Net Fabrics and their Different Types

 What comes to your mind when you see the umbrella term ‘net fabrics’? This term refers to a general mixture of open mesh fabrics. In layman’s terms, we can say that it is a type of fabric that contains holes. These holes can be of any type or size, with each combination contributing to a unique type of net. The shape of the holes may be diagonal, tetrahedral, hexagonal, or octagonal. It is the whole industry of design and art that determines its shape.

 

What determines the properties of a net?

 

How these holes are formed is a question that must be answered first, in order to understand the qualities of these fabrics in a better way. These are achieved through knitting, twisting, knotting, or looping the yarns that are being used. The type and the size of the holes are two things that play a key role in defining the properties of the net. We will see that when we discuss the types in more detail. The most common materials used for these fabrics are silk, synthetic fabrics, and cotton, each contributing to its special qualities.

 

Let us have a look at how the source material contributes to the properties of a net. Cotton, for example, is used to make fabrics that are soft and thus can be used in public garments. Silk gives a premium feel and look, so it can be used on the surface and is something you can be proud of wearing and want to show and boast about. Polyester, on the other hand, has longer durability coupled with beautiful drape and is the fabric of choice when it comes to affordability.

 

Different types with their peculiarities

 

When we discuss types, we must keep in mind that these fabrics are mainly used to add volume to a dress or for making sections for a cloth. There is, however, a simple division. We use tiny holes when it comes to bridal dresses, medium holes to add overlays to skirts, and large holes for hats or veils or to add sections for a cloth. So, we have a wide range of applications of net fabrics.

 

Tulle

 

It is the finest of nets and is used mainly in bridal wear. It has very tiny holes that are hexagonal in shape made by the tricot method of construction. It is the type of fabric that depicts the best of its qualities when achieved with silk. It can be made from cotton also, but in that case, it would be bulky.

 

Bobbinet

 

It is the kind of fabric that was first made in England and is now something that is associated with and comes from England and France. It is finer and has more hexagonal holes. Very small holes give rise to a lace-like fabric, and that is what it is about.

 

Fishnet

 

It is a kind of fabric that is achieved through knotting yarns the same way a fisherman’s knot is achieved. It is used for making bodysuits, hosiery, and other fabrics where durability is required. Most of this fabric is made up of nylon or some other synthetic material and has longevity above others, owing to its knitting pattern and the type of source material used.

 

Maline

 

It is a type of net that contains diamond-shaped holes and is very fine. It is used in luxury clothes. It is probably the best of all net fabrics.