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MATERIALS & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Materials for Product Development: A Buyer’s Starting Guide

Compare material information before choosing a textile for your project. Understand which questions concern fiber content, fabric construction, recycled content and the sample you need to review.

General material guidance. Material availability, composition, process suitability and supporting documentation require confirmation for the specific MIFAKTORY project.

EXPLORE THE MATERIAL BRIEF

Four starting points. One project-specific specification.

Use each guide to prepare material questions. These are educational categories, not a verified stock or material-compatibility list.

AI-generated material illustration of a basket-weave-like swatch in teal, with ivory and navy swatches.
Illustrative material imageIllustrative material image — AI-generated texture concept, not an actual MIFAKTORY material sample. Fibre composition, recycled origin and content, performance and certification cannot be determined from this image.

MATERIAL GUIDE

Oxford & Performance Fabric

Separate the fabric construction from the result you need it to achieve. Use an Oxford reference or performance brief to identify the material details, finish and assessments required for your product.

Explore Oxford & Performance Fabric →

Any supplied textures are AI-generated concepts, not physical swatches, verified composition or performance evidence.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Start with the specification, not the material name

A material name is a starting point. To review a textile for a bag, garment or accessory, bring together the fiber composition, fabric or yarn construction, weight or yarn size, color, surface treatment and intended use. Include the lining and trims where they form part of the requirement.

These are different parts of a specification. A fiber name does not identify a weave, and an artwork reference does not verify either one. Use this guide to prepare questions rather than treating the material groups below as an approved stock list.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Cotton and canvas: separate fiber from construction

Cotton is a natural cellulosic fiber. Canvas is a fabric description associated with plain-weave construction. The terms answer different questions: cotton identifies a fiber, while canvas describes a type of fabric.

If a brief calls for cotton canvas, specify the required fiber composition, fabric weight, color and finish. For a canvas-look reference, ask what the material actually contains rather than inferring cotton content from the texture. Include the intended feel, structure and care requirements so the proposed specification can be reviewed.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Polyester and recycled polyester: define the content

Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber family. Recycled polyester describes the use of recycled feedstock; it does not by itself define a fabric construction, material weight or the recycled proportion in a particular product.

If your brief uses the term rPET, request the exact material description and recycled-content information for the proposed textile. Specify the required percentage and which component it applies to, then discuss the supporting documents needed. A recycled-content label alone should not be treated as evidence of every environmental benefit, recyclability or company certification.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Nylon: request the full textile description

Nylon is a manufactured synthetic fiber family within the polyamides. It is a fiber designation, not a complete specification for a fabric or finished product.

Ask for the proposed composition, fabric construction, yarn information, weight and any coating or finish. State whether the brief requires virgin or recycled content and what evidence is needed. Do not assume that two nylon-labelled references have the same feel, construction, print suitability or performance. Identify the properties you need to assess for the actual project.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Oxford and performance: distinguish structure from property

Oxford names a woven construction; it does not identify the fiber content. Performance requirements should state which property needs assessment and the evidence required. Use the detailed guide to prepare construction, finish and assessment questions.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Review construction and finish alongside the fiber

Record terms such as canvas, ripstop, jersey, woven or knitted as part of the proposed construction description, rather than using them as a substitute for fiber content. Ask for any coating, backing, lamination or other finish to be identified separately.

For apparel and socks, include fabric or yarn requirements, the fit or size range and relevant measurement points. If the artwork may be formed through knitting, weaving or a surface decoration process, ask which route is proposed. These routes should not be treated as interchangeable just because they show a similar motif.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

What to include in a material brief

Share the information you have; identify unknown details so they can be discussed.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Agree what the material sample needs to confirm

Identify the material reference and artwork version with the sample record. Review the appearance, feel, color and construction requirements that are relevant to the project. Record which points are approved, which need revision and which require separate testing or a finished-product sample.

Confirm the actual material and production arrangement with MIFAKTORY for the specific brief. The general information here does not establish which materials are currently available, which facilities process them or which supporting services can be provided.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Explore the four material guides

Cotton Canvas: define fiber content, fabric construction and finish.
Recycled Polyester: connect recycled-content requirements with the textile specification and evidence.
Recycled Nylon: clarify the material, source requirements and availability review.
Oxford & Performance Fabric: separate weave, composition and the properties to assess.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions to settle before a sample

How should I choose a starting material?

Define the product, intended use, desired feel, artwork and any performance or documentation requirements. Then review a complete proposed material specification.

Are the materials listed here confirmed stock options?

No. These are material guides. Availability, composition and suitability require confirmation for the project.

RELATED GUIDANCE

Prepare artwork, samples and review requirements

Use these bag-focused guides for general review questions where applicable. They do not confirm a material-and-process combination or a service for your project.

YOUR MATERIAL BRIEF

Discuss the material your project needs

Share the product reference, intended use and material requirements you have so far. Identify the details that need advice.

Discuss Your Material Requirements →