What is a characteristic of woven fabrics?

Woven fabrics are characterized by their construction, which involves interlacing two sets of yarns, the warp and the weft. This method creates a stable structure that generally does not allow for much stretching, leading to limited or no elasticity. The lack of elasticity is primarily due to the way the fibers are interwoven, which restricts movement and flexibility compared to knitted fabrics, where the loops of yarn provide more stretch.

In woven fabrics, the tight arrangement of yarns contributes to their durability and shape retention, making them ideal for a variety of applications like tailored garments, upholstery, and structured clothing. Understanding this aspect is key for fabric selection in fashion design, as it influences how a garment will fit and move on the body.