A finished fabric.
Textiles are generally defined as any type of item made with thread or yarn to create some type of cloth or fabric. There are many different types of textile companies that make up the global textile industry, many of which specialize in one or two specific lines of textile products. In some cases, the company’s focus is on residential customers, while others prefer business customers as their main customer base.
A closeup of satin fabric.
Textile companies often base their reputation and product line on the creation and sale of what was once known in the United States as the home furnishings line. Essentially, this approach to fabric manufacturing would aim to produce items such as curtains, bedding, tablecloths, and other fabric products common to the task of home decoration. Most experts only include textiles that are stand-alone products in this category.
Silk, a type of fabric.
Fashion textile companies tend to focus on the design, manufacture and marketing of garments. This can include the production of solid batches of material, such as jeans or cotton sheets, that are sold to a customer who uses the fabric to create specific garments. Synthetic blends can also be created and sold that are ideal for use in the production of winter coats, suits, dresses, swimwear, or any other type of garment worn by men, women, or children.
Polyester fabric.
Textile companies that focus on creating upholstery materials are often identified as producers of industrial textiles. This classification can include the production of synthetic leather using a mixture of synthetic and natural fibers, heavy fabrics for use in upholstery furniture, and even the refinement of yarn that is eventually used in the creation of various types of rugs. Although the inclusion of carpet material manufacturing was once considered separate from the textile industry, it is not uncommon for carpet manufacturers to be included in the family of textile manufacturers today.
A folded square of linen.
Just as there are different forms of textile production, the different textile companies operating today tend to employ a wide range of quality standards in their finished products. In general, the textile management teams will seek to comply with the minimum standards established in the locations where the plants and factories are installed, as well as comply with the necessary standards to allow the commercialization of the merchandise in the different countries. Although the United States, Great Britain, and Canada were once leaders in the textile industry, the vast majority of textile products are now produced outside of these three nations.