This easily navigable resource provides over 100 swatches of the most recognised and widely used varieties of fabric, including cottons, silks, wools and linens, to encourage consideration of not just the aesthetic appeal of various fabrics but also their structure, feel and weight. Bound into a hardcover book, with descriptions and contextual illustrations alongside them, the fabrics are in their raw state, before bleaching, dying or finishing, so that their properties can be observed without the distraction of colour or pattern.

With information on fibres, basic construction of fabrics, weights, construction and weave comparison, the book will help student fashion designers to make informed textile choices based upon an understanding of raw materials together with the processes that make up a fabric. A useful glossary defines key terminology. The book will be useful for anyone who works with fabrics and is the ideal companion to the Fabric for Fashion book.

Clive Hallett is an associate lecturer in design management at The London College of Fashion as well as lecturing at several other fashion colleges. He has worked in the fashion industry since 1972 and has been a freelance design consultant since 1978.

Amanda Johnston is an associate lecturer in design and product development on the BA Fashion Products course at London College of Fashion. She has worked as a freelance design consultant since graduating from Kingston University in 1982. Amanda is also an external assessor for the degree courses at the London Centre for Fashion Studies.