In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 Highest Quality Fabrics in the World. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global fabric market, top-notch fabric production, and the textile sector going green, and go directly to the 5 Highest Quality Fabrics in the World.
The quality and appropriateness of the fabric used in apparel items determine its overall attractiveness in addition to its outstanding craftsmanship. Certain designers apply drapes directly to mannequins, letting the material flow and ebb to create an organic appearance. Gorgeous, opulent, and supple materials may inspire designers and can give rise to incredible works of art.
Fabric is created by felting, knitting, or weaving fibers together. Fabrics include synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon as well as natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk, which are used to make furniture, clothes, and other items. Recent years have seen strong growth in the global fabric market. It is expected to grow from $116.67 billion in 2023 to $123.42 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 5.8%, according to a report by The Business Research Company.
The automotive industry's rapid expansion, the rising need for man-made fibers, and the robust economic growth in emerging markets are the main growth drivers of this sector. The size of the textiles market is anticipated to increase steadily over the next few years, reaching $148.78 billion at a 4.8% CAGR in 2028. The two main expansion drivers of this industry are - the rising demand for home furnishings and online retailing. In 2023, Western Europe followed the Asia-Pacific in dominating the global textiles market. As the largest textile-producing and exporting country in the world, China's textile industry has become one of the main economic pillars in recent years, and the Red Dragon is renowned as the Country with the Best Fabric Quality.
Who doesn’t want to look good? Just the way people cannot live without food, most of them cannot live without clothes as it is one of the necessities of life. For clothing producers, fabric quality is crucial because it directly impacts their bottom line. For instance, long-lasting, high-quality cloth minimizes the need for frequent replacements, saving manufacturers money on production expenses and minimizing the number of returns or complaints. It additionally enhances the brand's reputation, which strengthens consumer loyalty and eventually boosts revenue.
The high-end textile industry’s expansion is dependent on several variables: the increasing influence of various marketing tactics on consumers' purchasing decisions, the elevated standard of living of consumers in developed countries, and the rising desire for eco-friendly and sustainable clothing.
However, the global economic crisis is making it more difficult to produce and deliver high-end, high-quality fabrics. Insufficient demand from developing and poor nations resulting from the high costs related to the raw materials needed to create pricey fabrics, which would ultimately contribute to the high costs of finished products and hinder the growth of the textile sector. The global coronavirus pandemic has acted as a serious impediment to the fabric manufacturing industry as well, disrupting supply chains through trade restrictions and causing a drop in demand as a result of government-imposed lockdowns. Particularly for makers of premium fabrics, rising costs of labor, raw materials, and energy present serious hurdles.
The global high-end fabric industry is a lucrative one despite an array of obstacles. Products are capital intensive, yet they yield a healthy return on investment. Consumers who are pleased with the fabric quality of the goods are more likely to stick around, spreading positive word-of-mouth, which encourages repeat business. Furthermore, longer-lasting textiles can delay deterioration in contrast to low-quality fabrics and lengthen the life of goods, making it a treasure that can be inherited by the generations to come.
Waking up to the environmental damage, the textile industry is finally compensating, turning fashion designers and textile producers to sustainable fabrics to create their products. The USA has stepped up its game and now has an extensive array of green textile companies and distributors using a variety of modern technologies. Thereby, making it a piece of cake for procurement agents and fashion designers to source ethical and eco-friendly products. The size of the global sustainable fabrics market was estimated at $26.45 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR of 13.3% until 2032, per EmergenResearch. Key factors driving market growth include the textile industry's rapid expansion in new regions, growing investments in recycling and circular economy activities, and growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainability.
The Oregon-based NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is on the "green road" and now sources all of its cotton from Better Cotton Initiative-certified sources, whether it be recycled, organic, or 100% cotton used across the board. The company is thankfully moving in the right direction. In 2020, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s usage of eco-friendly materials rose from 41% to 59%.
Notably, at least 50% of Nike clothing marked as "sustainable materials" is made of recycled materials. The latter incorporates recycled, repurposed, and reused materials to drastically cut down on emissions and environmental effects. The firm has also recently unveiled “Nike Forward” – an innovative clothing line which uses sustainable materials to combat the environmental catastrophe. Nike Forward creates clothing in a completely new way with a significantly smaller carbon footprint. This new material has the potential to fundamentally alter the way sportswear is produced, using punch-needle machines to create high-quality, sustainability-minded products.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is placed among the Largest Clothing Companies by Market Cap in the World.
Under the ownership of Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI), Levi's is another widely recognized American apparel brand that has earned a 'good' environmental rating. Recycled materials are among the environmentally beneficial components it employs. Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI) is on track to reaching the science-based goal, establishing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its supply-chain and internal operations. Unquestionably, the corporation uses cotton the most, which is why a large portion of their sustainability efforts revolve upon this cultivated fiber.
Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI) ranks among the Biggest Luxury Companies in the World.
With that said, here are the Most Luxurious Fabrics in the World.
20 Highest Quality Fabrics in the World
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To pick out the Highest Quality Fabrics in the World, we have used a consensus-based approach using a diverse variety of credible sources to determine the most premium fabrics worldwide. To give you the best possible results, we picked fabrics that appeared multiple times in the reliable sources (1,2,3,4,5, and more), assigned them a score based on their number of appearances, and ranked them accordingly.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Merino wool is derived from Merino sheep, which are the best sheep breed for producing wool for high-end clothing and athletic wear. This particular wool retains its insulating properties even after absorbing up to 30% of its weight in moisture, keeping you cozy, dry, and comfortable. In addition, it has a built-in moisture-wicking feature that helps you keep dry even when you perspire.
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Japanese denim and other clothing are today highly valued commodities in the world for a variety of reasons: the exceptional quality of their fabrics, the superior craftsmanship of their dyes, and the use of the finest cotton and raw materials. Additionally, numerous fine features are found in the denim pockets, buttons, rivets, seams, and other details.
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Muslin has a distinguished past that began in ancient times when its fineness and versatility made it extremely valuable. It rose to prominence as one of the most important textiles traded globally in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Europe where it was used to create haute couture apparel. Muslin is a plain-weave cotton fabric available in a variety of weights, ranging from fine sheers to rough sheeting.
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Satin is a kind of material that is smooth, glossy, or lustrous on one side but not the other. Satin, one of the most luxurious fabrics on the globe, has been used for generations in clothing, bedding, and other home furnishings. For women, a long satin gown is the go-to ensemble.
Insider Monkey Score: 2
"Smooth like velvet" is the definition of velvety. A kind of woven cloth with a smooth, silky feel is called velvet. Given that this luxurious fabric is dense, it feels exceptionally soft and elegant to wear. Therefore, securing a position among the highest-quality fabrics in the world.
Insider Monkey Score: 3
The pattern that is formed by combining several weaving processes is what distinguishes Damask – a hefty and dense fabric. Multiple layers of thread are woven together quite tightly to create a thick fabric, putting it among the most expensive fabrics for suits.
Insider Monkey Score: 3
The inherent qualities of a fabric known as Crepe provide high stretch, elasticity, and a soft drape, guaranteeing that your clothing is not only chic but also extremely pleasant to wear. The method used to prepare the fabric produces a distinctive three-dimensional rippling texture. Most often, crepe fabric is utilized in ultra-trendy garments like pants and blouses.
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Significantly more expensive than other woven fabrics, Brocade is a woven fabric with a raised floral or figure design that is added during the intricate weaving process, typically using a Jacquard attachment. Traditionally, the design is created in a satin or twill weave and only displays on the material's face.
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Cervelt took nearly ten years to perfect and was specifically created in New Zealand. It is an incredibly fine natural down fiber from red deer in Middle Earth. The procedure of extracting the down fibers from the deer hairs is complex and delicate, making them hard to identify. It is also known as the 'Diamond of Luxury Fibers' because of this intricate technique. Cervelt is unbelievably comfortable to the touch, lightweight, and toasty. Being exceptional, it cannot be compared to any other type of fiber as it is in a league of its own. Consequently, it is ranked among the most unique fabrics in the world.
Insider Monkey Score: 4
On hot summer days, cotton clothing feels heavenly, lightweight, absorbent, and can wick moisture from the skin. Not only this highly absorbent fabric can withstand abrasive wear and high temperatures, but is also durable and dye-absorbing. To put it simply, cotton is extremely comfortable. However, it is frequently mixed with a variety of fibers, like polyester, nylon, wool, and linen, to achieve the greatest qualities of every fiber. In the apparel industry, cotton is utilized to produce nearly everything.
Insider Monkey Score: 4
The name "chiffon" comes from the French word "chiffe," which means "cloth" or "rag." Since the 1700s, silk chiffon has been readily accessible throughout Europe and was typically utilized as a statement of social status and wealth. Delicate, chic, and luxurious, chiffon drapes elegantly have a sheer, shimmering appearance. Chiffon is rather transparent under a magnifying glass, resembling a fine net or mesh. Fibers, either synthetic or natural, can be incorporated for the creation of chiffon.
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Among natural fibers used for manufacturing clothing, crisp linen is an excellent choice for eco-friendly substitutes without sacrificing style or quality. Made from the fibers of the flax plant, this fabric is lightweight but remarkably strong, which enhances its longevity and comfort. Additionally, linen is good at wicking away moisture, ensuring that people stay cool and dry in hot weather or even on days with scorching heat, making it one of the Best Quality Fabrics for Clothes.
Insider Monkey Score: 5
A natural fiber with a long history of international trade, silk is prized for its brilliance, sheen, strength, and durability. China is the world's largest producer of silk, making up 90% of the worldwide export market and 75% of the world's output of raw silk in 2023. Silk is an insect fiber which is made by the Bombyx genus silkworms. Due to its high production costs, velvety feel, and sophisticated look, silk is the height of luxury and is used often in high-end textiles.
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Shahtoosh, the forbidden fruit of textiles, feels as though it was made from an angel's hair that fell from heaven and is incredibly light. The Tibetan antelope, or chiru, is the source of shahtoosh – a sort of wool made from its undercoat. Shahtoosh's ultrasoft texture and incredibly thin threads are the major reasons it was and still is so highly desired, making it one of the most luxurious fabrics for clothing. It is said that the material is so thin that a whole shawl could fit through a wedding ring with ease. Regretfully, shahtoosh manufacture is highly immoral and unlawful. Since the chiru is an endangered species, it is illegal to hunt or kill it for its wool. Shahtoosh does, however, have a black market, and some consumers are willing to pay outrageous rates for its goods.
Insider Monkey Score: 6
An incredibly silky, water and stain-resistant fabric, Lotus silk epitomizes extravagant fiber. It's recognized as one of the priciest vegan textiles out there. Why? Distinctively, it is a product made on a minuscule scale, the production of this silk is tedious yet simple.
It takes expert artisans nearly two months to extract the natural fiber for one scarf. Up to one hundred silkworms are needed to produce just one kilogram of this breathtaking silk. The price of a 25-centimeter length of Burmese Lotus Flower Silk is about $200, making it one of the Costliest Fabrics in the World.
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Disclosure: None. 20 Highest Quality Fabrics in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
The global textile industry is expected to touch the mark of $1.2 trillion by 2025. And this figure is further expected to reach $ 1,412.5 billion by 2028. Moreover, the CAGR is forecasted to increase to 4.4% from 2021 to 2028. These stats prove that the textile industry is currently in its golden phase, and set to skyrocket in the coming times.
Décor fabric companies that are planning to expand their horizons should take advantage of this situation. They can import low-cost and high-quality fabric from other countries and scale up their business operations. But how should companies go about it? Here is a list of the top 10 countries known to export the best quality and affordable décor fabric in the world.
The textile industry of Turkey is around USD 12 billion and contributes over 10% to its total GDP. It is also the 7th largest décor textile exporter in the world that is growing at an impressive rate of 7% per annum. Turkey has a rich history of cotton production dating back to the Ottoman Empire. This extensive cotton growth offers a major boost to its export industry. And this is the reason why it still proudly remains a crucial nation for the global textile industry.
Companies also import décor textile from Turkey because it has one of the most well-diversified markets that export large quantities of knitted fabric and cotton materials. Apart from this, Turkish textiles are also known for Mohair that is made from Angora goats and silk. Many fabric brands also source brocade fabrics (Kehma and Catma) from Turkey.
The textile industry of the UK contributes over £ 3 billion annually to its economy. It has over 4,200 textile manufacturing units that are increasing at a whopping rate of 12% per five years. Over years, the United Kingdom has emerged as a promising destination for sourcing décor fabric.
Moreover, UK made yarns and fabrics are the most sought after by leading textile brands. Apart from this, it is also known for its fine quality wool. The wool manufactured here is crease-resistant, durable, and recyclable. Brilliant design capacity, flexible and dynamic production capacity and hi-tech solutions are the driving force that is making Turkey a hot destination for importers.
The world knows Ghana for its rich culture, gold, timber, and oil. But to everyone’s surprise, this country is also rapidly emerging as a promising source of affordable and high-quality fabric. Ghana contributes over USD 39.92 million to the global textile output.
Batakari and Kente are the two major handmade fabrics that are exclusively produced in Ghana. The best part about these sustainable fabrics is that they can last for 300 years. Many leading companies are steadily making Ghana its major import destination in 2022.
Nigeria is another leading name when it comes to importing cost-effective and fine quality fabric. Nigeria is one of the largest exporters of Boubou fabric. It is a traditional fabric that is known for its sustainability and durability.
Many countries including China have made several attempts to make this fabric domestically. But, never in history, any country has managed to produce boubou on their land. For these unique qualities, companies should source décor fabric from Nigeria and carve a niche for themselves in the competition.
Morocco is another popular name that comes forward for importing affordable and high-quality décor fabric. The fabric produced here is comfortable and ideal for hot weather conditions.
Apart from this, it does not let dust and heat pass through it. Intricate designs, beautiful prints, and technical embroidery are the major highlights of Moroccan textiles. Many companies situated in hot, humid, and tropical areas worldwide prefer to source fabric from Morocco.
China was once notorious for producing low-quality fabric. But things are different now. With advanced technologies and improved manufacturing processes, it has today become the top textile exporter in the world.
It accounts for more than half (52.2%) of the global textile production every year. China is renowned to produce the best silk fabric in the world. It is a strong, lightweight, and beautiful fabric that is durable and affordable. Apart from this, many companies also source cotton from China.
Italy accounts for 6.7% of the global textile output every year. It is one of the most sought after destinations for sourcing fine quality cotton and linen in 2021. Apart from this, there is a huge demand for Italian woollen and silk fabrics around the globe. That’s not all.
The Italian textile industry is also known for its advanced finishing and dyeing processes that are performed with the help of high-end technology. The intricate finishing methods give rise to high-quality products that are rich in texture and colours. Every fabric is made with extra care and years of expertise.
Companies that look forward to sourcing non-woven along with industrial and speciality fabrics should consider the USA for it. Let us have a look at its stand in the global textile market. The USA accounts for over 5.3% share in the global textile output. It is a globally competitive exporter and manufacturer of fabrics, yarns, and other textile products.
Moreover, it is the 8th largest textile exporter in the world. The American export industry values around USD 27.14 billion. Its technically advanced textile manufacturing processes are acting as a magnet for the leading décor fabric companies.
Low labour cost, modernisation, industry specialisation, and enhanced value addition are the factors that define the Vietnam textile industry. With a massive export turnover of USD 37.93 billion, Vietnam is the 4th largest global fabric exporter in the world.
The textile industry here focuses on producing high quality and cost-effective fabrics and yarns that will help companies improve their supply chain. Vietnamese fabrics are highly inspired by their culture and traditions. Shantung Taggeta, Ebony Satin, and Bengaline Weave are the three major fabric types that enjoy high demand in the international markets.
Bangladesh has come out as a powerhouse for textile manufacturing lately. Low labour cost, abundant workforce, high-quality products, and advanced technology are the four pillars of the Bangladesh textile industry. These qualities also play a significant role in attracting many major fabric brands to this nation.
Bangladesh is a leading fabric exporter with a massive turnover of USD 38.73 billion. Moreover, the government of Bangladesh is also not leaving any stone unturned to ensure 100% coordination and transparency in their supply chain. This textile industry is growing steadily, marking its place in the top value-added fabric exporters in the world.
We discussed the top 10 countries that are shaping the global textile industry. Many major players are considering importing décor fabric from these places to scale up their textile business. The list of such countries that export high quality and affordable fabrics is endless.
However, companies need to consider two things while selecting the right import destination. First, they should ascertain their target audience. Second, they need to identify what kind of fabric will cater to the consumer needs. Sourcing the right kind of fabric from the right country is the key to success.
Last but not least, fabric brands that are facing sourcing-related issues should get in touch with Fashinza. It is a leading apparel manufacturing platform that aims to make the clothing manufacturing process faster, transparent, and hassle-free for the companies