Oxford fabric – composition and specifications, scope and features of care

The content of the article

• What is oxford fabric
• Structure
• Characteristics
• Advantages
• disadvantages
• Oxford Fabric Marking
• Application area
• Care Features
• Oxford Fabric Price

There are fabrics that have gained popularity with special properties – Oxford is one of them. The material under this name is wear-resistant and does not lend itself to pollution due to a special type of fiber weave. However, Oxford fabric can have different characteristics, caused not only by weaving, but also by the properties of the raw materials used, coating or impregnation.

What is oxford fabric

A key characteristic of the material is the method of weaving yarns, which has several names – basket, Panamanian or matting. If you look closely at the canvas, you can see the structure of Oxford – the relatively large squares formed by the weft and warp threads (see photo). Oxford density is determined by the thickness of the threads, their number in each square, the degree and quality of impregnation.

Structure

Depending on the raw materials used, the Oxford material may be nylon or polyester based. However, an important feature is the quality of the coating, which adds additional water-repellent properties to the material. Thanks to the impregnation of polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane, which is applied to the inside of the canvas, you can determine the front side by eye, focusing on a shiny surface. Each type of fabric has its own characteristics and scope..

Characteristics

The fabric based on nylon threads is wear-resistant, very light, has elastic properties. If the basis of the material is a synthetic thread made of polyester – the fabric comes out less durable, but able to withstand the temperature effects. Of great importance is the water-repellent coating, which gives the material additional properties:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coating makes the base more dense, has better water-repellent qualities than polyurethane. At the same time, the PVC impregnated fabric is harder, folds worse, takes up more space.
• PU (polyurethane) coating is elastic, better than PVC, tolerates subzero temperatures. A polyurethane-coated fabric not only has water repellent properties, but also folds well without losing properties on bends.

Advantages

Thanks to the special weaving of the fibers, the fabric repels dirt and is very durable. However, it is better to choose it, looking at the composition, depending on the destination. The nylon fabric is more durable than that made of polyester. In addition, nylon is better draped, it is easier to create products of complex cut from it due to good elasticity. Polyester fabric withstands more prolonged exposure to sunlight, is not afraid of high temperatures and is resistant to chemical attack.

disadvantages

Oxford fabric also has disadvantages that are worth remembering when buying material:

• Synthetic fiber fabric coated with polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride is poorly breathable, does not “breathe”.
• This material tolerates low temperatures well, but in the cold it becomes hard and makes a rustling sound when moving.
• Oxford Nylon is afraid of open fire – a spark from a fire can burn a hole. In addition, the nylon thread has the ability to accumulate static electricity..
• A web made of polyester fibers is less susceptible to burning, but its strength is lower than that of a nylon fabric.

Oxford Fabric Marking

There is a standardized designation for Oxford fabric depending on its density. Label the material with the letter D (Denier), the value of which varies from 150 (least dense) to 1800 (maximum dense). The higher the density of the fabric, the heavier it is, therefore, material D 1000-1800 is not commonly used in the manufacture of clothing. In this regard, the coloring of a less dense canvas is varied (monochromatic and printed samples are shown in the photo), and heavier fabrics have a smaller scatter of shades.

Application area

Oxford low density (up to 240 den) is used for sewing clothes, as well as for the manufacture of light shoes. According to reviews of companies that are engaged in the hauling of upholstered furniture, Oxford 240-320 den is ideal for home textiles. Very dense polyester or nylon suitable for the manufacture of protective covers, awnings.

• 150 D is used in the manufacture of jackets, light windbreakers, trousers or overalls for workwear.
• 210-240 D – tourist accessories, a uniform for employees of power structures are sewn from such a canvas. This material is suitable for making backpacks, vests and light shoes..
• 300-420 D – a fabric of this density is sometimes impregnated with a hybrid composition of polyurethane with polyvinyl chloride to give additional wear resistance. It is a material for the production of shoes, technical clothing, tents, hunting and fishing accessories. From it sew travel covers for photo and video equipment, bags and backpacks.
• 600 D is used in sewing awnings for trading or presentation platforms, tables and chairs for camping equipment, shoes.
• Fabric with a density of more than 600 D is used for the manufacture of covers for heavy objects, car tents, shopping tents, etc..

Care Features

Due to its ability to repel dirt, this fabric does not need frequent washing.
If necessary, contamination is easily removed under running water. Products from this material, regardless of density, can be washed in a machine at a temperature of 30 ° C using liquid detergents. After washing, the products can be dried in a tumble dryer at a low temperature. Ironing should be carried out with weak heating of the iron – not higher than 110 ° C.

Oxford Fabric Price

The cost of the material is low, due to the unnatural composition, and depends on the density and impregnation. You can buy Oxford fabric in Moscow at retail at the prices indicated in the table: