Woven vs Non Woven Fabric: What's the Difference?

Nowadays, woven fabric and non woven fabric are two essential materials needed in numerous industries. To be able to make a proper decision for your applications, let’s consider what’s the difference between woven vs non woven fabric.

1. What is Woven Fabric?

Woven fabric is a type of textile formed by interlacing two sets of yarns: the warp (lengthwise) and the weft (crosswise). Woven fabrics can be made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool and synthetic fibers.

Woven fabric has the following properties:

Strength and durability: Woven fabrics have the advantage of being stronger and more durable due to the way the fabrics are woven together.
Variety of textures and patterns: Woven fabrics can be of varying textures, colors and designs and thus give the designer a wide room to work with in fashion and textiles.
Breathability: Most woven fabrics especially those from natural fibers have very good breathability. This characteristic enables air to circulate hence suitable for clothing, particularly in hot areas.
Aesthetic appeal: Woven fabrics are considered to be quite esthetically flexible due to the vast spectrum of patterns, textures, and finishes that may be incorporated into the fabric.

With good properties, woven fabric exhibits its benefits in various industries, such as:

Apparel
Home textiles
Industrial applications
Sports and outdoor gear
Automotive textiles

Natural fibers can be used to create woven textiles.

Natural fibers can be used to create woven textiles.

2. What is Non Woven Fabric?

Non woven fabric is a fabric that is achieved by the placement of fibers with the help of heat, chemical treatment, or mechanical pressure.

Here are the key properties of non woven fabric:

Cost-effectiveness: Non woven fabrics are often cheaper to make than woven fabrics.
Lightweight: These fabrics are generally not as heavy as woven fabrics, which is a plus for applications in which weight is an issue.
Absorbency: Most non woven fabrics are capable of absorbing water, which makes the products dry quickly and comfortably.
Durability: In general, non woven fabrics are not as durable as woven fabrics, although some non woven fabrics can be designed to be strong and even resistant to tearing.

Thanks to these special features, non woven fabric experiences different applications, such as:

Medical and hygiene products
Filtration
Geotextiles
Household products
Fashion and accessories

Nonwoven fabric is made by bonding fibers together using heat, chemical treatment, or mechanical pressure.

Nonwoven fabric is made by bonding fibers together using heat, chemical treatment, or mechanical pressure.

3. The Key Differences Between Woven And Non Woven Fabric

When it comes to selecting materials for various applications, understanding the key differences of woven vs non woven fabric is crucial. Here, we break down the primary differences to help you make an informed decision:

	Woven fabric	Non woven fabric
Manufacturing process	Created by interlacing two sets of yarns (warp and weft) on a loom. This traditional method requires more time and skill, resulting in a fabric that can be intricate and diverse in design.	Made by bonding fibers together through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. This method is generally faster and simpler, allowing for mass production of fabric that can be customized for specific uses.
Structure and appearance	Characterized by its interlaced threads, which create a stable and textured surface. The appearance can vary widely, featuring intricate patterns and designs that enhance visual appeal.	Lacks the interlaced structure, resulting in a more uniform and smooth surface. The appearance is generally simpler, with fewer design options compared to woven fabrics.
Strength and durability	Generally stronger and more durable due to its interlocking structure. This makes it suitable for applications where longevity and resistance to wear are essential, such as clothing and upholstery.	While some non woven fabrics can be engineered for strength, they are typically less durable than woven fabrics. They are often designed for single-use or shorter-term applications.
Water resistance	Can be water-resistant but typically not waterproof.	Generally provides better water resistance and can be designed to be more waterproof than woven fabrics.
Drape and flexibility	Offers a wide range of drape qualities depending on the fiber content and weave pattern. Some woven fabrics can be stiff and structured, while others are soft and flowing, making them versatile for various garment styles.	Generally has limited drape and flexibility due to its bonded structure. This can make it less suitable for garments that require a fluid silhouette, but advantageous for applications needing rigidity.
Breathability and absorbency	Many woven fabrics, especially those made from natural fibers like cotton and linen, offer excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties.	Breathability can vary widely, with some non woven fabrics designed to be breathable while others may be less so. Absorbency is often high in non woven fabrics intended for hygiene products.
Cost-effectiveness	Generally more expensive to produce due to the complexity of the weaving process. The higher cost can be justified by the durability and aesthetic qualities of the fabric.	Typically more cost-effective to manufacture, making it a popular choice for disposable items and applications where price is a significant factor.
Environmental impact (recyclability, biodegradability)	Many woven fabrics, particularly those made from natural fibers, can be biodegradable and recyclable. However, synthetic woven fabrics may not decompose easily and can contribute to environmental pollution.	Some non woven fabrics are recyclable, depending on their composition.
Primary applications	Mainly appear in clothing and industrial applications.	Medical, consumer goods, and industrial are the key applications.

Knowing the main distinctions between woven vs non woven fabric is essential when choosing materials for different uses.

Knowing the main distinctions between woven vs non woven fabric is essential when choosing materials for different uses.

4. How to Identify Woven Vs Non Woven Fabric

4.1. Visual inspection

When it comes to the comparison of woven vs non woven fabric, the method that can be used to distinguish them is visual inspection.

Woven fabrics generally possess a raised or textured surface due to the interlocking of two or more yarns as required for producing stripes, checks, or complex designs. It is quite different from the woven material since the latter has finer weaves that give the fabric a smooth surface and may not have a discernible pattern.

To differentiate woven vs non woven fabric, visual inspection can be an easy way.

4.2. Tactile examination

Another common and efficient means to distinguish woven vs non woven fabric is by tactile examination.

When touching woven fabrics, they have a more rigid feel to them and standing out is how they feel when you run your fingers over them, uneven. Non woven fabrics, on the other hand, are slightly softer and more pliable because the fibers are bonded together as they form the Web formation of the fabric.

4.3. Edge Inspection

Edge inspection is a truly practical approach to distinguishing between woven vs non woven fabric.

The woven fabric structure mostly has some sort of unraveling at the edges because of the loose strings that are left when the fabric is cut. On the other hand, non woven fabrics have neat and smooth edges that don’t produce fraying webs since they are made of fiber sheets that are bonded together.

A very useful method for differentiating between woven vs non woven fabric is edge inspection.

4.4. Water resistance test

Another common method used to easily distinguish between woven vs non woven fabrics involves conducting a water resistance test.

If you add small amounts of water to the woven fabrics that are made of natural fibers, you will see that the fibers absorb water right away. However, many fabrics fall under the non woven fabrics including hygiene or medical fabrics may not be affected by water because of their structure.

4.5. Stretch test

Stretch tests can also be used to compare woven vs non woven fabric.

If you pull woven fabrics with moderate force, then it will be very apparent that they do not possess a high degree of flexibility and will regain their earlier shape. Non woven fabrics may be more versatile and might deform more easily and may not regain their original structure as easily as woven fabrics would, thereby showing a different degree of elasticity.

Stretch tests are another useful tool for comparing woven vs non woven fabrics.

Stretch tests are another useful tool for comparing woven vs non woven fabrics.

5. Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Application

5.1. Determine your application needs

First, assess your specific needs for the application at hand based on the specific end-use requirements, which are related to the desired property of the fabric and fundamental performance. Knowledge of these factors will assist you in making the right decision regarding the choice of either woven or nonwoven fabrics.

5.2. Assess durability and strength

Durability plays a significant role in the comparison of woven vs non woven fabric.

Woven fabrics: Tend to provide better strength and durability because of their interlocking nature. This makes them suitable for applications where they are required to offer a lot of usability such as outdoor wear, furniture, and even working clothes.
Non woven fabrics: Generally they are slightly less hard wearing but can be specifically designed for a certain purpose. Woven fabrics would be more suitable for your project if your project will demand performance for a lengthy period.

When comparing woven vs non woven fabric for choosing the right one, durability is a key factor.

5.3. Consider flexibility and drape

Flexibility and drape are important factors to choose woven vs non woven fabric, especially for applications like clothing and home textiles.

Woven fabrics: Offer a range of different drape qualities so that it is possible to create garments and soft furnishings that are aesthetically pleasing. They can be either structured or fluid depending on the type of weave and material used.
Non woven fabrics: Generally on the stiffer side; this makes them appropriate for uses where stiffness is desirable, such as in protective clothing and industrial items.

5.4. Analyze cost-effectiveness

Cost is a significant consideration when choosing between woven vs non woven fabric.

Non woven fabrics: Mostly cheaper to manufacture, which makes them useful in disposable products like baby wipes, face masks, and carry bags.
Woven fabrics: Although normally associated with a higher price tag, the products are more durable and have a more visually appealing outlook compared to the latter.

An important factor to take into account while deciding between woven and non woven fabric is cost.

5.5. Evaluate breathability and comfort

Breathability is vital for applications involving clothing and textiles that come in contact with skin. Therefore, considering woven vs non woven fabric is an important step.

Woven fabrics: It is common to derive from cotton and linen that enhance breathability and ability to wick moisture, boosting comfort.
Non woven fabrics: Some products can be more breathable than others. Some are aimed at the airflow (for example, medical masks), while others can fail to let fresh air in.

5.6. Consider environmental impact

Sustainability is increasingly important in woven vs non woven fabric selection.

Woven fabrics: That is why those that are made from natural fibers are biodegradable and recyclable, which makes them more ecological.
Non woven fabrics: Their effects on the environment differ; some of them are manufactured with biodegradable materials, while others are made from synthetic fibers that may not decay. Think about the time in the life cycle of the fabric at which the environmental aspect might be causing an effect.

Choosing woven vs non woven fabric has become more and more dependent on sustainability.

5.7. Make your decision

After evaluating all these factors of woven vs non woven fabric, compare your options closely. Create a pros and cons list for each type of fabric, considering your project’s specific needs.

If durability, aesthetic variety, and breathability are priorities, woven fabrics may be the best choice.
If cost-effectiveness and disposability are more important, non woven fabrics could be the way to go.

6. Conclusion

Woven fabric and non woven fabric are necessary materials today. Most importantly when choosing the right one, one should understand the requirements and the differences between woven vs non woven fabrics to come up with appropriate solutions for applications.

7. EuP Egypt’s Filler Masterbatch for Non-Woven fabric Production

As a leading PP filler masterbatch supplier, EuP Egypt has been praised for their high quality and cost-effective products and helps many customers enhance many properties of their final products related to non woven fabrics.

Here are our PP filler masterbatch’ features:

Save production cost
Improve several properties of end-products: brightness, opacity, shrinkage reduction,…
Save energy thanks to CaCO3’s great thermal transmission ability
Increase the stability in manufacturing process, thus shortening the production cycle

Woven vs Non Woven Fabric: What’s the Difference?