Color and fit are only two aspects of your wardrobe. The texture of a fashion piece, no matter if it is an accessory or an item of clothing, tends to add (more or less) texture to your ensemble. In addition, the use of patterns adds a touch of creativity and personal traits to any outfit.

Although these personal pieces can add a lot to attire, a lot of ladies find it difficult to match various patterns and textures. The wrong mix can actually make an outfit appear haphazard, but when done properly, it can be amazingly beautiful.

So, What Are Clothing Textures?

As you think of patterned or textured garments, you could perhaps think of a soft fur coat or a crinkly wool sweater, but each piece of clothing has some sort of texture. Because the type of weave frequently determines the texture of a fabric, it is basically a smart option to become acquainted with the three main types of weave as follows:

• Twill: In general, the diagonal rib pattern distinguishes the twill weave. Twill weaves do have a unique, almost always dark-toned front side (known as the wale) and a softer backside. In addition, twill has a high thread count, which implies it is opaque, heavy or thick, and long-lasting, making it ideal for bed linens, upholstery, and chinos. Tweed and houndstooth are both twill weave fabrics.

• Satin weave: Generally speaking, the satin weave produces a kind of fabric that is sparkly, gentle, and stretchy, with a lovely drape. Besides, satin fabric has a luminous one-side texture and a monotonous, matte one-side area. Satin is ideal for high fashion gowns and clutches.

• Plain weave: such as muslin, taffeta, and canvas, are typically made by proper-angle intersecting of the weft and wrap (usually horizontal and vertical threads). This creates a crisscross pattern that is visible on both ends of the fabric.

Top 11 Popular Fabric Textures

When searching for various textures, you will come across the following types of fabric:

1. Denim is a sturdy type of fabric with a twill weave and a nuanced diagonal ribbing structure. The diagonal ribbing distinguishes denim fabric from either cotton duck or canvas, both of which are durable, woven cotton fabrics.
2. Broadcloth is a simple, plain-weave type of fabric that is conventionally woven from heavy wool yarn, the fibers of which felt together during the weaving process. In general, broadcloth is a strong, stiff fabric that is resistant to both water and wind.
3. Seersucker is basically a type of thin cotton fabric. Because of the way it is woven, the yarns or threads typically pucker and bunch, resulting in crinkles. As you can see, seersucker is a common summer fabric with narrow blue and white stripes.
4. Corduroy is a gentle, long-lasting fabric. It is distinguished by the tufted cords known as “wales” that run parallel across its exterior. Generally speaking, corduroy is most commonly made of cotton, but it could also be made of wool.
5. Leather refers to any fabric made of animal skins, with cowhide being one of the most common.
6. Suede is a kind of leather that is made from the gentle undersurface of an animal’s hides or skin. It is lighter, slender, and more gentle than full-grain leather. As a result, suede is perfect for shoes, jackets, and accessories such as bags and belts.
7. Brocade is a type of jacquard fabric that utilizes extra threads or yarns to generate an elevated pattern, giving it an engraved or embellished appearance. Brocade fabric is really not repairable due to the methodology used to make it, and the inner surface might appear bumpy or imperfect.
8. Silk is a kind of natural fiber made by silkworms. Silk is extremely enduring, with unrivaled sparkle and suppleness. Silk fabric is typically used for formal clothing as well as accessories such as pocket squares.
9. Cashmere is a textile that is typically made from the fleece of pashmina goats and cashmere. In general, cashmere is literally a natural fiber that is incredibly soft and provides excellent protection. Cashmere is dramatically warmer and more lightweight than sheep’s wool fabric. Because cashmere fibers are so skinny and fine, they are frequently mixed with other kinds of wool, such as merino, to add bulk or weight.
10. Jersey is a gentle, elastic knit fabric made initially from wool. Basically, the jersey is now made from synthetic fibers, cotton blends, and cotton as well. The fabric is typically light-to-medium mass and is often used for a wide range of cotton pieces of clothing, including T-shirts.
11. Flannel is a delicate, woven piece of fabric that is usually made of cotton. It is basically a popular fabric for plaid shirts.

How To Mix Textures and Patterns?

Getting a little prickly with textures

According to Live Strong, apparel texture is formed through the structure of fabrics and threads. Various fabrics, such as wool, cotton, and silk, have various qualities. In addition, texture can really be added with components such as embroideries, crochet lace, embellishment, or embroidery. Layering numerous textures in one outfit can be done in a variety of ways.

The one and only thing you really want to do is to stick to only one fashion statement item. Then, have small pieces of different textures. The key to mixing textures and patterns is to use a little bit of everything, but not too much.

Generally speaking, think of minimalist or simplicity when it comes to layering or mixing textures. Choose a single fashion statement item or color family. A light salmon top, for instance, could look great with bright pink bottoms, no matter what textures you combine. Your outfit will look sharp and elegant if you have one aspect that brings all of the various textures together.

Choose Your Ideal Pattern

As you might know, patterns are graphic or visual details on fabric that can be mixed and matched to create an assortment in an outfit. When combining various patterns, try to find a happy medium between pattern sizes. A t-shirt with big, bold stripes, for instance, could look great with pants with a hectic, small flower pattern. On the other hand, a tank top with a smattering of tiny polka dots tends to look fantastic over a skirt with bigger shapes.

Once more, keep it simple if you really want to pair an exciting pattern with a textured item of clothing. Whereas a flannel top might look great with lace-textured leggings, a bold embellished sweater will definitely look out of place with a vibrantly patterned pair of pants.

Tips To Successfully Mix Textures And Patterns in An Outfit

Mixing Conventional Textures

Combine denim and flannel for a relaxed appearance

Combining your favorite pair of jeans with a nice and comfortable flannel shirt is a casual, classic style that combines two popular but distinct textures. The tenderness of the flannel contrasts nicely with the blurry texture of the denim. While going out for brunch, lunch, or dinner with your friends or going shopping on the weekend, combine these two textures.

Combine rubber boots and a cable-knit sweater

I know this might be tricky to sort out how to mix and match, whereas still dress nicely as the seasons change. Pair your favorite pair of rain boots with a clumpy cable-knit sweater to make the switch from cold season to spring more elegant and comfortable. The rubberized boots stand out against the bulky, textured wool. The mixture adds aesthetic appeal to your early spring outfit while also keeping you dry and warm.

Combine leather with conventional textures

When wearing bold items like leather jackets or leather pants, take into account conventional textures and materials. By combining everyday fabrics with leather, you can achieve a sophisticated look that could quickly transition from the office to a chill night out with friends.

• Contrast with gleaming leather pants or a soft cotton tee.
• Combine a wool sweater with a leather bomber jacket. Wear a pair of dark denim jeans to put together a fashionable, classic look.
• Put on a mussed polyester blouse with a leather pencil skirt to make things right for the office setting.

Combining Unique Textures

Put on workout attire made of velvet

Yoga pants can indeed be worn to the gym or to the supermarket. Incorporate velvet into your look to modernize it. Velvet is an elastic and breathable fabric that can add a touch of elegance to your workout or on-the-go appearance.

• Simply wear a tank top or a velvet sports bra with a pair of gleaming nylon running shorts or yoga pants.
• Pair your velvet pants with a polyester sweatshirt or a cotton tee.

Incorporate simple or basic tops with metallic or jewel embroideries

Incorporate shirts with jewel-like flourishes, sparkly buttons, or metal studs into an outfit to add a few eye-catching surface components to your appearance. Jewels could really make a plain tee sparkle and shine bright, and metal studs can also make a cotton tunic appear more sophisticated. Furthermore, these components add dimension or volume to your overall appearance and capture the brightness as you move.

Fringe can be used to add a finishing touch to your outfit

As you might know, fringe skirts, pants, and jackets are all exciting items to add to your closet, but they can really be difficult to wear on a daily basis. Think about wearing only one item with free-flowing ribbons, such as a jacket or shorts, when pairing fringe. You will still appear sharp and bold, but your attire will not appear to be an outfit.

• Pair a fringe-accented top with straight-leg pants.
• To balance out the edgy texture, pair a cotton t-shirt with an inverted fringe pencil skirt.

Search for fresh textures to incorporate into your wardrobe

When shopping for a brand-new outfit, search for textures that you might normally overlook. Don’t be scared to try out new, unusual, or fashionable textures. Above all, remember to have fun.

• Over a plain t-shirt or dress, a lattice-style blouse or skirt can really add a high-fashion texture.
• On cold winter days, pair fleece-lined leggings with an ombre-fur jacket or a bushy coat to stay warm.
• A crew-neck sweater or a velvet blazer is also a perfect way to add groovy texture to your attire while remaining subtle.

Putting Together an Outfit

Maintain consistency in texture by using textures that are the same color family

To achieve a classic style with differing textures, keep the textures in the very same color palette. Neutral colors such as beige, blue, black, and gray can soften an unforeseen color mix, while colors from the same color palette can consolidate the appearance. Your look will be visually appealing while also looking curated and well-planned.

• For a flawlessly fresh outlook, style a gray cable-knit sweater with a gray tweed blazer.
• For a relaxed style for summer nights, wear a light-washed denim jacket with pale blue linen pants.
• Neutral-colored pleather or leather pants can really keep an outfit clever while toning down a fringe sweater or a fur vest.

Simple fabrics are used to break up the textures

If you put on just so many textures in one go, your outfit may appear amateurish and off-putting. Avoid this issue by incorporating simple, daily fabrics such as linen, cotton, or leather. A simple belt, a cotton t-shirt, a neutral-toned coat, or basic jewelry can really help put the spotlight on the ensemble rather than the individual pieces.

Combine patterns and textures

Mix exciting, tactical items with unique patterns as well.

Specific patterns, such as a floral or geometric print, might appear to get their own three-dimensionality or texture. Test by combining your favorite textures and patterns textures to develop a one-of-a-kind look that is entirely your own.

• A floral blouse looks great with a leather pleated skirt.
• A stylish and informal look can be achieved with a plaid button-down shirt and corduroy pants.

Textured accessories

Put the final touches on your appearance with accessories made of unusual or fashionable textures and fabric. Suede boots or a large pleather clutch can draw attention to a basic, simple dress, whereas a canvas backpack or messenger bag can dress up a navy blue button-down shirt.

• Search for a pair of patchwork boots that combine different textures such as suede and leather.
• Combine patterned or engraved tights or leggings with a wool peacoat or a polyester dress.
• When you wear your tweed blazer, put on a good pair of suede slip-on shoes.