Woven fabrics are vital to our wardrobes – without them we wouldn't have our favourite cotton shirts, linen dresses and much more! But what are woven fabrics, and why do we love them?
With the help of Gudrun Sjödén, we discover more about these fabulous fabrics, and reveal six essential woven garments for spring 2024.
To skip straight to Gudrun's outfit inspiration, click here.
What is woven fabric?
There are three main types of fabric: woven, non-woven and knitted.
To make woven and knitted fabrics, fibres are first twisted together to make thread (for non-woven fabrics this step isn't necessary – the fibres can be used as they are). These threads can then be interlaced or interlooped to produce the finished fabric.
Commercial knitted fabrics such as jersey are constructed just like the ones you can make yourself by learning to knit with yarn and needles. But for mass-produced fabrics the threads are much finer, the stitches are smaller and the knitting is done on a machine.
The same is true of woven fabrics – if you've tried simple loom or paper weaving you'll be familiar with the idea of the warp and weft, and how they interlace to produce a weave. The commercial process uses exactly the same principles.
If you haven't seen it before, here's how it works. One set of threads sits vertically – this is the warp. The other sits horizontally, at right angles to the first set – this is the weft.
The weft thread is added by weaving it alternately over and under the warp. Once enough rows of weft have been added and the bottom of the warp is reached, the fabric is complete.
3 types of woven fabric
To create different types of weave you simply change the number of warp threads the weft passes over. Your clothes use three main weave types:
1. Plain weave
This is the simplest weave, with the warp and weft alternating in a regular pattern. You'll find it in everything from flannel pyjamas to organza gowns – and Gudrun's signature underskirts. It's sturdy, versatile and super practical.
2. Twill weave
If your woven fabric has diagonal ridges, with two warp threads crossing over two weft threads each time, it's a twill!
This is a durable, slightly heavier weight fabric that's perfect for trousers. In fact, you almost certainly own some twill trousers, because this weave is also used for denim.
3. Satin weave
To create this weave, the weft thread goes under four (or more) warp threads, then over one. Satin fabrics are known for their lustre and drape, and are often used in luxurious garments such as wedding dresses. They tend to be made from polyester or silk.
Why should you wear woven fabric?
When us crafters start a new project, we think carefully about the materials we use – and the same should be true when we're shopping for clothes rather than making our own.
Two reasons to choose woven fabrics for your spring wardrobe are its advantages over other fabrics, and its environmental impact.
Woven fabrics for you…
Linen fabric is prized for its smoothness, dirt-repellency and washability. One of the few drawbacks is its tendency to wrinkle, but even that is often seen as the whole appeal of linen!
A perfect partner to linen is organic cotton – like linen, it's light, airy and cooling, and it also has a lovely soft touch that's ideal for sensitive skin.
For those days when you simply want to wear all your favourites at once, lightweight woven fabrics are ideal for layering. Just what you need in our unpredictable spring weather!
Treat yourself to a variety of layers in complementary colours for outfits that will last you through the season and beyond.
Cotton is my favourite fibre for its amazing versatility and wearability
Gudrun Sjödén
Woven fabrics for the environment…
Not only do they look and feel beautiful but woven fabrics made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen are also a smart choice for the environment.
Gudrun strongly believe that their made-to-last designs are their most significant contribution to a greener and more pleasant world. They consider durable garments that are cherished and worn for years to be the least harmful to the environment.
Gudrun have had organically manufactured cotton jersey in their collections since the early 1990s. Nowadays, they use organic cotton in almost all of the woven and knitted fabrics in their clothing, accessories and home textiles. In most cases, the cotton fibre is organically dyed too.
In our view, small steps can yield great results, which is why we work tirelessly to increase the number of eco-friendly products in our collections
Gudrun Sjödén
6 woven fabric essentials from Gudrun Sjödén
1. A block-printed shirt
A new twist on a wardrobe staple, Gudrun's block-printed blouse is like an old friend in a new guise. It comes in both dotted and striped versions and is made from woven organic cotton.
Ideal for wearing over a dress or tee on blustery spring days, the 'Ella' shirt features cute details such as brightly coloured buttons and a contrast pattern on the inside of the yoke.
2. Linen dresses for layering
Everyone needs a feel-good linen dress. Try 'Lillian', a playful woven design featuring fine stripes and simple crosswise checks, with vertical pleats at both the front and back.
Designed to fit loosely over the hips, this dress shows off the lovely natural drape of linen fabric. It's sure to be popular among Gudrunistas everywhere!
3. The classic parka
Find your perfect parka with Gudrun. A staple of their spring and autumn collections since the very beginning, this season's parka comes in solid colours and a simple printed dot design.
Made from woven organic cotton fabric that's designed to keep out wind and rain, it has a flattering A-line silhouette with a drawstring waist and a longline cut.
4. Twill weave workwear
Workwear, Gudrun style! Inspired by transitional garments that can be worn from one season to the next, the spring 2024 collection includes a comfortable pair of trousers and a fine jacket.
They're both cut from a soft-twill-weave fabric and lightly tailored for a wonderfully wearable take on office fashion.
5. Colourful smock blouses
Gudrun's popular smock blouse now comes in a choice of 10 colours. Give your spring wardrobe a boost with vibrant Lime and Pineapple or soft, soothing Hopper Green.
The weave construction of this blouse elevates the beauty of the organic cotton fabric and produces a patterned effect, while carefully placed pleated details give it a flattering fit.
6. Gudrun's signature underskirt
The underskirt is a long-standing Gudrun classic. Thanks to its versatility, it has quickly established itself as a firm favourite. The beautiful ruffle hem makes it a perfect base for a lovely layered look.
Crafted from organdie (a sheer, lightweight plain weave cotton), it adds a touch of old-fashioned charm in combination with a dress or blouse. Look out for underskirts in gorgeous new colours for spring 2024.
Wear woven fabrics with Gudrun Sjödén
Gudrun creates Swedish design with a green soul. Using woven fabrics made from natural fibres, they make garments with timeless style and long-lasting performance that you’ll want to wear for years to come.
Shop Gudrun Sjödén's spring 2024 collection
Visit Gudrun Sjödén to browse the full collection and create your spring 2024 wardrobe.
