Fabric construction / Weave

Twill

A weave family identified by diagonal lines in the cloth.

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What is twill?

Twill is a basic weave family recognized by diagonal lines. [W]

Classification
Weave · Textile construction
Other names & related terms
Twill weave

These are qualitative descriptions, not lab scores. Fiber, yarn, construction, finish and garment design can change performance. Always follow the finished article’s care label.

Composition

Twill describes interlacing, not fiber content; cotton twill is one example. [W][A]

Material origin

Successive interlacing points shift across the cloth to form the diagonal. [W]

Breathability & moisture

A diagonal weave is not an air-permeability rating. [P]

Durability

Assess abrasion, pilling and strength separately for the intended use. [T]

Stretch characteristics

Check the actual sample; the construction name alone does not specify elastic recovery. [W]

Care guidance

Follow the finished article’s care label. [C]

Typical applications

  • Trousers
  • Jackets

Examples, not suitability certifications. Sources: [A]

Advantages & limitations

What it offers

Twill includes several patterns, including herringbone and chevron variations. [W]

What to consider

Different twill repeats have different floats; the name alone is not a strength specification. [W][T]

Practical editorial guidance

Before you choose

Use twill as a construction clue rather than a complete buying specification. A fine suiting and a heavy denim can both belong to this family. Match weight, drape, fiber and care to the intended garment, and ask for testing data when strength is critical.

Sources & review notes

References support the statements marked above. Industry sources may promote their own materials; this guide makes no universal comfort or sustainability ranking.

Last reviewed: . Suggest a correction.