Spring Summer 24' Fabric Guide.

Fabric serves as the starting point in the UW design journey, and we take pride in scouring the globe for the very best fabrics for our collections. With this in mind, we're delighted to present our latest guide, equipping you with all the fabric-related knowledge necessary to make informed purchases this season. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of fabric terminology, we've infused our guide with light-hearted descriptions, making it all the more accessible, alongside the essential nerdy tidbits that many of us secretly enjoy.
This season, we have worked with a tactile range of earthy and soulful fabrics, including but not limited to Waffles, Towelings, Slub Cottons, and Seersuckers. A meditative palette of natural colours underpins the collection: Light Cumin, Sand, Lilac, and Light Blue coexist alongside military-inspired hues of Olive and Navy, all conveyed with a sense of peace and humility.
It’s a palette, texture, and feeling that, like everything we do, comes ‘From the Soul’.
Fabric serves as the starting point in the UW design journey, and we take pride in scouring the globe for the very best fabrics for our collections. With this in mind, we're delighted to present our latest guide, equipping you with all the fabric-related knowledge necessary to make informed purchases this season. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of fabric terminology, we've infused our guide with light-hearted descriptions, making it all the more accessible, alongside the essential nerdy tidbits that many of us secretly enjoy.
This season, we have worked with a tactile range of earthy and soulful fabrics, including but not limited to Waffles, Towelings, Slub Cottons, and Seersuckers. A meditative palette of natural colours underpins the collection: Light Cumin, Sand, Lilac, and Light Blue coexist alongside military-inspired hues of Olive and Navy, all conveyed with a sense of peace and humility.
It’s a palette, texture, and feeling that, like everything we do, comes ‘From the Soul’.

THE FABRICS.

RECYCLEDPOLYTECH

RECYCLED POLYTECH.

Woven from a blend of recycled polyester fibres and cotton we are confident this exciting addition to the UW fabric roster will become a favourite. Its compact weave has a clean utilitarian look that we love so much that it is available across a number of classic and new styles. It offers featherweight lightness but unparalleled durability. It is also comfortable, especially when it gets a bit hot under the collar as it is quick drying. And the best part? It's practically immune to creases too! Great out of the bag, wardrobe or suitcase, we suspect that it will end up being your go-to fabric choice for Spring-Summer.

Fabric Composition: 65% Recycled Polyester, 35% Cotton.
Woven from a blend of recycled polyester fibres and cotton we are confident this exciting addition to the UW fabric roster will become a favourite. Its compact weave has a clean utilitarian look that we love so much that it is available across a number of classic and new styles. It offers featherweight lightness but unparalleled durability. It is also comfortable, especially when it gets a bit hot under the collar as it is quick drying. And the best part? It's practically immune to creases too! Great out of the bag, wardrobe or suitcase, we suspect that it will end up being your go-to fabric choice for Spring-Summer.

Composition: 65% Recycled Polyester, 35% Cotton.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN NAVY & SAND.

CORTINA LORD COTTON LINEN

LORD COTTON-LINEN.

Despite the name, you don’t need a title to enjoy this one. An Italian-made fabric, it is woven in Prato, a name that is synonymous with upcycled fabrics. It has a slubbed texture due to the blend of mixed fibres, and a dry hand-feel. This summer-weight cloth looks perfect for suiting options, and for this season it’s available in the new 'Capitol Jacket', the 'Battleman Waistcoat', alongside two firm trouser favourites, the 'Military Chino' and 'Pleated Track Pant.'
 
Fabric Composition: 36% Recycled Cotton, 35% Viscose, 15% Linen, 10% Recycled Acrylic, 4% Recycled Other Fibres.
Despite the name, you don’t need a title to enjoy this one. An Italian-made fabric, it is woven in Prato, a name that is synonymous with upcycled fabrics. It has a slubbed texture due to the blend of mixed fibres, and a dry hand-feel. This summer-weight cloth looks perfect for suiting options, and for this season it’s available in the new 'Capitol Jacket', the 'Battleman Waistcoat', alongside two firm trouser favourites, the 'Military Chino' and 'Pleated Track Pant.'
 
Fabric Composition: 36% Recycled Cotton, 35% Viscose, 15% Linen, 10% Recycled Acrylic, 4% Recycled Other Fibres.

CHAMBRAY

CHAMBRAY.

It is no secret that here at Universal Works, we love Chambray! It has the perfect summer look and feel, and is available across a number of styles. Its fine weave and light weight make it an ideal choice for regulating heat and ensuring coolness during the warmer months. Due to the nature of the indigo dye, it will fade with time for that perfect ‘worn-in’ look, although it is susceptible to UV light so don’t fall asleep in the sun!
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
It is no secret that here at Universal Works, we love Chambray! It has the perfect summer look and feel, and is available across a number of styles. Its fine weave and light weight make it an ideal choice for regulating heat and ensuring coolness during the warmer months. Due to the nature of the indigo dye, it will fade with time for that perfect ‘worn-in’ look, although it is susceptible to UV light so don’t fall asleep in the sun!
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

TILE COTTON.

TILE COTTON.

Available in three options our so-named ‘Tile Cotton’ sourced from one of Portugal's finest and most inspiring fabric mills, reminds us of the beautiful tiles that adorn buildings throughout Portugal. 100% cotton shirting, and matching shorts if so desired, in intricately woven patterns and colours, with a subtle nod to the 70s, these will add interest to any wardrobe.

 

Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
Available in three options our so-named ‘Tile Cotton’ sourced from one of Portugal's finest and most inspiring fabric mills, reminds us of the beautiful tiles that adorn buildings throughout Portugal. 100% cotton shirting, and matching shorts if so desired, in intricately woven patterns and colours, with a subtle nod to the 70s, these will add interest to any wardrobe.
 
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

SLUB SATEEN.

SLUB SATEEN.

Slub Sateen, a fabric often synonymous with the US Military is woven to produce two different textures front and back, one an irregular slub giving a raised texture and the other a smooth sateen. We have chosen the slub as the face and the back for the smooth sateen finish. It may look heavy but this has been chosen for its light, summer weight and is offered in two colours, a classic Olive and an Ecru.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
Slub Sateen, a fabric often synonymous with the US Military is woven to produce two different textures front and back, one an irregular slub giving a raised texture and the other a smooth sateen. We have chosen the slub as the face and the back for the smooth sateen finish. It may look heavy but this has been chosen for its light, summer weight and is offered in two colours, a classic Olive and an Ecru.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

TROPICAL SUITING.

TROPICAL SUITING.

It is no surprise that Tropical Suiting is back for Spring/Summer 2024, another favourite. The blend of wool with polyester gives it incredible lightness blended with durability. It is so easy to wear—even when it’s toasty outside, hence the 'Tropical' part, durable, crease-resistant, and quick-drying, it is clean, minimal, and looks just as crisp straight out of your weekend bag as it did when it went in. Great to pack, great to travel, great to wear - we love it! Back in Navy and Grey Marl - we’ve got you covered!
 
Fabric Composition: 55% Polyester, 45% Wool.
It is no surprise that Tropical Suiting is back for Spring/Summer 2024, another favourite. The blend of wool with polyester gives it incredible lightness blended with durability. It is so easy to wear - even when it’s toasty outside, hence the 'Tropical' part, durable, crease-resistant, and quick-drying, it is clean, minimal, and looks just as crisp straight out of your weekend bag as it did when it went in. Great to pack, great to travel, great to wear - we love it! Back in Navy and Grey Marl - we’ve got you covered!
 
Fabric Composition: 55% Polyester, 45% Wool.

UW. CAMO.

UW. DOT CAMO.

Introducing our exclusive rendition of a classic Swedish Barracuda camouflage but with a UW. twist, (spot the dot!). This in-house designed camo features three different shades of olive screen-printed onto our durable Cotton Twill fabric, known for its reliability and versatility. Exclusive only to us, this camo is designed for peaceful purposes only.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
Introducing our exclusive rendition of a classic Swedish Barracuda camouflage but with a UW. twist, (spot the dot!) This in-house designed camo features three different shades of olive screen-printed onto our durable Cotton Twill fabric, known for its reliability and versatility. Exclusive only to us, this camo is designed for peaceful purposes only.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

OSPINA COTTON.

OSPINA COTTON.

Woven exclusively for us in Prato, the area in Italy synonymous with upcycled fabrics 'Ospina Cotton' is woven from upcycled fibres. It has a seersucker texture, but is a looser weave than our more tightly woven Seersucker (see below), giving a slight texture to the surface. It has a dry-hand feel and slight marl effect due to the mix of fibres creating a deep navy blue. The rich colour and texture make it a standout fabric across a number of suiting styles.
 
Fabric Composition: 65% Cotton, 25% Polyester, 5% Viscose, 4% Other Fibres, 1% Elastane - (100% recycled fabric).
Woven exclusively for us in Prato, the area in Italy synonymous with upcycled fabrics 'Ospina Cotton' is woven from upcycled fibres. It has a seersucker texture, but is a looser weave than our more tightly woven Seersucker (see below), giving a slight texture to the surface. It has a dry-hand feel and slight marl effect due to the mix of fibres creating a deep navy blue. The rich colour and texture make it a standout fabric across a number of suiting styles.
 
Fabric Composition: 65% Cotton, 25% Polyester, 5% Viscose, 4% Other Fibres, 1% Elastane - (100% recycled fabric).

DECK IKAT.

DECK IKAT.

A forever favourite 'Ikat' has officially become a UW classic. Renowned as one of the world's exceptional artisan fabrics, it is the skilful technique of dyeing and imprinting the pattern into the yarn before weaving. This unusual Ikat has a complex 2 stage process combining a yarn-dyed block check with the Ikat technique. Produced on a hand loom which imparts its character into the natural slubs and variations which are integral to this uniquely handmade fabric. We have used it for our new ‘Judo Pant,’ an easy-to-wear pull-on with simple styling to show off the fabric to its best and the ‘Marine Gilet,’ something to add interest to any outfit.

 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
A forever favourite 'Ikat' has officially become a UW classic. Renowned as one of the world's exceptional artisan fabrics, it is the skilful technique of dyeing and imprinting the pattern into the yarn before weaving. This unusual Ikat has a complex 2 stage process combining a yarn-dyed block check with the Ikat technique. Produced on a hand loom which imparts its character into the natural slubs and variations which are integral to this uniquely handmade fabric. We have used it for our new ‘Judo Pant,’ an easy-to-wear pull-on with simple styling to show off the fabric to its best and the ‘Marine Gilet,’ something to add interest to any outfit.

 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
 

HALLEY RIPSTOP.

HALLEY RIPSTOP.

Halley Stevensons of Dundee, Scotland have been renowned for their production of the finest and most innovative fabrics for over 150 years. We’ve often used a number of their waxed fabrics over the years, and for this Spring-Summer we selected their lightest-weight ripstop, a fabric both durable against tears and abrasions but also water-resistant too. With its dry wax and washable finish, it is a brilliant fabric for two new Outerwear pieces, the ‘Stanedge Jacket’ and ‘Head Coach Jacket’. Great as a layer for those cooler nights and those Spring showers.
 
Fabric Composition: 60% Polyamide, 40% Pima Cotton.

Halley Stevensons of Dundee, Scotland have been renowned for their production of the finest and most innovative fabrics for over 150 years. We’ve often used a number of their waxed fabrics over the years, and for this Spring-Summer we selected their lightest-weight ripstop, a fabric both durable against tears and abrasions but also water-resistant too. With its dry wax and washable finish, it is a brilliant fabric for two new Outerwear pieces, the ‘Stanedge Jacket’ and ‘Head Coach Jacket’. Great as a layer for those cooler nights and those Spring showers.
 
Fabric Composition: 60% Polyamide, 40% Pima Cotton.

HERRINGBONE DENIM.

HERRINGBONE DENIM.

This cotton cloth takes its name from its chevron-type weave constructed to resemble the backbone of the humble herring. This denim version has been incredibly popular for a number of summers so how could we leave it out! It returns in some classic but predominantly new styles which we again offer in two washes, one lighter which shouts summer and a darker wash for those who prefer to wear their indigo in naturally. It is soft to handle and so easy to wear developing a unique patina over time.
 

Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

This cotton cloth takes its name from its chevron-type weave constructed to resemble the backbone of the humble herring. This denim version has been incredibly popular for a number of summers so how could we leave it out! It returns in some classic but predominantly new styles which we again offer in two washes, one lighter which shouts summer and a darker wash for those who prefer to wear their indigo in naturally. It is soft to handle and so easy to wear developing a unique patina over time.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
 

MORE STYLES COMING SOON.

GARDEN CORD.

GARDEN CORD.

A lightweight, fine-wale cord, printed with a tonal print reminding us of an English garden, perfect for adding a bit of fun and floral flair to your wardrobe. Whether it is the new 'Tech Overshirt', 'Pullover Anorak' or 'Pleated Track Short', and you are spending a day in the country or heading to work, this versatile fabric has you covered.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
A lightweight, fine-wale cord, printed with a tonal print reminding us of an English garden, perfect for adding a bit of fun and floral flair to your wardrobe. Whether it is the new 'Tech Overshirt', 'Pullover Anorak' or 'Pleated Track Short', and you are spending a day in the country or heading to work, this versatile fabric has you covered.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

HICKORY STRIPE DENIM.

HICKORY STRIPE DENIM.

Characterised by its alternating indigo and white striped pattern, "Hickory Stripe Denim" stands proud as a quintessential American workwear fabric. Initially used by railroad workers, its practical profile helped conceal dust and stains during hard toil, although we aren’t expecting you to be grafting too hard in these! For SS24, this 10oz weight, works perfectly for summer in both pants and a jacket.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
Characterised by its alternating indigo and white striped pattern, "Hickory Stripe Denim" stands proud as a quintessential American workwear fabric. Initially used by railroad workers, its practical profile helped conceal dust and stains during hard toil, although we aren’t expecting you to be grafting too hard in these! For SS24, this 10oz weight, works perfectly for summer in both pants and a jacket.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

SWEDISHCAMO.

SWEDISH CAMO.

Another great fabric from Halley Stevensons of Dundee, Scotland, a mill renowned for their production of the finest and most innovative fabrics for over 150 years, is this lightly waxed 100% printed cotton. We have re-coloured this previously featured Swedish camo pattern to create a summery tonal effect. This lightweight waxed water-resistant outer shell balances a bit of excitement with the classic.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
Another great fabric from Halley Stevensons of Dundee, Scotland, a mill renowned for their production of the finest and most innovative fabrics for over 150 years, is this lightly waxed 100% printed cotton. We have re-coloured this previously featured Swedish camo pattern to create a summery tonal effect. This lightweight waxed water-resistant outer shell balances a bit of excitement with the classic.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

VIEW DELOS COTTON.

DELOS COTTON.

Available in three colours for Spring/Summer '24 and a bestseller for Universal Works for several seasons now, Delos Cotton is the perfect shirting fabric for summer. The dobby weave of our "Delos Cotton" has heat-beating properties due to its puckered, waffle-like finish. Produced by one of Portugal’s finest and most innovative fabric mills, this is a Universal Works staff favourite.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
Available in three colours for Spring/Summer '24 and a bestseller for Universal Works for several seasons now, Delos Cotton is the perfect shirting fabric for summer. The dobby weave of our "Delos Cotton" has heat-beating properties due to its puckered, waffle-like finish. Produced by one of Portugal’s finest and most innovative fabric mills, this is a Universal Works staff favourite.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

SUMMER CANVAS.

SUMMER CANVAS.

The enduring appeal of a canvas weave remains a constant thread in many Universal Works collections, and Spring-Summer 2024 is no exception. Just a simply great fabric choice because of its durability, look and comfort, this light-weight canvas comes in 2 colours achieved by garment dying which gives has a soft hand feel. Available in new seasonal colours, across a number of styles, a great alternative to our Twill, a good work-a-day fabric but great for special occasions too.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
The enduring appeal of a canvas weave remains a constant thread in many Universal Works collections, and Spring-Summer 2024 is no exception. Just a simply great fabric choice because of its durability, look and comfort, this light-weight canvas comes in 2 colours achieved by garment dying which gives has a soft hand feel. Available in new seasonal colours, across a number of styles, a great alternative to our Twill, a good work-a-day fabric but great for special occasions too.
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.

SEERSUCKER II.

SEERSUCKER II.

This summer-weight, single-colour, seersucker is a perennial favourite and chosen for its stylish look and effortless ease of wear. The construction makes it a great choice for spring and those hot summer days. Its puckered finish keeps you feeling cool by reducing the touch points on the skin.
 
Fabric Composition: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane.
This summer-weight, single-colour, seersucker is a perennial favourite and chosen for its stylish look and effortless ease of wear. The construction makes it a great choice for spring and those hot summer days. Its puckered finish keeps you feeling cool by reducing the touch points on the skin.
 
Fabric Composition: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane.

NEARLY PINSTRIPE.

NEARLY PINSTRIPE.

Can you see it? Can you not? Depends on the colour! ‘Nearly Pinstripe’ named from the subtle pinstripe woven into the fabric. In its natural state the pinstripe is barely visible but once overdyed Navy the pinstripe shows itself. From an Italian mill this compact woven fabric is very light weight and has a smooth, crisp finish.
 
Fabric Composition: 99% Cotton, 1% Polyester.
Can you see it? Can you not? Depends on the colour! ‘Nearly Pinstripe’ named from the subtle pinstripe woven into the fabric. In its natural state the pinstripe is barely visible but once overdyed Navy the pinstripe shows itself. From an Italian mill, this compact woven fabric is very lightweight and has a smooth, crisp finish.
 
Fabric Composition: 99% Cotton, 1% Polyester.

VIEW ARTIST FLOWER LINCOT.

ARTIST FLOWER LINCOT.

Reminiscent of classic British textile designs from the 1950s, we felt this Linen-Cotton blend fabric was perfect for adding a bit of floral flair to your shirting or shorts this Spring-Summer. Available in two colours, Navy & Terracotta, it is both eye-catching and also functional! Its Linen-Cotton blend ensures you’ll be looking and feeling cool during the summer months.
 
Fabric Composition: 55% Linen, 45% Cotton.
Reminiscent of classic British textile designs from the 1950s, we felt this Linen-Cotton blend fabric was perfect for adding a bit of floral flair to your shirting or shorts this Spring-Summer. Available in two colours, Navy & Terracotta, it is both eye-catching and also functional! Its Linen-Cotton blend ensures you’ll be looking and feeling cool during the summer months.
 
Fabric Composition: 55% Linen, 45% Cotton.

VIEW PIKE WAFFLE.

PIKE WAFFLE.

Waffle textured fabrics often appear in our collections, both woven and jersey just because we love it! This particular waffle was chosen for its chunkiness and weight, perfect for the new ‘Tech Overshirt’ or our ‘Lumber’ shorts, statement pieces that also boast exceptional comfort. More substantial than your average waffle and perfect for the beach after your swim!
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.
Waffle textured fabrics often appear in our collections, both woven and jersey just because we love it! This particular waffle was chosen for its chunkiness and weight, perfect for the new ‘Tech Overshirt’ or our ‘Lumber’ shorts, statement pieces that also boast exceptional comfort. More substantial than your average waffle and perfect for the beach after your swim!
 
Fabric Composition: 100% Cotton.