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Reference guide

The IPS Fabric Guide For Bags, Packs & Outdoor Gear

How fabric is made, specified, tested and sourced, written for brand owners and product developers. Updated November 2026. About 25 minutes to read.

ConceptForge stages this guide supports

ConceptForge stages: Design, Prototype, Source

Backpack, waxed canvas duffel, dry bag, carry-on, rain jacket, fleece and toiletry bag laid out flat

Every fabric is a stack of decisions

Here is one spec line a factory can quote from without asking a question.

  1. 500DYarn sizeDenier: yarn weight in grams per 9,000 m. Higher means thicker yarn, not always stronger fabric.
  2. Nylon 6,6, air-texturedFiber and yarnThe polymer and how the yarn is made. Air-texturing gives a cotton-like, abrasion-resistant face.
  3. Plain weave, 54 × 40ConstructionThe weave pattern and yarns per inch (warp × weft). Tighter is stronger and more wind-resistant.
  4. 7.0 oz/yd²WeightFabric weight per square yard, about 237 gsm. Confirm whether it includes the coating.
  5. 1.5 oz PU, C0 DWRFinishA polyurethane back coating for water resistance plus a fluorine-free (PFAS-free) water-repellent face.
  6. 58/60″ usableWidthCuttable roll width. It sets how many panels fit across the roll, and so cost.

The same fabric, written in a tech pack

Example bill of materials (BOM) line. Add the mill and article number once the fabric is approved.

SH-01 Main shell: 500D nylon 6,6 air-textured, plain weave 54 × 40, 7.0 oz/yd² (237 gsm), 1.5 oz PU back + C0 DWR, 58/60″ usable, Black, solution-dyed
Placement
Body front, back and base panels
Material
500D nylon 6,6, air-textured (Cordura® or approved equivalent)
Construction
Plain weave, 54 × 40 per inch
Weight
7.0 oz/yd² (237 gsm) finished, incl. coating, ± 5%
Finish
1.5 oz/yd² PU back coat; C0 (PFAS-free) DWR
Width
58/60″ usable
Color
Black, solution-dyed; lab dip to Pantone® 19-0303 TCX
Supplier / article
[Mill name] / [Article no.]
Testing
ASTM D5034, ASTM D2261, AATCC 22 (90+), PFAS-free declaration

Jump to a section
  1. Fibers
  2. Weaves and knits
  3. How fabric is spec’d
  4. Coatings and waterproofing
  5. Testing
  6. Bag and pack shells
  7. Linings
  8. Apparel and outdoor
  9. Cotton and waxed canvas
  10. Leather and vinyl
  11. Mesh, foam and structure
  12. Swatch gallery
  13. Designing for cut and sew
  14. Working with factories
  15. Compliance
  16. FAQ
  17. Glossary

Fibers: what the fabric is made of

Fiber sets the ceiling on strength, abrasion, UV life, comfort and cost. Most bag and outdoor fabrics are nylon or polyester.

Fiber Strengths Weaknesses Typical use
Nylon 6,6 Highest abrasion and tear strength of common fibers; soft hand Absorbs some water; weaker UV resistance; costs more Cordura®, ballistic, ripstop, webbing
Nylon 6 Cheaper, dyes deeply Slightly lower strength and melt point Mid-market bags, linings
Polyester Holds shape wet; good UV; low cost; easy to recycle Lower abrasion and tear than nylon at the same denier Value bags, oxford, fleece, activewear
Cotton Natural hand, takes wax and dye, heritage look Heavy; absorbs water; mildews; shrinks Canvas, duck, waxed canvas, totes
Polypropylene Very light, cheap, sheds water Poor UV and heat resistance Budget webbing, nonwoven totes
UHMWPE (Dyneema®) Strongest fiber per weight; waterproof Expensive; hard to dye and bond Ultralight packs
Aramid (Kevlar®) Heat, cut and flame resistance Poor UV; expensive Protective panels
Wool and merino Warm when wet, odor resistant Cost; lower abrasion Base layers, socks
Spandex (elastane) Stretch and recovery Degrades with heat and chlorine Blended 2–20% into knits

Rule of thumb for bags: nylon for abrasion and premium products, polyester for value and UV, cotton for heritage looks.

Weaves and knits: how yarn becomes cloth

Construction decides stretch, tear behavior, drape and how a fabric cuts and sews.

Rendered woven, knit and nonwoven structures side by side

Woven fabrics interlace two yarn sets at right angles and are stable and strong. Knits loop a single yarn, so they stretch and drape. Nonwovens bond fibers with no yarn at all. Illustrative rendering.

Common weaves

Rendered weave structures: plain, oxford, basket, 2/2 twill, 3/1 twill, ripstop

Top row: plain, oxford, basket. Bottom row: 2/2 twill, 3/1 denim twill, ripstop. Illustrative rendering.
Weave How it looks Why use it
Plain Over one, under one Stable and crisp; base for taffeta, canvas, packcloth
Oxford Paired yarns weave as one 210D–900D bag fabrics; good value and printability
Ripstop Heavier yarns woven in a grid every few millimeters Stops tears spreading; light packs and outerwear
Twill Diagonal rib Softer drape, hides dirt, resists abrasion
Basket (ballistic) Two or more yarns woven as one, both ways 1050D–1680D ballistic nylon for luggage
Duck / canvas Tight, heavy plain weave of plied yarns Totes, tool bags, waxed canvas

Grain matters. Cut panels along the warp (lengthwise) for stability and mark grain direction on every pattern piece. The bias, at 45°, is the stretchiest direction.

How fabric is spec’d

A complete spec is one line a factory can quote from without asking questions. These are the terms that line is made of.

Term What it means Watch for
Denier (D) Yarn weight: grams per 9,000 m Higher denier is thicker yarn, not automatically stronger fabric
Dtex / tex Grams per 10,000 m / 1,000 m Common in Asia and Europe; dtex is about denier × 1.11
Construction Warp yarns × weft yarns per inch, e.g. 54 × 40 Tighter constructions are stronger and more wind- and water-resistant
Weight oz/yd² (US) or g/m² (gsm); 1 oz/yd² ≈ 34 gsm Ask whether the figure includes the coating
Usable width Cuttable width, without selvedges Drives how many panels fit across the roll, and so cost
Duck number #1 heaviest to #12 lightest cotton canvas #10 ≈ 15 oz, #8 ≈ 18 oz, #12 ≈ 11.5 oz
Solution-dyed Color added to the polymer before spinning Far better UV and colorfastness; higher minimums
Color reference Pantone® TCX/TPG or Lab values Approve lab dips on the actual fabric, not paper
Black nylon swatches at 210, 500 and 1000 denier side by side
Same black nylon at three deniers: higher denier means thicker yarn and a coarser, tougher face. Yarn thickness grows with the square root of denier, so 1000D yarn is only about twice as thick as 210D, not five times. Illustrative rendering.

Weight bands

Band oz/yd² gsm Examples
Ultralight under 2 under 70 20–40D ripstop, silicone-coated nylon
Light 2–4 70–135 70D taffeta linings, 210D nylon
Medium 4–8 135–270 420D packcloth, 500D Cordura®, 7 oz canvas
Heavy 8–14 270–475 1000D Cordura®, 1050D ballistic, 12–15 oz duck
Very heavy over 14 over 475 #8 duck, coated tarpaulin

Denier is not quality. A 420D high-tenacity nylon can outperform a generic 600D polyester. Compare tear, tensile and abrasion data, not just the denier number.

Coatings, waterproofing and PFAS

Finishing turns raw cloth into a performance fabric. It often drives cost, lead time and compliance more than the base fabric.

Coating What it does Pros Cons
PU (polyurethane) Water resistance and body on the back Cheap, flexible, standard Breaks down (hydrolysis) in heat and humidity over 3–7 years
TPU Waterproof coating or film Durable; heat- and RF-weldable Costs more; stiffer
PVC / vinyl Heavy waterproof coating Very cheap, very waterproof Heavy; phthalate and Prop 65 risk
Silicone Coats ultralight nylon both sides Strong, UV stable Hard to seam-tape, print or bond
Coated and laminated fabric cross-sections: coated, 2-layer, 2.5-layer, 3-layer and X-Pac-type laminate

Left to right. Coated: one PU or TPU layer on the back. 2-layer: face fabric bonded to a waterproof membrane, with a loose liner hanging inside. 2.5-layer: the membrane is protected by a thin printed layer instead of a liner. 3-layer: the membrane sits between the face and a bonded knit backer, the most durable shell. X-Pac®-type: face fabric, polyester X-ply grid and waterproof film, used for structured packs. Illustrative rendering.
Measure Unit Typical targets
Hydrostatic head (waterproofness) mm water column 1,500 water resistant; 5,000–10,000 waterproof shell; 20,000+ high end
MVTR (breathability) g/m²/24h 5,000 basic; 15,000–20,000 good; 25,000+ high
RET (breathability, lower is better) m²Pa/W Under 6 very breathable; 6–13 good; over 20 poor

PFAS rules now apply to textiles. Traditional water-repellent (DWR) finishes use PFAS chemistry. California and New York bans on intentionally added PFAS in textiles and apparel took effect January 1, 2025, with severe-wet-weather outdoor apparel exempt until 2028. More states are phasing in rules.

Specify C0 (fluorine-free) DWR on every new product and collect a PFAS-free declaration from every mill.

Waterproof fabric is not a waterproof product: seams, zippers and needle holes leak unless they are taped, welded or covered.

Testing: the numbers to ask for

A fabric claim without a named test method is marketing. Ask for a third-party report on the exact fabric you are buying.

Property Test method What it tells you
Tensile strength ASTM D5034 Force to break the fabric
Tear strength ASTM D2261, D1424 Whether a small cut becomes a rip
Abrasion ASTM D3884 (Taber), D4966 (Martindale) How long the surface survives scuffing
Seam strength ASTM D1683 Whether the seam fails before the fabric
Waterproofness AATCC 127 / ISO 811 Hydrostatic head in mm
Water repellency AATCC 22 DWR performance, rated 0–100
Colorfastness to light AATCC 16 Fading in sun
Colorfastness to rubbing AATCC 8 Dye transferring onto clothing
Flammability 16 CFR 1610 Required for apparel sold in the US
Restricted substances CPSIA, Prop 65, PFAS screening Legal to sell

Minimum package for bags: tensile, tear, abrasion, seam strength, colorfastness and restricted substances. Add waterproofness and spray rating if you make a water claim.

Bag and pack shell fabrics

Shell fabrics take the abrasion, UV and load, so they set a product’s durability and price point.

Textured nylon backpack, ballistic nylon carry-on and laminated roll-top pack

The same product category looks and wears differently by shell: textured nylon for abrasion and a soft hand, ballistic nylon for luggage toughness, a laminate for structure and waterproofing. Illustrative rendering.
Fabric Construction Best for Pros Cons
Cordura® 500D / 1000D Air-textured nylon 6,6, PU coat, DWR Premium packs, duffels, tactical Benchmark abrasion; cotton-like hand Cost; licensed mills only
Ballistic nylon 1050D / 1680D High-tenacity nylon, basket weave Luggage, tool bags, belts Extremely tough, premium look Heavy, stiff, frays
Polyester oxford 600D / 900D Basket-look weave, PU or PVC back Promo, school, value bags Cheap, prints well Lower abrasion; PVC compliance risk
Nylon packcloth 420D Filament plain weave, PU Pack bodies, pouches Light, strong, smooth Slippery, shows wear
Ripstop 70D–420D Plain weave with reinforcing grid Light packs, stuff sacks High tear strength for weight Thin grades puncture
X-Pac®-type laminate Face + polyester X-ply grid + film Structured, waterproof packs Waterproof, light, holds shape Crinkly; can delaminate
Dyneema® composite UHMWPE fibers between films Ultralight packs Strongest per gram Very expensive; low abrasion
Recycled packcloth rPET plain weave, PU Eco lines Recycled-content story Polyester limits
TPU-coated nylon Woven base + TPU Dry bags, waterproof packs Weldable, PVC-free Higher cost
PVC tarpaulin Polyester scrim + vinyl Dry bags, coolers Fully waterproof, cheap Heavy; compliance and eco concerns

Brand names are licensed. Cordura®, X-Pac®, Dyneema®, GORE-TEX® and Polartec® can be marketed only when you buy from approved mills and follow brand rules. Generic equivalents cost less but cannot use the name.

Linings

Linings hide seams, protect contents and carry the brand inside. For stain-resistant, wipe-clean accessory bags, choose a coated or laminated lining.

Open toiletry bag with wipe-clean waterproof lining and open tote with coated taffeta lining

Left: a waterproof TPU lining beads spills inside a toiletry bag. Right: a coated taffeta lining with a zip pocket inside a canvas tote. Illustrative rendering.
Lining Best for Pros Cons
Polyester taffeta 190T–290T Value bag and jacket linings Cheap, smooth, light Snags; feels cheap at low counts
Coated taffeta Wipe-clean bag interiors Spills bead and wipe off PU coating ages
Coated 210D nylon packcloth Pack and pouch liners Durable, wipe-clean Rustles
Brushed tricot / microfleece Sunglass, phone, electronics pockets Scratch-free Holds lint
TPU-laminated knit Toiletry and cosmetic bags, wet pockets Waterproof, wipe clean, weldable Higher cost
PEVA / EVA film Wet bags, lunch bags Waterproof, cheap, PVC-free Tears; can look cheap
Food-grade TPU or PEVA Lunch bags, cooler liners Meets food-contact rules Needs FDA or LFGB documents
Cotton twill or poplin Heritage canvas bags Matches natural shells Stains and absorbs

Stain resistance comes from a non-absorbent surface, a PFAS-free repellent finish, or a color that hides marks. Specify the test (AATCC 130 stain release, AATCC 118 oil repellency) rather than just “stain resistant.”

Apparel and outdoor fabrics

These are the fabrics you will see at performance sourcing shows. Apparel is judged on comfort as much as durability.

Red 3-layer rain shell, gray softshell jacket and gray fleece pullover

Three layers, three fabric systems: a waterproof 3-layer shell with taped seams, a stretch softshell for wind and movement, and a brushed fleece for warmth. Illustrative rendering.
Fabric Use Pros Cons
Poly/spandex jersey Tees, tops, golf polos Stretch, wicking, sublimation-friendly Holds odor, pills
Nylon/spandex knit Leggings, compression, swim Soft, strong, high recovery Cost; less UV stable
Merino blends Base layers, socks Odor resistant, warm when wet Cost, durability
Hardshell (2L, 2.5L, 3L) Rain and ski shells Waterproof, windproof Cost; seams must be taped
Softshell Active jackets, golf layers Stretch, breathable, wind resistant Not fully waterproof
Fleece Mid layers, pouch linings Warm, light, dries fast Sheds microfibers, pills
4-way stretch woven Hiking and golf pants Durable with stretch Can bag out
Down insulation Spec’d by fill power (550–900+) Best warmth for weight Fails when wet
Synthetic insulation Spec’d by g/m² (60, 100, 133) Warm when wet, easy to sew Heavier; loses loft

Cotton and waxed canvas

Cotton canvas sells the heritage and lifestyle story. It is spec’d by weight or duck number, plus finish.

Waxed canvas duffel with leather trim and natural cotton duck tool tote with rivets

Waxed canvas for a water-resistant heritage look; heavy cotton duck for a rugged, riveted work bag. Illustrative rendering.
Fabric Use Pros Cons
Numbered duck (#8–#12) Tool bags, totes, aprons Very durable, classic Heavy, stiff, absorbs water
Army duck Bags, casual goods Smooth; takes dye and wax Less body than numbered duck
Waxed canvas Heritage bags, dopp kits, jackets Water resistant; rich patina Wax transfers; needs re-waxing
Dry-finish wax Premium bags with less tack Less transfer, cleaner hand Less water resistance
Coated cotton (PU/TPU back) Water-resistant lifestyle bags Canvas look, better weather Loses breathability
Denim Lifestyle bags, aprons Iconic look Indigo rubs onto contents
Hemp and organic cotton Eco lines Sustainability story Supply, certification paperwork
Cross-section of untreated cotton canvas letting water through beside waxed canvas with water beading

Untreated canvas lets water through the gaps between yarns; wax fills them so water beads up. Illustrative rendering.

Designing in waxed canvas: pair it with a liner that won’t show wax transfer, test transfer onto white fabric, avoid seam tape, and put care instructions (cold, spot clean, re-wax) on the label.

Leather, synthetic leather and vinyl

Used for trims, bases, handles, patches and full bodies. Spec by thickness, backing, surface and abrasion rating.

Cognac synthetic leather toiletry pouch and white marine vinyl cooler bag

PU synthetic leather gives a premium look at lower cost; marine vinyl with welded seams makes a cooler that wipes clean and holds water in. Illustrative rendering.
Material Use Pros Cons
Full-grain leather Premium trims, handles Ages well Cost, variation, yield loss
Split / suede Bases, accents Cheaper Less durable, stains
PU synthetic leather Fashion bags, golf accessories Consistent, many textures Peels over time; avoid cheap grades in flex areas
Microfiber synthetic leather Premium trims, gloves Closest to real leather Costs more than standard PU
PVC marine vinyl Marine, coolers, golf carts Very durable, cleanable Phthalate risk; heavy
Clear TPU / vinyl Stadium bags, windows See-through Scratches; PVC yellows
Cork and plant-based leathers Eco accessories Distinctive story Durability varies; test carefully

Mesh, foam and structure

These hidden materials decide how a bag stands, carries and protects. They are where factories most often substitute cheaper material.

Backpack shoulder strap cut open to show nylon shell, foam padding and spacer mesh

Cut open, a shoulder strap is three layers: a durable nylon outer shell, closed-cell foam for cushioning, and 3D spacer mesh against the body for airflow. Illustrative rendering.
Material Spec it by Use
Power / stretch mesh Fiber, weight, stretch % Side and bottle pockets
3D spacer mesh Thickness (mm), weight Back panels, straps, hip belts
PE closed-cell foam Thickness, density Padding, laptop sleeves, coolers
EVA foam Thickness, Shore hardness Molded panels, structured cases
PU open-cell foam Thickness, density, compression set Shoulder straps, comfort padding
HDPE / PP sheet Thickness (mm) Bag bottoms, frame sheets
Interfacing (fusible or sew-in) Weight, type Structure in wallets and accessories

Always give foam a thickness tolerance (e.g. 6 mm ± 0.5 mm) and say whether it is laminated to fabric or loose.

Designing for cut and sew

Cut-and-sew is a labor business: every panel, seam and operation adds minutes, and minutes drive factory price.

  • Design fewer panels. Fewer cuts, fewer seams, less waste on the roll.
  • Never hang load on a single layer. Straps need a reinforcement patch, bartacks or a box-X stitch, and a path into a seam.
  • Finish every raw edge. Wovens fray; call out binding, piping or overlocking.
  • Specify the hidden materials. Foam, interfacing, thread size and stitches per inch.
  • Match fabric to construction. Waterproof fabrics need taped or welded seams.
Seam and stitch types: lockstitch, bound, flat-felled, bartack, box-X, welded

Top row: lockstitch, bound and flat-felled seams. Bottom row: bartack, box-X stitch and a welded seam. Illustrative rendering.
Seam or stitch Where used Notes
Lockstitch (301) Most bag construction Typically 7–10 stitches per inch for bags
Bound seam Bag interiors Clean, durable finish; adds cost
Flat-felled Unlined bags, heritage goods No raw edges; more labor
Bartack Strap ends, pocket corners Specify length and stitch count
Box-X Webbing to bag body Classic strap reinforcement
Welded or taped Waterproof products Needs TPU or PVC; RF, hot-air or ultrasonic
Webbing strap sewn over a reinforcement patch with a box-X stitch, arrow showing load

A box-X stitch through webbing and a reinforcement patch spreads strap load into the bag body. Illustrative rendering.

From sketch to production

  1. Sketch and spec
  2. Paper or muslin mock-up for proportions
  3. First prototype in real or substitute materials
  4. Fit and function test; revise the pattern
  5. Salesman sample in production materials and colors
  6. Pre-production sample approval: the factory’s golden sample
  7. Top-of-production sample from the bulk run

Working with mills and factories

A factory builds exactly what the tech pack says. Anything vague becomes the factory’s cheapest interpretation.

What a softgoods tech pack needs

  • Sketch views and a revision date
  • Bill of materials: supplier, article number, fiber, weight, width, color and consumption for every material
  • Finished dimensions with tolerances (bags commonly ± 1/4 in)
  • Construction details: seam types, stitches per inch, thread, edge finishes, reinforcements
  • Hardware and trims, artwork and logo method, colorways
  • Required tests, compliance documents and packaging
Term What to know
Stock vs custom Stock colors ship fast with low minimums; custom color or finish triggers MOQ
MOQ Custom fabric minimums are often 500–3,000 yards per color
Lab dip Small dyed sample to approve color before bulk; allow 1–2 weeks
Lead time Stock: days. Custom dye: 3–6 weeks. New construction or laminate: 8–12+ weeks
Shade band Dye lots vary; approve a range and keep lots together per order
Nominated vs factory-sourced Brand names the mill for control, or the factory picks for cost

How fabric drives price: for most bags, materials are the largest share of factory cost. Material cost is price per yard × yards per unit (including waste), so fewer panels, standard widths and stock colors cut cost directly.

Compliance and certifications

Compliance is cheapest when it’s specified at the material stage. Fixing it after bulk production means remaking product.

Topic What applies Action
PFAS State bans on intentionally added PFAS in textiles Specify C0 DWR; mill declarations; fluorine test
Prop 65 California warnings for listed chemicals Avoid PVC and lead-containing hardware; test
CPSIA Children’s products 12 and under Third-party testing, tracking labels, certificate
Fiber and origin labels FTC Textile Act Fiber %, country of origin, RN number
Care labels FTC Care Rule Care symbols per ASTM D5489
Tariff classification Customs origin and HTS rules Confirm early; IPS handles this for clients
Certification What it covers
bluesign® Chemicals and environmental management at the mill
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Finished textile tested for harmful substances
GRS / RCS Recycled content through the supply chain
GOTS / OCS Organic cotton
RDS / RWS Responsible down and wool
LWG Leather tannery environmental audit

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions brand owners ask most about bag and outdoor fabrics.

What is the best fabric for backpacks and bags?

It depends on the job. Air-textured nylon 6,6 (Cordura®-type, 500D to 1000D) is the benchmark for premium packs and duffels. 1050D ballistic nylon suits luggage and tool bags, 600D polyester oxford suits value and promotional bags, X-Pac®-type laminates or TPU-coated fabrics suit waterproof, structured packs, and waxed canvas or cotton duck suit heritage styles.

Compare bag and pack shell fabrics

What does denier mean, and is higher denier better?

Denier is yarn weight: grams per 9,000 meters of yarn. Higher denier means thicker yarn and usually more abrasion resistance, but fiber, yarn type and weave matter more than the number. A 420D high-tenacity nylon can outlast a generic 600D polyester, so compare tear, tensile and abrasion test data rather than denier alone.

How fabric is specified

What is the difference between Cordura® and ballistic nylon?

Cordura® is a brand of air-textured nylon, usually 500D or 1000D, with a matte, cotton-like feel and excellent abrasion resistance. Ballistic nylon is a smooth, high-tenacity filament nylon, usually 1050D or 1680D, in a basket weave. Ballistic is stiffer, shinier and very tough but frays at cut edges; Cordura® is more common for packs and duffels, ballistic for luggage, tool bags and belts.

See both fabrics

Is waxed canvas waterproof?

Waxed canvas is water-resistant, not waterproof. Wax fills the gaps between cotton yarns so water beads up, but needle holes and seams still let water through, and the wax wears and needs re-waxing. For a truly waterproof bag, use a laminated or TPU-coated fabric with welded or taped seams.

Cotton and waxed canvas

What is PFAS-free (C0) DWR, and do I need it?

DWR is the durable water-repellent finish on a fabric face. Traditional DWRs used PFAS chemistry (C8 or C6); C0 means fluorine-free. California and New York bans on intentionally added PFAS in textiles and apparel took effect January 1, 2025, with severe-wet-weather outdoor apparel exempt until 2028, and more states are following. Specify C0 DWR and collect a PFAS-free declaration from every mill.

Coatings and PFAS rules

How do I specify a fabric in a tech pack?

Write one line a factory can quote from: denier and fiber, yarn type, weave and construction, weight in oz/yd² and gsm, coating and finish, usable width and color. Then add placement, supplier and article number, and the tests you require. The tech pack example at the top of this guide shows the format.

What a tech pack needs

What are typical fabric minimums and lead times?

Stock fabrics can be bought by the yard and ship in days. Custom colors or finishes typically need 500 to 3,000 yards per color, with 3 to 6 weeks for custom dyeing and 8 to 12 or more weeks for a new construction or laminate. Choosing stock colors and standard widths is the fastest way to cut both minimums and lead time.

Working with mills

Can IPS source the fabric and manufacture my bag?

Yes. International Product Solutions develops and manufactures bags, packs and outdoor products with factories in Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Taiwan, from material selection and tech packs through sampling, testing and delivery. Request a free Product Viability Check for feasibility, recommended materials, best-fit factory and estimated landed cost.

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Glossary

Show 24 common terms
Term Meaning
Bartack Dense zigzag stitch reinforcing a stress point
Bias 45° to the grain; the stretchiest direction of a woven
C0 / C6 / C8 Fluorine-free / short-chain / long-chain water-repellent chemistry
Calendering Pressing fabric between hot rollers for a flat, sealed surface
Consumption Yards of material used per finished unit
Crocking Color rubbing off onto another surface
Delamination Layers of a laminate separating
Denier Yarn weight in grams per 9,000 m
DWR Durable water repellent face finish
FOB Factory price including delivery to the port of loading
Greige Unfinished fabric straight off the loom
Hand How a fabric feels
Hydrolysis Breakdown of PU coatings by heat and humidity
Hydrostatic head Waterproofness in mm of water
Lab dip Color sample approved before bulk dyeing
Marker Layout of pattern pieces on fabric for cutting
MOQ Minimum order quantity
Notch Pattern mark for aligning pieces
PP sample Pre-production sample approved before bulk
Selvedge Finished edge of a woven roll
Solution-dyed Color added to the polymer before spinning
SPI Stitches per inch
Usable width Fabric width you can cut, excluding selvedges
Warp / weft Lengthwise / crosswise yarns

Cordura®, X-Pac®, Dyneema®, GORE-TEX®, Polartec®, Kevlar®, Pantone®, OEKO-TEX® and bluesign® are trademarks of their respective owners. IPS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands; names are used only to identify materials.

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