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Lining Fabric

Lining Fabric

A good lining makes a garment more comfortable to wear, helps it hang properly and gives a neat, professional finish inside. This collection is led by our anti-static dress lining, which stops skirts and trousers clinging to tights, sold across a wide range of colours.

Alongside it you'll find acetate, lyocell and silk linings for jackets, coats and special-occasion pieces. Order a sample to match the colour to your main fabric before you buy.

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Lining is the quiet workhorse of dressmaking. It sits against the skin to make a garment comfortable, it helps the outer fabric hang the way it should, and it hides seams and construction for a tidy finish inside. The right lining can also stop a skirt riding up, add a little warmth to a coat, or let a fitted dress slip on easily.

Which lining for which garment?

Matching the lining to the job is the thing most worth getting right:

  • Skirts and trousers: anti-static lining is the usual choice, as it stops the fabric clinging to tights and legs.
  • Jackets and coats: a smooth, slightly firmer lining helps the garment keep its shape and slip on over other clothes.
  • Summer dresses: a breathable lining such as lyocell feels cooler against the skin.
  • Special occasion pieces: silk and finer linings give a luxurious feel where it counts.

Types of lining in this collection

  • Anti-static dress lining: the main range, a smooth dressmaking lining in a wide spread of colours, ideal for skirts, dresses and trousers.
  • Acetate lining: a traditional lining with a soft sheen, often used for jackets and tailoring.
  • Lyocell lining: a more breathable option that feels cool and comfortable, good for warmer-weather makes.
  • Silk lining: a premium choice for occasionwear and fine tailoring.

How much lining to buy and caring for it

As a rule, buy a similar length of lining to your main fabric, and match the width so the pieces cut the same way. If you intend to wash the finished garment, pre-wash the lining first so it shrinks at the same rate as the outer fabric, unless the care label states otherwise. Some linings, particularly acetate and silk, are better dry-cleaned, so check the product page before you choose.

What is the best lining fabric for dressmaking?

There's no single best lining, as it depends on the garment. Anti-static lining is the most popular all-rounder for skirts, dresses and trousers because it stops the fabric clinging. For jackets and coats, a firmer acetate works well, while lyocell suits breathable summer pieces and silk is the premium choice for occasionwear.

What lining should I use for a skirt?

Anti-static lining is the usual choice for skirts and trousers. It's smooth and lightweight, and the anti-static finish stops the skirt riding up or clinging to tights and legs. Match the colour to your main fabric, or choose a neutral that blends in.

What is anti-static lining?

Anti-static lining is a dressmaking lining treated to reduce static cling. Without it, linings can stick to tights and legs and make a skirt ride up as you move. The anti-static finish keeps the garment hanging properly and makes it far more comfortable to wear.

Is lining fabric breathable?

It varies by type. Lyocell and silk linings are more breathable and feel cooler against the skin, which makes them a good choice for summer garments. Standard anti-static and acetate linings are less breathable but are smooth, hard-wearing and ideal for skirts, trousers and tailoring. Check the fibre content on the product page.

How much lining do I need and should I pre-wash it?

As a guide, buy a similar length to your main fabric and check the widths match. If the finished garment will be washed, pre-wash the lining first so it shrinks at the same rate as the outer fabric, unless the care label advises otherwise. Some linings are better dry-cleaned, so check the individual product page.

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