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Let's be honest — walking into a fabric store (or scrolling through one online) can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many options, so many textures, so many names that sound almost the same. Rayon or viscose? Cotton or cotton-linen? Satin Bemberg or South Silk?
If you've ever stared at a product listing and thought, "I wish someone would just explain this to me in plain language" — this guide is for you.
At TradeUNO Fabrics, we've been working with fabric for years, and we want to make sure you walk away from every purchase feeling confident and excited — not confused. So let's break down every fabric type we carry, what makes each one special, and when you should reach for it.
1. Rayon Fabric — The Everyday All-Star
If there's one fabric that shows up in almost every wardrobe in India, it's rayon. And for very good reason.
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric made from natural cellulose (usually wood pulp), which gives it a wonderfully soft, smooth feel that drapes beautifully on the body. It's lightweight, breathable, and comfortable even in the summer heat — which makes it an absolute favourite for kurtas, anarkalis, kaftans, coordinate sets, and flowy dresses.
What makes rayon stand out?
- It holds colour exceptionally well, which is why you'll find it in such vivid, rich prints — from traditional motifs to bold florals and geometric patterns.
- It's affordable without looking cheap. Rayon has a natural lustre that gives finished garments an elevated, polished look.
- It's versatile. Whether you're making a casual summer top or a festive co-ord set, rayon handles it gracefully.
At TradeUNO, our rayon collection comes in widths of 44, 54, 56, and 60 inches, with an incredible range of prints — traditional motifs, floral prints, geometric designs, digital prints, and abstract patterns. Whether you need something understated or something that turns heads, there's a rayon here for you.
Best for: Kurtis, anarkalis, co-ordinate sets, palazzo sets, summer dresses, kaftans, skirts, and shirting.
2. Cotton Fabric — The Timeless Classic
Cotton is probably the oldest fabric in the world, and it's still going strong — and for the best possible reasons.
Pure cotton and cotton-blended fabrics are breathable, skin-friendly, and easy to maintain. They absorb moisture and keep you cool, which is why they've been the fabric of choice for Indian wear — kurtas, salwar suits, men's wear — for centuries.
At TradeUNO, we carry several varieties of cotton fabric, each with its own personality:
Blended Cotton
A mix of cotton with synthetic fibres that makes the fabric slightly more durable and wrinkle-resistant while retaining the comfort of natural cotton. Great for everyday wear and home furnishing.
Yarn-Dyed Cotton
This is where things get interesting. In yarn-dyed fabric, the threads are dyed before weaving — which means the colour goes all the way through. The result is a rich, vibrant fabric with beautiful depth, especially visible in checks and solid colours. Our yarn-dyed cotton range is particularly popular for kurtas, home furnishings like curtains and cushions, and co-ord sets.
Cotton-Linen
The best of both worlds — the softness of cotton combined with the natural texture and slight stiffness of linen. Cotton-linen blends are a hit for shirts, summer tops, and even bags and blazers. They look effortlessly stylish with almost no effort.
Best for: Kurtas, men's wear, co-ord sets, summer wear, home furnishing (curtains, pillows, cushions), formal shirting.
3. Viscose and Spun Fabric — Soft, Silky, and Surprisingly Affordable
Viscose (also known as rayon in some contexts) is a regenerated cellulose fibre known for its silky texture and fluid drape. It's softer and slightly more lustrous than standard rayon, which gives garments a more premium feel.
At TradeUNO, we stock viscose in several weave types:
Viscose Dobby
Dobby weave creates subtle geometric patterns or textures directly in the fabric structure — so even a "plain" dobby fabric has a quiet visual interest to it. Our white floral print viscose dobby, for example, is a customer favourite for its elegance.
Viscose Twill
Twill weave creates that familiar diagonal rib pattern that gives fabric a slightly heavier, structured feel. Viscose twill is perfect for garments that need a little more body, like blazers, jackets, or formal wear.
Spun fabric is a closely related category — it's made from shorter fibres spun together, which gives it a slightly nubby, natural texture (think of it as the cousin of rayon with a bit more personality). Our spun fabrics come in beautiful traditional motif prints and work wonderfully for kurtis, palazzo sets, and even light winter wear.
Best for: Kurtis, co-ord sets, shirting, skirts, kaftans, light jackets, and scarves.
4. Satin Bemberg Fabric — Where Everyday Meets Luxurious
If you want a fabric that looks expensive without costing a fortune, Satin Bemberg deserves your attention.
Satin Bemberg is made from Bemberg (a type of cupro, derived from cotton linter) woven in a satin weave — meaning it has that gorgeous, smooth, shiny surface that you associate with satin, but with a softer, more breathable quality. It drapes like a dream and catches the light beautifully.
This makes it perfect for festive and occasion wear — anarkalis, gowns, party dresses — but it's also comfortable enough for daily wear if you love a bit of glamour in your everyday look.
Our Satin Bemberg collection at TradeUNO includes rich floral prints and bold geometric designs in colours like deep purple, vibrant orange, and classic green — all at a width of 44 inches.
Best for: Anarkalis, gowns, party dresses, kaftans, blouses, jackets, blazers, scarves, and even curtains.
5. South Silk Fabric — Tradition Woven into Every Thread
South Silk carries with it a sense of occasion. Inspired by the rich weaving traditions of South India, this fabric has the subtle sheen and smooth texture of silk without the extreme delicacy (or price tag) that comes with pure silk.
It's heavier than rayon or viscose, which gives finished garments a structured, dignified look — ideal for sarees, festive kurtas, lehengas, and gowns. The fabric also holds intricate prints beautifully, which is why traditional and digital prints on South Silk look particularly vivid and detailed.
At TradeUNO, our South Silk range includes traditional prints in a 44-inch width, making it versatile enough for both garments and home decor like curtains and cushion covers.
Best for: Sarees, festive kurtas, lehengas, anarkalis, gowns, co-ord sets, and home furnishing.
6. Banarasi Brocade Fabric — The Crown Jewel of Indian Textiles
There's something deeply special about Banarasi Brocade. It's one of India's most celebrated textiles — traditionally woven in Varanasi with silk and interwoven with gold or silver zari threads to create rich, intricate patterns.
Brocade has a raised, embossed texture that's unmistakable. The patterns — typically traditional motifs, florals, and geometric designs — are literally woven into the fabric, not printed on top. This gives Banarasi Brocade an unmatched depth and richness.
At TradeUNO, we carry Banarasi Brocade in widths of 44 to 50 inches, including stunning options like Golden Traditional Brocade, Magenta Pink with Gold Zari, and Brown with Gold Zari. These fabrics are a go-to choice for weddings, festivals, and any occasion where you want to make a statement.
Best for: Lehengas, sarees, blouses, dupattas, sherwanis, blazers, festive kurtas, bags, and home decor cushions.
How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Project
Now that you know your fabrics, here's a simple way to think about which one to reach for:
Going for comfort and everyday wear?
Cotton and rayon are your best friends. They're breathable, easy to stitch, and hold up beautifully through regular washing and wear.
Planning something festive or celebratory?
Look at Satin Bemberg, South Silk, or Banarasi Brocade. These fabrics carry an inherent elegance that makes any occasion feel special.
Working on home furnishing?
Cotton, yarn-dyed cotton, and South Silk are all wonderful for curtains and cushion covers. They're durable, come in rich colours, and look polished in any interior.
Stitching a formal or work outfit?
Viscose twill, cotton-linen, or spun fabric give you structure and a put-together look without sacrificing comfort.
Making something for a child or someone with sensitive skin?
Always lean towards natural or natural-blend fabrics — cotton or cotton-linen blends are gentle, soft, and safe for all skin types.
A Few Practical Tips Before You Buy
Check the width. Fabric width matters a lot for how much yardage you'll need. Our fabrics come in 44", 54", 56", 58", and 60" widths — wider fabrics often mean less wastage for larger pattern pieces.
Think about the season. Rayon and cotton are your summer staples. Viscose twill, spun, and brocade are better suited to the cooler months.
Consider the occasion. A beautifully printed rayon might be perfect for a casual brunch but underdressed for a wedding. When in doubt, go one step dressier — Satin Bemberg or South Silk strikes the right balance for most occasions.
Trust your instincts on colour. The prints and colours on fabric look different once stitched and worn. If a colour makes you happy just looking at it, that's usually a good sign.
Shop the Full Collection at TradeUNO
At TradeUNO Fabrics, we've built our collection with one thought in mind: every person who loves to create — whether you're a seasoned tailor, a home sewer, or someone picking up fabric for the first time — deserves access to quality fabrics at honest prices.
From everyday rayon and fresh cotton prints to the quiet grandeur of Banarasi Brocade, our catalogue is designed to give you choices that match your vision, your budget, and your wardrobe.
Browse our full collection at www.tradeuno.com — and if you're ever unsure which fabric is right for your project, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help.
Happy creating!