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Poly Crepe vs Georgette vs Cotton Cambric: Choosing a Fabric Base by Garment
How to pick between poly crepe, georgette, chiffon, satin, cotton cambric and viscose modal satin — by drape, opacity, GSM and the garment you are making.
The same print looks like a different product on a different base. A bold floral that reads as elegant on a soft crepe can look cheap on a stiff satin and disappear entirely on a sheer chiffon. This guide is about matching the cloth to the garment.
We hold 100+ fabric qualities, of which the 17 highest-volume bases are listed online at Rs249 to Rs649 per metre. Every design in our catalogue can be printed on any of them.
Start with three questions, not with the fabric name
- How should it fall? Fluid and moving, or structured and holding shape?
- Does it need to be opaque? If yes, that rules out several bases immediately or commits you to lining.
- What season is it for? Breathability matters more than any other property in an Indian summer range.
The bases, and what each is actually for
Poly Crepe (approx. 80–95 GSM)
Our most-ordered base, and the safest default. A soft controlled fall — it moves without being floppy — and it holds print detail sharply. Opaque enough for most garments without lining. Best for kurtis, co-ord sets and everyday dresses. Browse poly crepe.
Poly Georgette (approx. 70–90 GSM)
More fluid than crepe with a slight grain. Drapes beautifully on long silhouettes, which is why it dominates maxi dresses and kaftans. Semi-sheer, so plan for lining on anything fitted. Browse georgette.
Poly Chiffon (approx. 60–80 GSM)
The lightest base we list. Sheer, airy, and the right choice for dupattas, scarves and saree drapes where transparency is the point. Not a standalone dress fabric. Browse chiffon and dupatta fabric.
Cotton Cambric (approx. 80–110 GSM)
The one genuinely breathable base in this list, and the only one that holds a crisp collar. If you are making shirting or kidswear, start here. Opaque. Takes print well, though with slightly softer edges than polyester.
Viscose Modal Satin
Our premium base at the top of the range. A liquid drape with a subtle sheen — cool to the touch and noticeably more expensive-feeling in the hand. Reserve it for occasion and premium lines where the extra cost per metre is justified by the finished price point.
Poly Satin
Higher shine, more structure, less breathable. Right for festive and bridal pieces where you want light to catch the surface. Wrong for summer daywear. Browse poly satin.
Quick answers to the questions we get most
"Soft aur flowy chahiye jo transparent na ho"
Poly Crepe or Viscose Modal Satin. Both drape softly while staying opaque. Georgette and chiffon drape as well or better, but both are semi-sheer.
"Summer co-ord set ke liye breathable fabric"
Cotton Cambric first for genuine breathability. If you need a fluid drape more than airflow, Poly Crepe in a lighter colourway.
"Heavy fall wala satin type fabric"
Viscose Modal Satin for a liquid fall with weight, or Poly Satin if you want more shine and structure.
The cheapest way to decide
Do not decide from a screen. Order one metre each of your two or three shortlisted bases in the same design — everything is sold from 1 metre — and handle them. The difference between crepe and georgette in a photograph is almost nothing; in the hand it is obvious in a second.
Need a rate, a sample or a custom development? Message us on WhatsApp with the design code, fabric base, quantity and your city — that is everything we need to quote. Or email info@clothwala.com. See the fabric buying FAQ and the full fabric directory.
