ADVICE & GUIDES
Textile Abbreviation Guide
Understanding Upholstery Fabric Labels
Textile Abbreviation Guide : Understanding Upholstery Fabric Labels
When choosing an upholstery fabric, it’s essential to understand the abbreviations listed on its label. These indicate the composition, treatments, durability, and intended uses of the fabric. This guide will help you decode these key details so you can make informed choices for your sofas, curtains, armchairs, or wall coverings.
Decoding Textile Fiber Abbreviations
Fabrics are made from natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic fibers. Here's a table of the main abbreviations found on fabric labels:
Natural Plant-Based Fibers
- CO – Cotton
Soft, breathable, absorbent, but low UV resistance.
➤ Ideal for: sofas, armchairs, curtains, cushions. - LI – Linen
Thermoregulating, strong, wrinkles easily.
➤ Ideal for: curtains, tablecloths, sofas, cushions. - CA – Hemp
Extremely strong, antibacterial.
➤ Ideal for: eco-friendly curtains and fabrics. - BA – Bamboo
Light, breathable, naturally antibacterial.
➤ Ideal for: cushions, green textiles. - JU – Jute
Thick, biodegradable.
➤ Ideal for: rugs, wall hangings. - SI – Sisal
Durable, biodegradable.
➤ Ideal for: rugs, wall coverings.
Recycled & Sustainable Alternative Fibers
PLR – Recycled Polyester
Strong, made from recycled plastic bottles.
➤ Ideal for: rugs, technical fabrics, curtains.COTR – Recycled Cotton
Less durable than new cotton but eco-friendly.
➤ Ideal for: cushions, decorative fabrics, tablecloths.TER – Tencel (Lyocell)
Soft, breathable, biodegradable.
➤ Ideal for: throws, curtains, sofas.RPET – Recycled Polyethylene
Water-resistant and robust.
➤ Ideal for: outdoor fabrics, technical applications.
Natural Animal-Based Fibers
WO – Wool
Warm, strong, moisture-absorbing.
➤ Ideal for: sofas, chairs, rugs.SE – Silk
Luxurious, shiny, delicate.
➤ Ideal for: cushions, drapes, high-end décor.WS – Cashmere
Soft, insulating, premium feel.
➤ Ideal for: exclusive upholstery and textiles.MO – Mohair
Warm, strong, slightly lustrous.
➤ Ideal for: throws, blankets.
Semi-Synthetic Cellulose-Based Fibers
VI – Viscose
Silky, flowing, absorbent.
➤ Ideal for: curtains, cushions, tablecloths.CU – Cupro
Smooth, breathable, biodegradable.
➤ Ideal for: linings, drapes, eco textiles.LC – Lyocell
Wrinkle-resistant, absorbent, eco-friendly.
➤ Ideal for: sustainable curtains and home décor.
Understanding the Martindale Test
The Martindale Test measures how much friction a fabric can withstand:
Under 10,000 cycles → Light use (cushions, curtains).
10,000–20,000 cycles → Regular domestic use (chairs, sofas).
20,000–40,000 cycles → Heavy use (hotels, workspaces).
Over 40,000 cycles → Intensive use (restaurants, public transport).
Special Finishing Codes
WR – Water-repellent
➤ Protects against spills, ideal for sofas and outdoor fabrics.FR – Fire Retardant
➤ Slows fire spread, essential for public venues and hotels.OUT – Outdoor
➤ UV- and moisture-resistant, designed for exterior fabrics.ST – Stain-resistant
➤ Easy to clean, useful for high-traffic seating.UV – UV-resistant
➤ Fades less in sunlight, ideal for curtains.AC – Acoustic
➤ Helps dampen noise, suitable for offices and hotels.
Need help choosing the right textile? Email us at contact@sustyfabrics.com
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