wardrobe befitting our tropical climate here. I have adequate office basics, but am very unprotected against strong gusts and prolonged torrents in the rainy season. I don’t care much for raincoats, especially given that many here are made in rather bad taste in terms of materials and style. Thus, my first major experiment will be a Chesterfield-inspired topcoat.

Based on others’ writings and some information I found on Burberry’s classic windcheaters, gabardine seems to be the best weave for just such a purpose. However, I am undecided on whether to get the fabric in cotton or wool. Might you have any advice on that matter? Am I overlooking any potential disadvantages that gabardine exhibits in a humid climate? Should I choose an altogether different subweave?

And perhaps a follow up post on the properties of the materials you’ve discussed, if that is at all feasible?

Yours in good faith:
Joseph

Joseph

Hi, Simon:

That sounds positively appetizing (and certainly more efficient for editorial purposes.) I appreciate your entertaining my queries. Cheers!

Yours in good faith:
Joseph

Anonymous

Once you have this information, how do you use it?

Anonymous

But what does benefit is there? What can knowing do that not knowing doesn’t?

Joseph

I’m inclined to stay my input as Simon has already put it succinctly, so maybe just this nugget. Good features such as breathability and drape can usually be traced back to the weave, and a reference for that helps. For example, understanding cloths benefitting the latter can be helpful for future commissions: it makes sense to know what to pick when you want your next jacket or trousers to hang and stop fluidly, provided that the human body is never a straight vertical line from top to bottom.

On the subject of drape and such: would you have the lapels on a worsted wool (or other similar crisp cloth) waistcoat canvassed, Simon? The Logical Waistcoat Theory makes so much sense to me, and I would like to complement my wardrobe with the lovely little things.

Joseph

Duly noted. Thanks again, Simon.

Lucas

Where is the jacket from in the header image?

Matt S

What a fantastic resource, Simon!

I like seeing the diagram of cavalry twill. I have searched online for those before and never found one. I put my cavalry twill trousers under a microscope a few years to figure out the weave and diagram it. When I get home later I’ll see if my discovery matches your proper diagram. I have also seen a few different weaves called “cavalry twill”, though I’ve assumed the double-rib you’ve demonstrated is the real thing.

I’ve never heard the term “bell hopsack” used before, and I’ve only seen that one called “barleycorn”. I’d assume the terms are interchangeable. Unless barleycorn has a repeat of 6 warp yarns while the bell hopsack has a repeat of 8 warp yarns?

The Prince of Wales / glen check example pictured under section 2.1 is actually woven in a 2×2 hopsack weave, not a twill weave. Glen checks can be woven in hopsack, plain and 2×2 twill weaves. The authentic Glen Urquhart and Prince of Wales checks are woven in a twill weave.

Here are two articles I wrote about different glen check, including diagrams of them.

http://www.bondsuits.com/breaking-down-the-glen-urquhart-check/

http://www.bondsuits.com/smaller-glen-checks/

JB

Simon would you know the difference between Crispaire and Harrisons Frontier? They look much the same to me. Many thanks

Dan

Hi Simon,

What is the fabric shown in the jacket on the featured image at the top?

David

Seersucker can also be made by putting different amounts of tension on the warp yarns when setting up the loom. The relative “slack” in the alternating stripes gives the rippled effect when the cloth is woven.

Christopher

Hello Simon,
could you please share your opinion on cloth with a percentage (2%) of stretch in it?
I saw some heavier tweed jacketing and some lighter tweed suiting from reputable Italian mills that had stretch, the fabric was appealing to me but I’m wondering about the stretch.
How does the stretch affect the use, care and longevity of fabric?
Over time might the fabric start to lose its shape? Will the stretch lose its power?

I think Scabal also makes some Cotton for chinos with Lycra.

Your thoughs would be greatly appreciated.

Luca

Hi Simon,

Next week I will commission a bespoke jacket for spring/summer. I was thinking about hopsack from H&S or VBC. What do you think? Any alternative to navy? I am looking for something very versatile that could be easily dressed up or down and hard enough to be worn often.

Thanks!

Luca

Thanks Simon! Is there any other color you would recommend apart from navy? I know your hopsack from Caliendo and it is actually why I decided to go for this fabric. Thanks and regards! Luca.

Hugh

Why is it we don’t see more variety in linen weaves (and finishing)? Linen herringbones, or linen corduroys, or brushed linen flannels? Is this a limitation of linen, or there just isn’t the market for it?

Joseph

Is there a specific cloth called “chino”, or is that just the construction/weave? If the latter is true, what kinds of cotton twills are used to make chinos or trousers with similar formality?

Joseph

Ah, so theoretically chinos can be made of any sort of cotton twill that has been garment washed? There must be subtle differences in weight and comfort between the viable twills. Does any one of them perform better than the others?

Joseph

That takes a great load off my mind. Thanks, Simon!

Carl

I am thinking of commissioning a grey suit. Darker than mid-grey but little lighter than charcoal. I want some structure in it and wonder what do you think of nailhead or sharkskin in such a suit. I want it to be formal but not super-formal. Like something Gianni Agnelli would wear with a blue shirt.

Anonymous

Hi Simon

Not sure if this is the correct place to post my question. Apologies in advance if it’s the wrong place. I’ve bought some fabric to be made up some time next year. Any guidelines for how the fabric should be stored? Wrap in acid free tissue paper perhaps?

Sera Allen

Thank you for very clear explanations, diagrams and photos. Very informative and well organized.

Robertus

I would like to ask your opinion about the fabric for my tux. I have read several articles that say Barathea fabric is really good for a Tux. What makes it better option than the other type of fabric?

I have two option of fabric now, vitale barberis canonico Barathea or Drago Super 160s.

Please help me to decide

Thank you
Robertus

Matt

What is the name of the weave on the cover photo for this page?

namnguyen

Hi Mr.Simon, I’m Nam. I’ve got some questions for you here:
1. With end-on-end (fil-a-fil): does it have white yarns as obligatory color?
2. Is hopsack the same with oxford and panama as they are commonly called ‘basket weave’?
3. With rib weave: it could be 2 weft 1 warp or 2 warp 1 weft right? And with 2 warp 1 weft, is it correct to widely call it as ‘pinpoint’?

Look forward to seeing your response !

Anonymous

Can you please explain me what ”1a1b arrangement of yarn color” is (in End-on-end section)?

Luke P

Regarding hopsack, I’ve read conflicting opinions for its suitability (no pun intended) for a full suit, specifically for trousers. I live in a hot climate (Arizona, USA). A hopsack suit would make a good year-round suit. But some of what I read claims hopsack trousers do not hold their shape and are too informal for a suit. Is that true, or only true sometimes? And if there are fabric mills or suit makers who have hopsack which are good for suits, how can I find them?

Luke P

Thank you, that makes sense. If I follow, other weaves are often better choices for trousers, especially if there is any doubt as to the durability, because hopsack is a weave and says nothing about the twist of the yarn, the density of the weave, etc., etc. But, there are some trousers or suits which can be made into pants, but I or anyone else considering such an option will need to talk to the tailor who is making them.

Anonymous

Hi Appreciate the good work ?…… kindly could you make a presentation on combining different weaves with the yarn used and designs for different range of clothes example shirts, trousers, etc

Patricia Fear

Can I just say that as a weaver and a member of a Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers here in Brittany that the information contained on this page and on the other pages of your web site are very informative and well written – thank you. Such lovely descriptions of fibre and weave.

Sebastien

Do you think Solaro looks better in DB or SB?
Is there anywhere that does mtm solaro suits?
Where can I find a good chino suit off the rack?
I can’t decide whether to get a chino or solaro suit next, can you help with my quandary?

Sebastien

Do you think a solaro jacket can go well with jeans or do you think it should always be worn as a suit?

Charles

Hi Simon, in your opinion would a blazer made from a four season hopsack work with flannel trousers? Thank you

Anonymous

Great article- very informative and well written. I am a woven textile designer- specialising in worsted fabrics, particularly Barathea’s for ceremonial wear. I was wandering if you or your readers would think there is a market for more daring colour choices/patterns- think ombres and bold highlight colours. I understand the need for muted colour palettes for office/formal wear but do you believe there is a market for a more niche, daring palette as well?

Anon Nimous

Working in retail…this concise knowledge is very well appreciated. Thank you very much for taking the time putting this all together.

Tom

Good overview with graphics. I have noticed in sport jacketing cloths with a gun club check or a windowpane overcheck that the horizontal line is in fact often a slight shade darker or stronger than the vertical line of the same color and width. This appears quite intentional. What is the perception of the cloth that the cloth designer is trying to account for? Appreciate your insight.

Tommy

I‘m a lil bit confused about the weaves.

„Prince of Wales Check / Glencheck“ is listed under „Twill“.

„Hopsack“ is listed under „Plain“.

But I know definitely some fabrics that have a „Prince of Wales“ / Glencheck“ pattern and the weave is a „Hopsack“ weave?

!

Jonny

Hi Simon,
For open/loose weaves, would you always go for a lining (presumably half) that matches the cloth to avoid any colour showing through the weave of the fabric, or does that not really matter much in practice?

Peter O

Dear Simon,

I looked for the term “peached” as in “peached cotton”, but couldn’t find it. I guess it would be kind of a “facing” or “pile”?

Peter O

Thanks, Simon. (Instance: Roderick Charles London, peached cotton summer lightweight trousers)

Martins

So something like moleskin? And do you think cotton like this will wear (patina) faster?

Ahmed

Simon, have you ever seen wool cloth that is like twill, but it has a vertical instead of a diagonal apperance? If so, do you think that that would be suitable for jacketing? Thanks.

Magnus

Hello Simon,
I was wondering about your thoughts regarding seersucker in cotton versus wool.
I was thinking of getting a navy seersucker suit for summer weddings, and have seen conflicting opinions. Which would be your choice?

Magnus

Thank you! Very good points

Duke

Insightful. I am interested in learning more about cloth. Do you have book recommendations on cloth and its technicalities?

Kuo Yuan Chi

Is Bell hopsack suitable for Three-Way Suits?

Big Thanks

Sam

Simon, what about the hopsack from the Harrisons’ Spring Ram bunch? They said it’s great for both suit and jacket.

Kuo Yuan Chi

Thank you so much for your advice.
Mainly because I saw that Bell Hopsack is twill (and Hopsack is plain), and twill is more suitable for making trousers, so I have this question.

Kuo Yuan Chi

Hi Simon,

I had never heard of the fabric Bell hopsack, which surprised and intrigued me.
Is there any fabric factory currently producing this fabric?
How will it behave if you use this fabric to make an odd jacket or odd trouser? And how does it compare to hopsack?

Big Thanks
Best Regards