The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Quality Clothing Fabrics at Your Fabric Store

Ever walked into a fabric store and felt instantly dazzled—or slightly overwhelmed—by rows and rows of textiles? Cotton, linen, silk, wool, rayon, modal, lyocell… and a few names that feel like they were invented just to mess with us. You’re not alone. Choosing the right fabric for clothing is part art, part science, and part hands-on experience.

Maybe you love sewing but are tired of garments that look great for a few washes and then twist, fade, or lose their shape. Maybe you want your handmade clothes to feel intentional—the kind you reach for again and again because they fit well, feel good, and last.

Good news: learning how to choose quality fabrics can completely change the way you sew. Let’s walk through how to confidently select fabrics that help you create beautiful, long-lasting garments—whether you’re shopping at your local fabric store or browsing online.

1. Start With Your Wardrobe Vision

Before you even touch a bolt of fabric, pause and think about what you actually want to wear.

Are you drawn to:

• Clean, classic pieces you can wear year after year?

• Relaxed, breathable clothes for everyday comfort?

• Special garments that feel elevated but still wearable?

Your fabric choice should support the feel you want your finished garment to have—not just how it looks on the shelf.

• Love timeless basics? Look for high-quality cottons, linens, wool blends, and soft rayons.

• Want relaxed, artistic pieces? Hand-printed fabrics, textured weaves, or subtle slubs can add character.

• Sewing something dressy? Silks, satins, velvets, or fine wool crepes elevate simple patterns beautifully.

Think of fabric as the foundation of your wardrobe—not an afterthought.

2. Choose Fabric for Your Real Life (Not an Imaginary One)

A beautiful fabric isn’t always the right fabric.

Ask yourself:

• Will I actually wear this?

• Does it fit my climate?

• Am I willing to care for it the way it requires?

If you live somewhere hot and humid, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, hemp, and rayon will serve you better than heavier synthetics. If you want easy-care garments, wrinkle-resistant blends or washable wool might be worth the investment.

The best fabric choice is the one that fits your lifestyle, not someone else’s Pinterest board.

3. Understand Cost vs. Value

Quality fabric often costs more—and for good reason. But higher price doesn’t always mean better quality.

Here’s how to think about value:

• A $25/yard fabric that becomes a favorite garment worn weekly is a better investment than a $10/yard fabric that stays in the closet.

• Natural fibers often age better, feel better on the body, and are more comfortable over time.

• Blends can be wonderful when they add strength, drape, or easier care.

If you’re putting hours into sewing a garment, the fabric deserves just as much thought as the pattern.

4. Match Fabric to the Season (and Your Comfort)

Fabric weight and fiber content matter more than most sewists realize.

• Warm weather: Cotton lawn, voile, linen, lightweight rayon, Tencel, hemp blends

• Cool weather: Wool, wool blends, flannel, twill, heavier cottons, ponte knits

• Year-round: Medium-weight cottons, cotton-modal blends, lightweight wool

A quick tip: linen gets softer with every wash and offers natural UV protection—yes, wrinkles and all.

5. Plain, Printed, or Textured? Choose Intentionally

Each fabric type brings something different to a finished garment.

• Solids: Let fit, tailoring, and design shine. Great for timeless pieces.

• Prints: Add personality and fun, but consider scale and pattern matching.

• Textured fabrics: Slubs, jacquards, corduroy, or dobby weaves add depth without loud prints.

There’s no wrong choice—just be honest about what you love wearing.

6. Buy From Fabric Stores You Trust

Whether shopping locally or online, the quality of the fabric store matters.

Look for shops that:

• Clearly list fiber content, width, and care instructions
  

• Are transparent about sourcing and quality

• Curate fabrics intentionally, not just in bulk

A good fabric store saves you time, money, and disappointment.

7. Think Ahead (Just a Little)

If you fall in love with a fabric, consider whether you might want more later—for matching pieces, repairs, or future versions.

• Standard fabrics are easier to reorder.

• Limited or artisanal fabrics are special—perfect for one-of-a-kind garments.

• When in doubt, buy a little extra.

You’ll thank yourself later.

8. Always Test Your Fabric

Before cutting:

• Wash and dry it the way you’ll care for the garment

• Check for shrinkage, color bleeding, or texture changes

• Press it and see how it behaves

This step alone can save hours of frustration.

9. Let Your Values Guide Your Choices

Many home sewists care deeply about where and how fabric is made—and that’s a good thing.

• Eco-conscious? Look for organic cotton, linen, hemp, Tencel, modal, or recycled fibers.

• Love luxury? High-quality wool, silk, and fine cottons reward careful sewing.

• Prefer plant-based options? Plenty of beautiful choices exist beyond animal fibers.

Your fabric choice is part of your story as a maker.

A Quick Guide to Favorite Garment Fabrics

Cotton: Breathable, versatile, and durable. Great for everyday wear. Wrinkles, but forgivable.
Linen: Strong, breathable, eco-friendly, and softens over time. Wrinkles are part of the charm.
Silk: Luxurious, temperature-regulating, and beautiful to wear. Requires gentle care.
Wool: Warm, resilient, and elegant. Merino and blends reduce itch and improve wearability.
Rayon/Viscose: Drapey and soft with a beautiful hand. Pre-wash for shrinkage.
Modal / Lyocell / Tencel: Sustainable, smooth, breathable, and modern-feeling.
Hemp: Strong and eco-friendly, softening with wear—excellent in blends.
Synthetics & Blends: Useful for stretch, durability, and ease of care when used thoughtfully.

From Fabric Store to Finished Garment

Choosing quality fabric is one of the most empowering skills a home sewist can develop. The better your fabric, the better your sewing experience—and the more likely you are to actually wear what you make.

Take your time. Touch the fabric. Imagine how it will feel on your body, not just how it looks on the bolt.

Whether you’re sewing everyday staples or special pieces, the right fabric transforms a project from “homemade” to handcrafted with intention.

So next time you’re browsing your local fabric store or scrolling an online shop, trust your instincts, ask questions, and let the fabric lead the way. Your wardrobe—and your sewing joy—will thank you.