Oxford fabric, commonly known for its use in dress shirts, is a woven fabric characterized by a basket-weave structure. Traditionally made from cotton, Oxford cloth has evolved and now also comes in blends of cotton and polyester, as well as pure polyester versions.
| Fiber Source | Originally cotton, now includes synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, and viscose |
| Weaving Patterns | Basket-weave structure, offering durability and breathability |
| Dominant Colors | Wide range, with a classic appearance |
| Texture Spectrum | Varies from soft and smooth (Pinpoint Oxford) to more textured and heavier (Plain Oxford) |
| Breathability Index | High |
| Strength & Longevity | Durable and maintains shape over time |
| Maintenance Needs | Easy care, often machine washable, wrinkle-resistant in synthetic blends |
| Primary Applications | Dress shirts, casual wear, home furnishings, and accessories |
| Ecological Impact | Cotton varieties are more eco-friendly, synthetics less so |
| Major Exporters | Global production, with no specific dominant regions |
| Comparable Fabrics | Similar to other dress shirt fabrics like poplin and twill |
1. Types and Characteristics
600D Oxford Fabric
This is a medium-weight, durable fabric, widely used for outdoor gear like tents, bags, and luggage. Its strength, water-resistance, and abrasion-resistant properties make it suitable for items that face rough handling and adverse weather conditions.
420D and 300D Oxford Fabric
These lighter versions of Oxford fabric are also popular, with 420D being suitable for smaller bags, rainwear, and outdoor accessories. It offers a balance between durability and weight. The 300D variant is somewhat similar but with slightly less density, making it suitable for similar applications where a lighter fabric is desired.
900D Oxford Fabric
900D Oxford fabric is a heavy-duty material known for its high strength and durability. It’s commonly used for robust outdoor gear, heavy-duty luggage, and even home furnishings like furniture covers and pillowcases. Its excellent water-resistant and abrasion-resistant properties make it ideal for products subjected to extreme conditions.
2. Waterproof Oxford Fabric
Oxford fabric is known for its water resistance, owing to its tight weave and coating. However, the degree of water resistance varies with different types of Oxford fabric, and additional waterproofing treatments might be necessary for certain applications.
Advanced Oxford fabric, especially the Woodland camouflage type, undergoes specialized treatments to enhance its functional properties. This includes compounding with a hydrophilic polymer PU film and water allocation processing, resulting in high levels of windproof, waterproof, and moisture permeability. This fabric maintains a high standard of performance even after multiple washes, meeting rigorous customer and technical requirements
3. Polyester Oxford Fabric
When made entirely of polyester, Oxford fabric becomes highly durable and is frequently used for products that demand high durability.
Pure polyester Oxford, though less common, is used for its high durability in workwear and other applications.
4. Common Uses
Oxford fabric is versatile and finds use in a variety of applications. It’s commonly used for making dress shirts, casual shirts, and other clothing items that balance style and function. In addition to clothing, Oxford fabric is widely used in manufacturing tents, bags, luggage, and even home furnishings due to its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
The combination of cotton and polyester in Oxford fabric provides both durability and breathability, while pure cotton Oxford is often preferred for higher-end dress shirts due to its luxurious feel.