Fabric Guide
Which fabric should you choose?
Buying fabric online is hard. You can see the colour, but you can't feel the fabric. This guide closes that gap so you reach for the right fabric every time.
Cotton · Rayon · Linen · Chiffon ↓
At a glance
The quick answer
| Cotton | Rayon | Linen | Chiffon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, structured | Silky, fluid | Textured, crisp | Weightless, sheer |
| Drape | Medium | High | Low–medium | Very high |
| Best for | Everyday wear, home | Occasion wear, dresses | Structured pieces, home | Formal, bridal, overlays |
| Dye result | Rich, saturated | Deep, luminous | Earthy, textured | Soft, translucent |
| Care | Cold wash, easy | Hand wash | Cold wash | Hand wash, gentle |
| Warm weather | Excellent | Very good | Good | Good |
01
Most popularThe everyday essential
Cotton
Tampoori's foundation fabric, the material our artisans have worked with longest and know best. A natural fibre that absorbs dye deeply and evenly, keeping colour in the fabric, not sitting on top of it.
- Everyday dresses, skirts, and tops
- Home textiles: runners, napkins, cushions
- Workwear and corporate pieces
- Children's clothing; durable and washable
02
For occasionsThe fabric that moves
Rayon
The fabric our customers reach for when they want something more fluid and dramatic. Silky against the skin with a gentle sheen. It elevates a simple silhouette into something special.
- Maxi dresses and occasion wear
- Wide-leg trousers and co-ord sets
- Wrap styles and bias-cut silhouettes
- Gifts; feels genuinely premium to unwrap
03
StructuredGrounded, honest, timeless
Linen
One of the oldest textiles in the world, worn in warm climates for thousands of years. The fabric with the most personality before any dye touches it. The dye and weave create something intentionally imperfect and alive.
- Structured blazers and tailored pieces
- Home décor: cushions, runners, wall hangings
- Batik wax-resist on linen is extraordinary
- Men's and unisex silhouettes
04
Special occasionsLight as air
Chiffon
The most technically delicate of our fabrics. Hand-dyeing chiffon requires particular skill. The colours appear softer, almost watercolour-like, because the dye interacts with the sheer weave in a way that diffuses it gently.
- Formal occasion wear and evening dresses
- Bridal and wedding party pieces
- Overlays and layered skirts
- Headscarves and wraps
Common questions
Things people ask us
I'm attending a wedding in the afternoon; which fabric will look formal but keep me cool?
Rayon is your best choice. Its luminous finish reads as dressed-up without being heavy, and it stays cool against the skin in afternoon heat. If you want something even more airy, layer a Chiffon overlay over a Cotton or Rayon base. The combination gives you elegance and breathability at the same time.
I want to make a structured Kaba and Slit or a sharp blazer. Which fabric is best?
Cotton or Linen. Both hold their shape and structure far better than the fluid fabrics. Cotton gives you bold, saturated colour and is easier for a tailor to work with. Linen gives you a more textured, artisanal result that improves with every wear. Either will give you the clean lines a Kaba and Slit or blazer needs.
What should I use for a flowy, rich-auntie style maxi dress?
Rayon, without question. It has the highest drape of all our fabrics, almost liquid in motion, which is exactly what makes a maxi dress move beautifully when you walk into a room. The deep, luminous dye result on rayon adds to the effect. This is the fabric that photographs well and feels even better in person.
Which fabric is best for a beginner sewing project?
Cotton. It doesn't slip under the sewing machine the way Chiffon or Rayon can, it holds its position when you pin it, and it forgives small errors far more readily than the delicate fabrics. If you're sewing your first Tampoori piece yourself, start with Cotton and build your confidence before moving to something more fluid.
Can I use Tampoori fabrics for home décor: throw pillows, curtains, table runners?
Absolutely. Cotton and Linen are both excellent for soft furnishings. Cotton's rich, saturated dye result looks stunning under home lighting. The colours feel alive on a cushion or table runner in a way that machine-printed fabric simply doesn't. Linen adds texture and weight that works particularly well for curtains and wall hangings. Both are durable enough for everyday home use.
I want to make something for a man; which fabric works best for menswear?
Linen is a good choice for men's tailoring. It is structured, breathable, and it ages with character. It works beautifully for shirts, trousers, and agbadas. Cotton is equally strong for a more casual or corporate look, especially for kaftans or co-ord sets. Rayon can work well for a relaxed wide-leg trouser where drape is part of the design. Avoid Chiffon for menswear as it provides very little structure or coverage.
Still not sure?
Come in and feel it.
Both studios carry samples of every fabric. Touch them, hold them up to the light, see how they move.