A fibre label tells you what a garment is made from, but not the whole story of how it will feel or last. Yarn, fabric construction, weight and finishing all influence a finished piece. Use fibre content as a starting point, then handle the garment and read its care instructions.
Four familiar names
Cotton is a plant fibre used in everything from denim to lightweight shirting. Linen comes from flax and is often recognised by its textured appearance and tendency to crease. Wool is an animal fibre used in woven tailoring and knitwear; its care depends on the garment. Polyester is a synthetic fibre found on its own and in blends. These short descriptions do not predict the performance of every fabric.
Look beyond the label
Two cotton shirts can feel very different if one is densely woven and the other is light and open. A blend may be chosen for a particular feel or function, but a higher percentage of any one fibre does not automatically guarantee quality. In the US, most textile products carry fibre information under FTC rules; requirements differ elsewhere.
Ask what the garment needs
Try it against your skin, consider the climate and check the care label before buying. An environmental comparison also requires more than a fibre name: use, durability, production and end-of-life systems all matter.