17 Types of Fabric to Use for Fall Clothing
As the crisp air of fall sets in and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to use some of those cozy, warm fabrics for your next sewing project. Fall fabrics typically feature a range of textures and weights that provide comfort as temperatures fluctuate.
Additionally, fabrics with rich colors and patterns, such as plaids and earthy tones, resonate with the autumn aesthetic. When selecting fabrics for fall clothing, it’s important to consider layering options and the versatility of pieces that can transition from warm days to cool evenings.

1. Broadcloth
The fabric is medium-weight, crisp, and structured but still flexible enough to be suitable for a wide range of apparel. The texture is somewhat coarse, but not to the point where it’s uncomfortable or itchy. In general, broadcloth is a fairly cheap and easy fabric to start sewing with if you are a beginner sewist.
- Broadcloth can be used for shirts, skirts, jackets, pants, quilting, home decor (anything that’s not too flowy)
2. Chambray
Chambray is a type of durable, cotton fabric that has a high thread count but still maintains somewhat lightweight properties. It is characterized by fine (thin) yarns where the ones going across the fabric are dyed and the yarns along the length are white. This gives the ending fabric a lighter look that resembles denim
- Chambray can be used for spring and summer dresses, shirts, pants, jackets, some lightweight “denim” clothing, also bed sheets and home decor


3. Corduroy
Corduroy is a durable type of woven fabric that is known for its vertical ridges with a soft velveteen texture. It is thick and sturdy with a stiff drape that is well-suited for bottom-weight apparel. The ridges on corduroy (known as wales) add considerable thickness to it, making it a good choice for warm-weather attire.
- Corduroy can be used for pants, overalls, coats, blazers, structured skirts or dresses, and some home decor (pillows, upholstery)
4. Denim
Denim is a sturdy and adaptable fabric made from cotton fibers. It uses a diagonal twill weave that makes the fabric quite durable. The sturdiness of denim makes it long-lasting, allowing it to withstand the test of time and last through daily wear and tear, while also maintaining some flexibility so that it can be comfortable to wear.
- Denim is most often used for jeans, heavy-duty pants, and denim jackets, but it can be used for a wide range of apparel and home decor.


5. Dobby
Dobby fabric is characterized by small geometric patterns that add extra texture in the cloth. These patterns are woven directly into the fabric. The patterns usually include small dots, but can also have checks, stripes, or even animal or floral motifs woven into the fabric.
- Dobby can be used for shirting, handbags, scarfs, upholstery
6. Flannel
Flannel is a type of woven fabric that has a napped, fuzzy surface on one or both sides of the fabric. It’s known for being a cozy and soft, yet durable material that is insulating and will comfortably keep you warm in the autumn and winter. The fabric manages to be warm while still being somewhat breathable. This prevents it from being too overbearing even in early fall weather, but also suitable for layering in winter clothing.
- Flannel can be used for button-up shirts, jackets, coats, pajamas, bedding, pillows, cozy clothing


7. Fleece
Fleece is what you think of when you imagine a nice warm blanket or a cozy, fuzzy jacket. It’s a great insulating fabric, making it so great for winter garments and accessories. There are many types of fleece fabric from plush polar fleece that’s great for winter clothing, to thinner microfleece, that’s better for comfy pajamas.
- Fleece can be used for Used for blankets, coats, jackets, linings, pajamas, and winter accessories
8. Interlock
Interlock material is a double-knit jersey fabric, making it thicker and more opaque than standard jersey. While it tends to have considerable stretch across the grain, there is usually very little elasticity, if any, along the length of the fabric.
- Interlock can be used for long-sleeved T-shirts, polos, structured knit dresses, cardigans, joggers, pants, and any type of knit garment that needs some structure


9. Heavy Linen
Linen is a fiber that can be used to make many different types of fabric. Most linens have a soft drape with a rugged, natural texture. Linen is a durable and extremely breathable material, making it great for summer clothing that needs to stand up to some wear and tear.
- Linen can be used for skirts, dresses, blouses, summer shorts, and pants, as well as breathable summer suits. Linen is also used for bedding, tablecloths, and curtains.
10. Ponte
Ponte is a type of double-knit fabric that is known for being a comfortable and soft fabric with a little bit of stretch. It’s mostly matte with a beautiful, subtle sheen to it, and doesn’t cling to the body too much. It can soften lumps and curves, giving an overall pleasant shape to any body type.
- Ponte can be used for Jackets and cardigans, tops with some structure, long-sleeved T-shirts, medium-weight dresses and skirts, pants of all sorts


11. Poplin
Poplin is a very common fabric used for everyday clothing because it is a fairly durable type of material. It is a very popular and easy-to-sew fabric. Poplin typically has more drape and flow to it than broadcloth, but is stiffer than lawn. This makes poplin an excellent choice of material for a wide range of sewing projects
- Popiln is mainly used for Shirts, dresses, skirts, jackets, pajamas, home decor, almost anything
12. Satin
Satin is a type of weave that is used to give fabric a glossy or shiny surface. Satin is not a specific type of material but is instead an overall category of fabric that has similar characteristics. The types of fabric in this category will all include a shiny surface, but the drape and weight of the material can vary.
- Satin can be used for evening wear (including wedding dresses), blouses, accessories, lingerie, costumes, home decor


13. Sateen
Although the name sounds similar to satin, which is well known as being a shiny type of fabric, the sateen weave is not particularly shiny. It only gives the material a slight sheen on the surface. The material is smooth, making it quite comfortable to sleep next to. At the same time, it’s a durable enough material to withstand day-to-day use. Sateen can also be used in clothing, typically being used to give it a more luxurious feeling than plain poplin shirting.
- Sateen can be used for eveningwear gowns and dresses, shirts, blouses, skirts, blazers, bedsheets, curtains, and other home decor
14. Shirting
Shirting is a general term used for material that’s fairly structured and medium weight. The material is known for being comfortable to the touch with a stiff drape (but not overly boxy). Most shirting is pretty durable, made with a plain weave, and able to withstand daily wear.
- Shirting can be used for button-up shirts, structured shirts dresses or skirts, and light jackets


15. Sweater Knits
Sweater knits are a general category of knit fabrics that are soft, often cozy, and designed to provide warmth and comfort. Many sweater knit fabrics are constructed to try to mimic the appearance and texture of a hand-knitted sweater, but sweater knits come in various patterns and textures, from chunky cable knits to jersey knits. Sweater knits also usually have some level of stretch, making them highly comfortable to wear.
- Sweater knits can be used for sweaters, jackets, cardigans, hats, dresses, some skirts, blankets
16. Twill
Twill is the overarching name for a family of fabrics that use the twill weave when they are constructed. It’s a diagonal, durable weave that makes a dense fabric with a high thread count. Because of this, most types of twill will be thick and sturdy bottom-weight material.
- Twill is most often used for pants, blazers, coats, heavy skirts, polo shirts, and bags.


17. Velour and Velveteen
Think of velveteen as velvet’s durable, more structured cousin. Velveteen’s construction involves a weave that typically gives it a firm texture and a more matte appearance compared to velvet.
Velour is the knit version with stretching capabilities that make it more comfortable to wear. It also tends to be more durable and useful for everyday clothing
- Velveteen is mainly used for upholstery or for structured clothing, like coats, while velour is more often used for tracksuits, hoodies, and loungewear.
