TextileGlossary.com

What is "Face" - Definition & Explanation
Last Updated on: 29-Mar-2024 ( ago)
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Fabric Face: The Textile's Tale Told on the Surface


Fabric Face: Delving Deep into the Heart of Textiles

Within the realm of textiles, understanding the subtleties that dictate the aesthetic, feel, and performance of fabric is paramount. At the forefront of these subtleties is the concept of the "fabric face." The "face" of the fabric pertains to the surface designated to be on the outside, the one meant for display or to come into contact with the skin. Knowledge of fabric face is essential for manufacturers, designers, and consumers alike.

History and Origin

The concept of fabric face is as old as weaving itself. Ancient civilizations, when crafting textiles, would naturally produce fabrics with different textures and patterns on each side. These artisans soon recognized that one side often had a superior finish, either in terms of design, texture, or durability. This superior side started to be referred to as the "face" of the fabric. As textile manufacturing techniques advanced, the delineation between fabric face and back became more intentional and nuanced.

Types of Fabric Face

  • Printed Face: Fabrics designed with specific patterns or images on one side.
  • Woven Face: Determined by the weave pattern, where one side is intentionally designed as the outer surface.
  • Brushed Face: Fabrics that have undergone a brushing process, producing a soft, raised texture on one side.
  • Napped Face: Resulting from a napping process, these have a fuzzy and warm texture on the face.

Tips for Handling Fabric Face

  • Always check labels for guidance on how to treat and maintain the fabric face.
  • Be gentle when cleaning the fabric face, especially for delicate or brushed fabrics.
  • For textiles with a distinct face, such as velvets, always smooth in the direction of the nap to maintain appearance.
  • Avoid direct high-heat ironing on the face, as it can alter its texture and appearance.

Profiles of Leading Manufacturers or Users

  • Louis Vuitton: A luxury fashion house, Louis Vuitton often employs distinct fabric faces in its apparel and accessory lines, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
  • Burberry: Renowned for its iconic trench coats, Burberry relies heavily on fabric face, especially in its signature check pattern.
  • Ikea: As a leading home furnishing brand, Ikea's range of fabrics for furnishings often showcase distinct fabric faces to elevate aesthetic appeal.
  • Levi Strauss & Co.: In the world of denim, the face of the fabric dictates the look and feel of jeans. Levi's, being an industry leader, is acutely aware of this.
  • Adidas: For sportswear, the fabric's face can influence performance. Adidas, with its innovative materials, often uses specialized fabric faces for enhanced comfort.

Applications

  • Apparel: From everyday wear to haute couture, the face of the fabric dictates the final look and feel of clothing.
  • Furnishings: Be it curtains, upholstery, or bed linen, the fabric face determines both aesthetics and tactile comfort.
  • Accessories: Bags, hats, and scarves, among other accessories, rely on the fabric face for their visual appeal.
  • Performance Wear: In sportswear and activewear, the fabric face can dictate breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and overall comfort.

Conclusion

The intricacies of textiles are manifold, and the fabric face is a pivotal component in this complex dance. It's not just about the visual allure, but also about the tactile experience and functional performance. The fabric face is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of ancient artisans and the technological advancements of contemporary textile industries. It underlines the beautiful symbiosis between form and function. As consumers become more discerning and manufacturers more innovative, understanding the nuances of fabric face becomes even more crucial. It serves as a reminder that in textiles, every surface, every texture, and every weave has a story to tell.


Face
Traditionally, the side of a fabric that offers a finished or polished appearance. The face is normally used for outward print and decoration.
Face
The right side or the better-looking side of the fabric.
Face
That side of a fabric, which is intended to be shown by reason of weave or finish, presents a better appearance. In many fabrics, especially industrial ones there are no distinction between face and back.
Face
The better looking side of or the correct side of the fabric.
Face
The side of a fabric that is intended to be used outermost.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

A fiber dyeing method in which dye in applied to combed fibers in an untwisted or loosely twisted rope form (called top or sliver ). Sometimes dye is applied or printed on the fiber at regular...
Faux silk, also known as artificial silk or synthetic silk, is a type of fabric designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural silk, but it is made from synthetic fibers instead. It offers a...
(Heat Sealing) - A process of heat finishing that will stabilize many manufactured fiber fabrics in order that there will not be any subsequent change in shape or size. Heat setting is used to...
Vest 236
A vest is a type of men's garment. The term has different meanings in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, a vest is an undergarment typically taking the form of a white sleeveless...
Sarong 60
A sarong is large sheet of fabric, often wrapped around the waist and worn as a skirt by men and women in southeast Asia and Pacific islands, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. The fabric is...

Add a definition

Add a definition for a textile term that you know about! Send us an email & tell us:
  • The term you want to define
  • Its definition in 500 words or less
  • Attach an image if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

Companies for Face:

If you manufacture, distribute or otherwise deal in Face, please fill your company details below so that we can list your company for FREE! Send us the following details:
  • Company name
  • Company address
  • Attach a logo, if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

(s) 2024 TextileGlossary.com Some rights reserved. • Sitemap