Fabric Names Explained: English–Chinese Fabric Glossary with Uses

In Chinese, we call Fabric as 布料(bù liào) or 面料(miàn liào).

1. Natural Fibers 天然纤维 (Tiānrán Xiānwéi)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Cotton 棉花 Miánhua A soft natural fiber known for comfort, breathability, and versatility, commonly used in everyday clothing, shirts, and lightweight garments.
Organic Cotton 有机棉 Yǒujī Mián Cotton grown without synthetic chemicals, offering softness and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional cotton production.
Egyptian Cotton 埃及棉 Āijí Mián Long-staple cotton grown in Egypt, known for superior softness, shine, durability, and luxurious hand feel.
Pima Cotton 皮马棉 Pímǎ Mián Premium American-grown extra-long staple cotton providing exceptional softness, strength, and color retention.
Supima® Cotton 苏皮马棉 Sūpímǎ Mián Superior + Pima = Supima®. Supima is a trademarked brand of high-quality, American-grown Pima cotton, with certification ensuring it meets strict standards for 100% Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton, grown primarily in the Western US.
Linen 亚麻 Yàmá A strong natural fiber from flax plants offering excellent breathability, moisture-wicking, and a cool feel in hot climates.
Flax Fiber 亚麻纤维 Yàmá Xiānwéi Plant-based fiber known for strength and breathability, often used in summer garments requiring natural cooling.
Hemp 大麻纤维 Dàmá Xiānwéi Eco-friendly fiber offering durability, breathability, and natural antibacterial properties, commonly used in sustainable textiles.
Ramie 苎麻 Zhùmá A lustrous natural fiber known for strength and breathability, often blended to improve texture and comfort.
Wool 羊毛 Yángmáo A natural insulating fiber offering warmth, moisture management, and odor resistance, widely used in colder-weather garments.
Merino Wool 美利奴羊毛 Měilìnú Yángmáo Soft, fine wool providing excellent temperature regulation, comfort, and odor resistance for outdoor and performance apparel.
Cashmere 羊绒 Yángróng or 开司米 Kāisīmǐ Luxury fiber from cashmere goats offering exceptional softness, warmth, and lightweight comfort in premium garments.
Alpaca 羊驼毛 Yángtuōmáo Soft, warm, and hypoallergenic fiber known for durability and natural thermal regulation.
Mohair 马海毛 Mǎhǎimáo or 安哥拉山羊毛 Āngélā Shānyángmáo Long, silky fiber from Angora goats offering sheen, warmth, and resilience in sweaters and specialty garments.
Silk 丝绸 Sīchóu A natural protein fiber offering smoothness, sheen, breathability, and comfort, commonly used in luxury garments and linings.
Mulberry Silk 桑蚕丝 Sāngcánsī Premium silk produced by domesticated silkworms, known for uniformity, smooth texture, and high strength.
Tussah Silk 柞蚕丝 Zuòcánsī Wild silk with a slightly coarser texture and natural golden tone, offering durability and a rustic appearance.
Coconut Fiber 椰棕纤维 Yēzōng Xiānwéi Natural fiber from coconut husks, used for stiff structural textiles and certain sustainable applications.
Jute 黄麻 Huángmá Strong, coarse plant fiber commonly used for canvas, bags, and industrial textiles rather than apparel.
Kapok 木棉 Mùmián Lightweight natural fiber used as filling material thanks to its buoyancy and softness.
Bamboo Viscose 竹纤维 Zhú Xiānwéi Regenerated fiber from bamboo cellulose, providing softness, breathability, natural antibacterial properties, and moisture management.

2. Synthetic Fibers 合成纤维 (Héchéng Xiānwéi)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Polyester 涤纶 Dílún or 聚酯纤维 Jù zhǐ xiān wéi A durable, wrinkle-resistant synthetic fiber offering quick-drying performance, widely used in apparel, sportswear, and outdoor fabrics.
Recycled Polyester 再生涤纶 Zàishēng Dílún Polyester made from recycled bottles or waste materials, offering similar durability while reducing environmental impact.
Nylon 尼龙 Nílóng or 锦纶 Jǐnlún A strong, abrasion-resistant fiber with excellent elasticity, commonly used in activewear, outerwear, and technical fabrics.
Nylon 6 尼龙6 Nílóng Liù A versatile nylon fiber known for strength, elasticity, and good dyeability, used in outdoor and industrial textiles.
Nylon 66 尼龙66 Nílóng Liùliù A high-strength, heat-resistant nylon variant commonly used in performance fabrics and demanding outdoor applications.
Recycled Nylon 再生尼龙 Zàishēng Nílóng Nylon regenerated from discarded fishing nets or waste materials, offering sustainability with similar performance to virgin nylon.
Spandex / Elastane 氨纶 Ānlún A highly elastic synthetic fiber providing stretch, recovery, and comfort, often blended into sportswear and fitted garments.
Lycra® 莱卡 Láikǎ A branded elastane known for superior stretch, comfort, and shape retention in activewear, underwear, and performance garments.
Acrylic 腈纶 Jīnglún A lightweight synthetic fiber resembling wool, offering warmth, softness, and good color retention in knitwear and sweaters.
Modacrylic 改性腈纶 Gǎixìng Jīnglún A flame-resistant acrylic blend used in protective clothing, faux fur, and specialty textile applications.
Polypropylene (PP) 聚丙烯纤维 Jùbǐngxī Xiānwéi A lightweight fiber offering excellent moisture management and quick-dry properties, often used in base layers.
Polyurethane (PU Fiber) 聚氨酯纤维 Jù'ānzhǐ Xiānwéi Flexible synthetic fiber used for stretch applications, coatings, and certain elastic fabrics.
Aramid 芳纶 Fānglún High-strength, heat-resistant fiber used in protective clothing, industrial fabrics, and military applications.
PVC Fiber PVC纤维 PVC Xiānwéi Synthetic fiber with water resistance and durability, mainly used in coated fabrics and industrial applications.
Polyethylene Fiber 聚乙烯纤维 Jùyǐxī Xiānwéi Lightweight fiber offering durability and chemical resistance, often used in nonwoven or technical fabrics.
Rayon 人造丝 Rénzàosī or 粘胶纤维 Niánjiāo Xiānwéi A semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose, offering softness and breathability similar to natural fibers.
Microfiber 超细纤维 Chāoxì Xiānwéi Extremely fine synthetic fibers providing softness, absorbency, and smooth texture, widely used in performance wear and cleaning cloths.
Viscose / Rayon 粘胶纤维 Niánjiāo Xiānwéi A cellulose-based fiber offering soft hand feel, good drape, and breathability, often used in dresses and blouses.
Modal 莫代尔 Mòdàier Regenerated cellulose fiber known for softness, smoothness, and moisture-wicking properties, often blended with cotton for comfort.
Tencel / Lyocell 莱赛尔 Láisàier Sustainable fiber from wood pulp offering soft touch, smooth drape, and breathability with eco-friendly production process.
Acetate 醋酸纤维 Cùsuān Xiānwéi Semi-synthetic fiber with smooth texture and lustrous finish, commonly used in linings, dresses, and formal apparel.
Cuprammonium Rayon 铜氨纤维 Tóng'ān Xiānwéi Regenerated cellulose fiber with high sheen and soft hand feel, historically used in luxury and lightweight fabrics.

3. Blended Fabrics 混纺面料 (Hùn fǎng Miànliào)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Poly-Cotton (TC) 涤棉 Dímián A polyester–cotton blend offering durability, breathability, and comfort, widely used in shirts, uniforms, and casual garments.
CVC (Chief Value Cotton) 主成分棉 Zhǔchéngfèn Mián Blend containing more cotton than polyester, providing comfort, softness, and breathability with reduced shrinkage and wrinkling.
Cotton-Spandex 棉氨 Mián Ān Cotton blended with elastane to enhance stretch, comfort, and shape retention in T-shirts, leggings, and everyday stretch garments.
Cotton-Polyester-Spandex 棉涤氨 Mián Dí Ān Versatile three-fiber blend offering softness, durability, and stretch, commonly used in activewear and fitted apparel.
Cotton-Modal 棉莫代尔 Mián Mòdàier Soft, breathable blend combining cotton’s comfort with Modal’s smooth feel and moisture management.
Cotton-Lyocell 棉莱赛尔 Mián Láisaier Breathable, sustainable blend offering softness, moisture absorption, and improved drape for high-quality shirts and casual wear.
Cotton-Bamboo 棉竹纤维 Mián Zhúxiānwéi Cotton blended with bamboo viscose to improve softness, antibacterial performance, and moisture absorption.
Cotton-Hemp 棉麻 Mián Má Natural blend providing breathability, strength, and texture, commonly used in summer garments and eco-friendly clothing.
Cotton-Linen 棉亚麻 Mián Yàmá Breathable blend combining cotton’s softness with linen’s cooling properties, ideal for warm-weather apparel.
Polyester-Spandex 涤氨 Dí Ān Stretchy, durable blend providing elasticity and recovery, commonly used in leggings, yoga wear, and sports tops.
Nylon-Spandex 锦氨 Jǐn Ān High-stretch blend with strength, breathability, and moisture management, widely used in swimwear and performance activewear.
Nylon-Polyester 锦涤 Jǐn Dí Durable, abrasion-resistant blend used in bags, outerwear, and technical fabrics requiring enhanced strength.
Tencel-Polyester 天丝涤纶 Tiānsī Dílún Blend balancing natural softness with improved durability and wrinkle resistance, suitable for casual and travel garments.
Viscose-Nylon 黏胶尼龙 Niánjiāo Nílóng Blend providing smooth drape, improved strength, and comfortable hand feel for dresses and lightweight tops.

4. Knit Fabrics 针织面料 (Zhēnzhī Miànliào)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Single Jersey 单面平纹 Dānmiàn Píngwén Lightweight, stretchy knit with smooth face and soft back, commonly used in T-shirts and casual wear.
Double Jersey 双面平纹 Shuāngmiàn Píngwén Thicker, more stable knit with identical faces on both sides, offering durability and structure.
Rib Knit 罗纹针织 Luówén Zhēnzhī Textured knit with raised ribs providing elasticity, commonly used for cuffs, collars, and fitted garments.
Interlock 双面针织 Shuāngmiàn Zhēnzhī Smooth, dense knit fabric offering stability, softness, and good coverage for shirts and activewear.
Ponte / Ponte Roma 罗马布 Luómǎ Bù Stable double-knit fabric offering smooth structure, durability, and slight stretch, used in dresses and pants.
French Terry 毛圈布 Máoquān Bù Mid-weight knit with soft loops inside, providing moisture absorption and comfort for sweatshirts and joggers.
Fleece 摇粒绒 Yáolìróng Warm knit with brushed interior for insulation and softness, widely used in hoodies and outdoor mid-layers.
Polar Fleece 抓绒 Zhuāróng Lofted polyester knit offering warmth, breathability, and quick drying, suitable for jackets and cold-weather layers.
Sherpa Fleece 羊羔绒 Yánggāo Róng Inspired by the texture of sheep’s wool, Sherpa fleece is made from synthetic 100% polyester. Its fluffy, high-pile surface traps heat effectively.
Microfleece 超细抓绒 Chāoxì Zhuāróng Lightweight, soft fleece providing insulation and breathability in base layers and jackets.
Stretch Jersey 弹力平纹 Tánlì Píngwén Jersey blended with spandex for stretch and comfort, used in fitted tops and dresses.
Bamboo Jersey 竹纤维平纹 Zhúxiānwéi Píngwén Soft, breathable knit with natural antibacterial properties, ideal for underwear, T-shirts, and loungewear.
Modal Jersey 莫代尔平纹 Mòdàier Píngwén Smooth, silky jersey fabric offering excellent drape, softness, and moisture absorption.
Tencel Jersey 天丝平纹 Tiānsī Píngwén Sustainable knit with cool touch and breathability, often used in high-quality tops and activewear.
Mesh Fabric 网眼布 Wǎngyǎn Bù Open-structure knit offering ventilation and lightweight comfort, used in sportswear and lining fabrics.
Power Mesh 强力网布 Qiánglì Wǎngbù Supportive stretch mesh used in activewear panels, underwear, and compression garments.
Jacquard Knit 提花针织 Tíhuā Zhēnzhī Patterned knit created through complex knitting techniques, offering decorative textures and visual interest.
Sweater Knit 毛衣针织 Máoyī Zhēnzhī Soft knit used for sweaters, offering warmth, texture, and various patterns from lightweight to chunky gauges.
Waffle Knit 华夫格 Huáfugé Textured knit resembling a waffle pattern, offering breathability, stretch, and thermal insulation.
Compression Knit 加压针织 Jiāyā Zhēnzhī Tight, high-stretch knit providing muscle support, stability, and improved circulation in performance sportswear.

5. Woven Fabrics 梭织面料 (Suōzhī Miànliào)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Plain Weave 平纹 Píngwén The simplest woven structure, providing durability and smooth texture, commonly used in shirts, dresses, and light apparel.
Twill 斜纹 Xiéwén Diagonal weave offering strength, drape, and visual texture, often used in denim, chinos, and outerwear.
Herringbone 人字纹 Rénzì Wén Variation of twill with a zigzag pattern, providing visual interest and durability in suits and jackets.
Houndstooth 千鸟格 Qiāndiǎo Gé Classic patterned twill weave resembling a dog's tooth, commonly used in tailored garments and fashion outerwear.
Satin 缎纹 Duànwén Smooth, lustrous fabric with glossy surface, often used in eveningwear, linings, and luxury garments.
Charmeuse 缎面丝绸 Duànmiàn Sīchóu Lightweight satin weave fabric with high sheen, offering soft drape and smooth texture for dresses and lingerie.
Poplin 平纹细布 Píngwén Xìbù Lightweight plain weave fabric with crisp texture, commonly used in shirts, uniforms, and casual wear.
Oxford 牛津布 Niújīn Bù Basket-weave structure offering durability and texture, widely used in dress shirts and outdoor gears.
Chambray 绸布 Chóubù Lightweight plain weave often dyed with colored warp threads, used in casual shirts and summer apparel.
Canvas 帆布 Fānbù Heavy-duty plain weave fabric offering strength and durability, commonly used in bags, shoes, and workwear.
Ripstop Fabric 防撕裂布 Fáng Sīliè Bù Reinforced weave with interwoven thicker threads to prevent tearing, widely used in outdoor and military fabrics.
Gabardine 斜纹细布 Xiéwén Xìbù Tight, durable twill weave with smooth finish, commonly used in suits, trousers, and coats.
Denim 牛仔 Niúzǎi Durable twill weave fabric usually made from cotton, traditionally used in jeans and casual wear.
Corduroy 灯芯绒 Dēngxīn Róng Cut-pile twill fabric forming distinctive ribs, providing texture, warmth, and durability in pants and jackets.
Flannel 法兰绒 Fǎlán Róng Soft, brushed woven fabric offering warmth and comfort, commonly used in shirts, pajamas, and winter apparel.
Hopsack 麻纹布 Má Wén Bù Loose twill or basket weave fabric offering texture and breathability, often used in suits and jackets.
Seersucker 泡泡纱 Pào Pào Shā Lightweight puckered fabric creating textured stripes for breathability and comfort in summer clothing.

6. Outdoor & Technical Fabrics 户外及功能性面料 (Hùwài Jí Gōngnéng Xìng Miànliào)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Softshell 软壳布 Ruǎn Kè Bù Stretchy, wind-resistant, and water-repellent fabric used for jackets and outdoor layers.
Hardshell 硬壳布 Yìng Kè Bù Waterproof, windproof, and durable fabric used in rain jackets and technical outerwear.

7. Waterproof & Protective Materials 防水及防护材料 (Fángshuǐ Jí Fánghù Cáiliào)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
PVC Coated Fabric PVC涂层布 PVC Túcéng Bù Waterproof synthetic fabric used in rainwear, tarpaulins, and protective coverings.
PU Coated Fabric 聚氨酯涂层布 Jù'ānzhǐ Túcéng Bù Lightweight waterproof fabric with flexibility, commonly used in jackets and rainwear.
TPU Laminate 热塑性聚氨酯膜 Rè Sùxìng Jù'ānzhǐ Mó Thin waterproof, breathable film laminated onto fabrics for outdoor technical garments.
Waterproof Breathable Membrane 防水透气膜 Fángshuǐ Tòuqì Mó Layer that blocks water while allowing moisture vapor to escape, used in high-performance outdoor gear.
Fire-Resistant Fabric 阻燃面料 Zǔrán Miànliào Specialized fabrics treated or inherently resistant to flames, used in protective clothing and uniforms.
Reflective Fabric 反光面料 Fǎnguāng Miànliào Fabric with reflective surfaces for safety applications, commonly used in workwear and outerwear.
Anti-Static Fabric 防静电面料 Fáng Jìngdiàn Miànliào Fabric treated to reduce static electricity, used in electronics, cleanroom, and industrial garments.

8. Insulation Materials 保暖材料 (Bǎonuǎn Cáiliào)

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Down 羽绒 Yǔróng Natural insulating material from bird feathers, providing lightweight warmth and high loft for jackets and sleeping bags.
Goose Down 鹅绒 É Róng Premium down offering high warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility for high-end outdoor insulation.
Duck Down 鸭绒 Yā Róng More common down type providing warmth, slightly heavier than goose down.
Synthetic Down 合成羽绒 Héchéng Yǔróng Man-made insulation designed to mimic down’s warmth while retaining performance when wet.
Polyester Fill 涤纶填充物 Dílún Tiánchōng Wù Lightweight, insulating polyester fibers used in jackets, sleeping bags, and quilts.

9. Others

English Name 中文名 + Pinyin Explanation
Velvet 天鹅绒 Tiān'é Róng Soft, luxurious fabric with dense pile, used in eveningwear, upholstery, and decorative garments.
Velour 丝绒 Sīróng Knitted fabric similar to velvet, offering stretch, softness, and sheen for casual wear and loungewear.
Satin 缎子 Duànzi Shiny, smooth-faced fabric with a lustrous surface, used in eveningwear and linings.
Organza 欧根纱 Ōugēn Shā Thin, crisp, transparent fabric used for overlays, eveningwear, and bridal gowns.
Chiffon 雪纺 Xuěfǎng Lightweight, sheer, flowing fabric used in dresses, scarves, and delicate apparel.
Lace 蕾丝 Lěisī Openwork decorative fabric made by looping, twisting, or knitting threads, often used in trims and garments.
Tulle 薄纱 Bóshā Fine net fabric used for overlays, tutus, veils, and decorative effects in garments.
Gauze 纱布 Shābù Lightweight, loosely woven fabric used in summer clothing, overlays, and medical textiles.
Jacquard 提花布 Tíhuā Bù Fabric with woven patterns created during weaving, used for decorative and high-end apparel.
Brocade 锦缎 Jǐnduàn Rich, patterned fabric with raised designs, often used in ceremonial or luxury garments.
Terry Cloth 毛巾布 Máojīn Bù Fabric with loops on one or both sides, used in towels, robes, and casual loungewear.
Faux Fur 仿毛皮 Fǎng Máopí Man-made fur imitating real fur, used for fashion, trims, and accessories.
Neoprene 氯丁橡胶布 Lǜdīng Xiàngjiāo Bù Synthetic rubber fabric with stretch and insulation, used in wetsuits, sportswear, and fashion garments.
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