textiltyp

Textiltyp is a German term commonly used in textile science and industry to classify textiles into discrete types based on their main characteristics. In English-language contexts the term may be translated as fabric type or textile type. A Textiltyp describes a category rather than a specific product and serves as a basic descriptor in catalogs, data sheets, and quality specifications.

Classification criteria include fiber content (natural fibers such as cotton, wool; synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon; blends), fabric construction (woven, knitted, nonwoven), and overall structure (single fabric versus composite), as well as finish, weight, and performance properties like absorbency, thermal behavior, abrasion resistance, and fire performance. End-use is also used to define a textile type, for example apparel textiles, home textiles, or technical/industrial textiles.

Examples include cotton woven fabrics (e.g., poplin, twill); polyester knits (jersey, interlock); wool suiting fabrics; viscose nonwovens; and technical textiles such as aramid or glass-fiber fabrics, or laminated and coated textiles for outdoor gear.

In practice, the same term may be defined differently by producers, retailers, and standardization bodies. Standards from ISO, EN, or ASTM provide nomenclature but do not enforce a single universal classification. Labeling often indicates the fiber composition and construction to denote the textile type.

The concept continues to evolve with new materials and processes, such as sustainable fibers, blends, and advanced functional textiles, which create new textiltypen while retaining core classification criteria.