Nonwoven Fabrics in Fashion
Discover the famous material you thought was traditional fabric—but it’s not!
Technically known as NW (Nonwoven Fabrics), these materials are a staple in modern wardrobes. Chances are, you own at least one item made partially with NW fabrics. Perhaps you’ve noticed a label marked “nonwoven,” which translates literally to “not woven.” The most common example—widely used and undoubtedly familiar—is felt.
How Are Nonwoven Fabrics Made?
These materials resemble fabrics but are created using methods entirely different from weaving.
To clarify, weaving refers to the interlacing of warp and weft threads on a loom. In contrast, nonwoven fabrics are characterized by a random arrangement of fibers without any structured pattern. Instead of the symmetrical intersection of threads, nonwoven materials consist of overlapping layers of fibers bonded mechanically, chemically, or thermally.
Here are the primary methods for producing nonwoven fabrics:
- Mechanical bonding, such as needle-punching
- Adhesive bonding, using glues or resins
- Thermal bonding, through heat application
A Practical Example: Felt Production
To better understand how nonwoven fabrics are made, let’s focus on felt—a prime example.
Felt, a type of nonwoven fabric, is created by felting wool fibers. Felting involves compressing and interlocking fibers to change their texture and consistency. Wool is essential for this process because its fibers are covered with overlapping scales that hook together during felting, forming the dense, durable material known as felt.
The wool used in felt production is carded sheep’s wool. Carding is a process of cleaning and aligning wool fibers, and Forza Giovane applies this technique meticulously in its production process. You can learn more about carding and brushing here.
Felt has been used since the 3rd century BCE to create insulating and waterproof clothing such as cloaks, hats, and boots—including the iconic Russian valenki. Beyond clothing, felt is also used in upholstery, home accessories, carpets, blankets, and insulation materials, showcasing its incredible versatility.
From Carding to Needle-Punching: Creating Felt
Once the wool has been carded, felt is produced through needle-punching. This process bonds different materials without using threads or stitching, resulting in a uniform, cohesive fabric. Needle-punching is especially effective for synthetic materials, wool blends, or soft leathers.
The Needle-Punching Process
Special hooked needles move vertically to interlace layers of fabric or fibers. Depending on the desired outcome, the needle-punching technique can be adjusted to create various styles, whether geometric, minimalist, or baroque. The possibilities are limitless.
Forza Giovane specializes in this technique. Discover more about needle-punching here.
Fashion’s Love Affair with Felt
Felt is versatile, durable, and always in style. Do you own a Gibus?
Named after the Parisian hatmaker who invented it in the 19th century, the Gibus is a collapsible top hat made of polished, shaved felt. Thin internal springs allow it to flatten for easy carrying. While this hat might seem old-fashioned today, you’re more likely to own a Fedora. This timeless felt hat, characterized by a central crease and curved brim, originated in Austria’s Tyrol region and remains a fashion staple.
From accessories to decorative items and everyday textiles, felt surrounds us in countless forms. We often overlook the question of whether these materials are “nonwoven.” Advanced production techniques make distinguishing nonwoven fabrics increasingly difficult.
The Philosophy of Nonwoven Fabrics
Technically, nonwoven fabrics are not traditional fabrics—but they’ve become an integral part of textile culture. Call it the “to be or not to be” of fashion fibers. This paradox is precisely what makes fashion so compelling: anything is possible.
At Forza Giovane, we embrace the limitless potential of nonwoven fabrics. By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, we transform these unique materials into extraordinary creations.
Explore our expertise in nonwoven techniques and discover how we bring artistry and innovation to fashion. For more information, feel free to contact us. We’d be delighted to help bring your vision to life.