1. Fabric Selection

2. Examining for suitability
What is the intended use?
How is the fabric expected to perform?

3. Examining for Durability and Serviceability
How durable does it need to be?
How often will it be worn?
How often will it need to be cleaned?

4. Applying fabric selection guidelines
Fiber content
Initial fiber properties
blends
Yarn properties
Woolen/worsted; combed/carded
Abrasion resistance
Pilling propensity
Strength and softness

5. Guidelines, cont. Fabric properties Woven-fabric structure
Knitted-fabric structure
Specialty structure
Fabric strength
Yarn and seam slippage
Other fabric properties
Air permeability
Cover power
Drapability/volume/structure
texture
Wrinkle recovery

6. Guidelines, cont. Dye and print properties Colorfastness and crocking
Dyes and pigments
Dye penetration
Printed fabrics
Finish properties
Resin finishes
Napped finish

7. Examining for Aesthetics
Fabric imperfections:
Missing yarns
Very nonuniform yarns
Bowing or skewing
Misweave or misknit
Nonuniformity of color
Off-register
Uneven finish

8. Other factors The environment Cost Market level/price point/category
Availability
New technology
Trade developments