Introduction
Over 2.64 billion people shop online, while 87% of them end up making an uninformed choice, not knowing about the fabrics, and their winter clothes end up collecting dust after a single use. With so many options just a click away, shopping for winterwear feels effortless, until you realise you can’t feel the fabric, that's where things get tricky. The proper knowledge about winter fabrics helps you make smarter choices, ensuring you pick something that not only looks good, while keeps you warm, cosy and insulated. Whether you’re looking for a warm hoodie, a thick jacket, or a stylish coat, the right knowledge of fabrics helps you know the difference between fabrics and make an informed choice. From keeping you warm and cosy to stylish and sophisticated, each fabric offers specific needs, be it insulation, airflow, or water resistance. In this blog, you’ll learn about 10+ fabrics, including their benefits, features, and costs, helping you shop smartly and choose winterwear that keeps you cosy.
Why Does Fabric Choice Matter the Most?
Choosing the right winter fabric is not just for warmth and comfort but also for avoiding skin issues like irritation and allergies. Insulating materials like wool, fleece, and down keep you cosy, locking in body heat, while breathable fabrics such as merino wool regulate temperature and prevent sweating. For those with sensitive skin, natural or hypoallergenic fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, merino wool, and cashmere make a difference, unlike rough synthetics like polyester or acrylic, causing itching or rashes. Wind-resistant and moisture-wicking fabrics such as nylon, Gore-Tex, or softshell blends add an extra layer of protection against the cold without trapping sweat or skin irritation. The right fabric keeps you warm, dry, and skin-friendly all winter long, whether you’re out in the snow or just layering up for a chilly day.
Types of Fabrics
1. Wool
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Wool is a natural, insulating fabric made from sheep’s fleece, perfect for cold weather. |
| Quality | Warm, breathable, durable, and available in soft to luxurious textures like Merino and Cashmere. |
| Ideal Garments | Best suited for coats, trench jackets, overcoats, and knitted scarves. |
| Pricing | Ranges from ₹3,000 for blends to ₹20,000+ for premium pure wool garments. |
| Maintenance | Dry clean preferred; or hand wash in cold water to avoid shrinkage and damage. |
Wool is a classic winter fabric made from sheep’s fleece, known for its warmth, density, and elegance. Acting as a natural insulator, wool comes in varieties like soft Merino, rugged Shetland, and luxurious Cashmere. Ideal for coats, overcoats, and scarves, wool blends start around ₹3,000, while premium pieces like coats and overcoats exceed ₹20,000. This price range differs from brand to brand, like affordable options from CHKOKKO and Monte Carlo, to luxury labels such as Coatsnmore, Ralph Lauren, and Max Mara offer high-end selections priced. To maintain quality, dry clean or hand wash in cold water to prevent shrinkage and preserve texture.
2. Fleece
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Fleece is a soft, lightweight fabric made from synthetic fibres like polyester, ideal for cold-weather layering. |
| Quality | Breathable, heat-trapping, low-bulk, and comfortable with options like microfleece and polar fleece. |
| Ideal Garments | Perfect for zip-up jackets, hoodies, and thermal innerwear. |
| Pricing | Generally ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, making it a budget-friendly winter option. |
| Maintenance | Machine washable with no dry cleaning required for retaining its softness and shape easily. |
Fleece is a lightweight, soft, and warm fabric made from synthetic fibres like polyester or polycotton blends. Fleece offers the cosiness of wool without the bulk, making it ideal for layering in winter. Available in types like microfleece (for base layers) and polar fleece (for outerwear), it traps heat while remaining breathable. Budget-friendly fleece jackets typically cost from ₹2,000–₹5,000, making an affordable option. For instance, Tripole offers fleece jackets priced around ₹1,299, while premium brands like Coatnmore offer Fleece jackets at ₹3,495. Easy to maintain, fleece garments require machine washable, hold their shape, and stay soft without the need for dry cleaning.
3. Down (Natural or Synthetic)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Down is a lightweight, high-performance insulation made from duck or goose under-feathers, ideal for cold weather. While the synthetic down mimics its softness and performs better in wet conditions. |
| Quality | Extremely warm, compressible, and available as natural (superior insulation) or synthetic (better in wet conditions). |
| Ideal Garments | Commonly used in puffer jackets, long quilted coats, and bomber-style winter jackets. |
| Pricing | Synthetic down ranges from ₹3,000–₹6,000; premium goose down ranges from ₹15,000–₹25,000+. |
| Maintenance | Requires dry cleaning. Tip: Tumble dry with tennis balls to restore fluff and maintain loft. |
Down is a top-tier winter insulation material, offering exceptional warmth without bulk. Made from duck or goose under-feathers, down is lightweight, compressible, and ideal for cold, snowy climates. Natural down excels in insulation and packability, while synthetic down mimics its softness and performs better in wet conditions. Common in puffer jackets and quilted coats, the fabric garments' price ranges from ₹3,000 (synthetic) to ₹25,000+ (premium goose down). This price range varies by brand; budget-friendly synthetic options from brands like Puma and Ben Martin, while premium goose down jackets from brands like Canada Goose exceed ₹20,000. Care requires gentle machine washing or dry cleaning and tumble drying with tennis balls to maintain loft.
4. Nylon and Polyester Shells
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Nylon and polyester are durable, lightweight synthetic fabrics ideal for wet, windy, and snowy winter conditions. |
| Quality | Water-resistant, windproof, quick-drying, and often used as outer shells over insulating layers. |
| Ideal Garments | Common in snow jackets, parkas, windcheaters, and sporty or urban winter coats. |
| Pricing | Typically ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹8,000, based on waterproofing, breathability, and brand. |
| Maintenance | Easy-care: Machine wash and hang dry, no special treatment needed. |
Nylon and polyester are strong, lightweight synthetics perfect for wet, windy, and snowy winters. Used as outer shells in parkas, snow jackets, and windcheaters, they offer water resistance, windproofing, and durability. Nylon excels in stretchability, while polyester dries faster and holds colour well. Often layered over fleece or down, Nylon and polyester shells keep you warm, insulated and dry. Affordable and stylish, Nylon and polyester winter garments price range from ₹2,000–₹8,000, offering a wide variety of options combining durability, functionality, and modern design. Brands like BuyNewTrend provide budget-friendly nylon jackets starting around ₹3,700, while premium labels such as Coatsnmore or Adidas offer high-performance polyester outerwear priced over ₹7,000. Maintenance of this fabric is easy, just give it a machine wash and hang to dry, ideal for your next outing.
5. Cotton
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Cotton is soft, breathable, and ideal for mild winters or layering in transitional weather. |
| Quality | Comfortable and versatile, though less heat-retentive than fleece or down. |
| Ideal Garments | Found in quilted jackets, flannel shirts, cotton hoodies, twill coats, and utility jackets. |
| Pricing | Typically ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹6,000, depending on fabric weight and brand. |
| Maintenance | Easy to care for, machine washable and suitable for everyday wear. |
Cotton is ideal for mild winters and layering, offering comfort, breathability, and light insulation. This is used in quilted jackets, flannel shirts, and cotton-blend hoodies, perfect for casual or transitional weather. Cotton is not as heat-retentive as fleece or down, it is often lined or used in structured outerwear like twill coats and utility jackets. Affordable and stylish, cotton prices range from ₹1,500 to ₹6,000, making it easy to find the perfect piece for your wardrobe without overspending. Budget-friendly choices like the Koverify Unisex Zipper Jacket are available around ₹699, while premium selections such as the Van Heusen Men's Cotton Blend High Neck Jacket are priced over ₹2,000. Cotton maintenance is easy, simply machine wash, dry, and wear again season after season.
6. Cashmere
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Cashmere is an ultra-soft, lightweight, and warm luxury fabric made from the undercoat of cashmere goats. |
| Quality | Finer and softer than wool, offering elegant warmth and a buttery feel on the skin. |
| Ideal Garments | Premium pullovers, shawl-collared coats, scarves, and long sweaters. |
| Pricing | Starts from ₹10,000, with pure cashmere coats reaching ₹90,000 or more. |
| Maintenance | Hand wash with mild detergent or dry clean; fold instead of hanging to avoid stretching. |
Cashmere is a premium winter fabric, luxuriously soft, feather-light, and incredibly warm. Sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats, it’s finer than wool and perfect for elegant pullovers, scarves, and coats. Cashmere offers unmatched comfort and cosiness, with an appealing and sophisticated look. Brands like SUITSUPPLY offer men's cashmere coats priced between ₹33,000 and ₹58,000, while premium labels such as Johnstons of Elgin feature women's classic cashmere coats ranging from ₹78,700 to ₹85,800. These price variations reflect differences in craftsmanship, fabric quality, and brand prestige. This fabric requires hand-washing or dry cleaning, and requires to be folded, not hung, to maintain shape and longevity.
7. Suede
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Suede is a soft, velvety fabric made from the underside of animal hide, offering a matte, upscale winter look. |
| Quality | Softer than leather but delicate, it offers a rich texture and sophisticated appearance. |
| Ideal Garments | Used in winter jackets, trench coats, and sleek biker-style outerwear. |
| Pricing | Real suede ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000+, depending on brand and craftsmanship. |
| Maintenance | Avoid water; use a suede brush, protective spray, and dry cleaning for long-lasting care. |
Suede is the epitome of understated winter luxury, known for its soft, velvety texture and matte finish. Made from the underside of animal hide, suede is softer than leather and more delicate. This fabric is commonly used in jackets, trench coats, and biker-style outerwear, best for dry, chilly days. Suede winterwear in India offers a diverse price range, starting from ₹1,500 for faux suede jackets from brands like Campus Sutra and Roadster. On the higher end, premium suede jackets, like those from Coatsnmore and Theo&Ash, reach up to ₹17,500 to ₹20,000, reflecting the quality of materials and craftsmanship involved. High-maintenance by nature, suede garments require a suede brush, protective spray, and professional cleaning to maintain their look and feel.
8. Tweed
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Tweed is a thick, textured wool fabric known for warmth, durability, and countryside charm. |
| Quality | Rugged yet stylish, available in patterns like herringbone, check, and plain weave. |
| Ideal Garments | Best for winter blazers, long coats, and vintage-inspired caps. |
| Pricing | Typically ranges from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000+ for tailored or branded tweed pieces. |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance if handled well; dry clean occasionally and avoid frequent washing to preserve structure. |
Tweed is a thick, rugged woollen fabric known for its textured weave and speckled charm. Offering warmth and durability, tweed is perfect for winter blazers, long coats, and caps, especially in vintage or formal styles. Available in herringbone, check, and plain weave types, tweed adds character to winterwear. Prices range from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000+ for tailored pieces, offering a blend of premium quality, craftsmanship, and style for those looking for a more personalised fit. Brands like ELEVEIGHT and CHKOKKO provide affordable options of tweed coats and blazers within ₹3,000 to ₹4,000, while premium selections from MANGO, Coatnmore and Tagliatore offer high-end designs within ₹14000 to ₹15000, reflecting superior craftsmanship and style. Maintenance of tweed is simple; occasional dry cleaning and minimal washing help preserve its structure and look.
9. Velvet
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Velvet is a rich, soft-pile fabric made from dual-layer weaving, prized for its festive and elegant look. |
| Quality | Plush and luxurious; not very warm but ideal for stylish, dressy winter pieces. |
| Ideal Garments | Commonly used in blazers, eveningwear, bomber jackets, and shawl-collar coats. |
| Pricing | Starts around ₹2,000; premium or designer velvet can exceed ₹10,000. |
| Maintenance | Dry clean or gently steam; never iron directly to avoid damaging the pile. |
Velvet is a rich, plush winter fabric known for its elegant texture and festive appeal. Crafted by weaving and cutting dual fabric layers, velvet features a dense, soft pile. While not the warmest, it’s perfect for structured blazers, eveningwear, shawl-collar coats, quilted jackets and bomber jackets. There are two types of velvet; crushed velvet adds edge, while smooth velvet feels classic. Prices range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 or plus, offering a wide range of options balancing quality and affordability, perfect for various budgets and preferences. Budget-friendly velvet jackets are available from brands like Leather Retail and MUTEME, priced around ₹2,000–₹2,500. Premium and luxurious labels such as Coatsnmore or Ritu Kumar offer premium velvet jackets priced at ₹10,000 and above. Velvet requires dry cleaning or steaming, it is suggested to avoid ironing to preserve its luxurious finish.
10. Softshell
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Overview | Softshell is a breathable, flexible, and weather-resistant fabric ideal for active winter wear. |
| Quality | Windproof, water-repellent, and stretchable with soft inner lining for added comfort. |
| Ideal Garments | Used in hiking jackets, cycling gear, and performance outerwear for windy or chilly conditions. |
| Pricing | Typically ranges from ₹2,500 to ₹8,000 based on features and brand. |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance, machine washable and quick-drying with no special care needed. |
Softshell is a modern, versatile winter fabric, combining flexibility, breathability, and weather resistance. Tailored from woven polyester or nylon with a soft inner lining like microfleece, Softershell is perfect for sports wear, offering stretchability, warmth and durability. This fabric is mostly used in garments ideal for activities like hiking, cycling, or windy urban settings. Windproof and water-repellent, softshell jackets allow easy movement and are great for layering, making them ideal for active, cold-weather use. Prices range from ₹2,500 to ₹8,000, offering a solid mix of performance and value for both casual wearers and outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, brands like Wildcraft provide options at ₹5,599, while Fort Collins offers at ₹2,089, depending on the brand's value and its reputation. These selections cater to various preferences, balancing affordability with quality and functionality. Easy to care for, softshell jackets are machine washable and quick-drying, perfect for low-maintenance winter protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right winter fabric isn’t just about style, it’s about warmth, comfort, and practicality. From luxurious cashmere and velvet to performance-ready softshells and nylon, each fabric brings its own charm and function to cold-weather dressing. Whether you're layering fleece for casual wear or stepping out in a structured wool coat, knowing the qualities, care needs, and pricing helps you invest smartly. With the right fabric, winter wear becomes both a fashion statement and a shield against the cold.