What is fibre composition in fashion?
Fibre composition states which fibres a textile product contains and in what percentages, for example 95% cotton and 5% elastane.
In short
Fibre composition is the breakdown of the fibres in a textile product by percentage of weight, such as 70% wool and 30% polyamide. It appears on the garment label and in product data, and in the EU it must use the harmonised fibre names set out in Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011.
How does it work in practice?
The composition is specified in the material record during development and confirmed by the mill. Fabric testing can verify it against the declared values. The data then flows into several places:
- The sewn-in label and swing tags.
- Product master data in the ERP and PIM, which syndicate it to retailers and marketplaces.
- Customs documents, where fibre content influences the HS code.
- Sustainability reporting and, in future, the Digital Product Passport.
Garments with several components, such as a lining or contrast panel, often need a composition per component.
Why does it matter for fashion businesses?
Incorrect composition is a compliance risk and a common reason for products being blocked or relabelled. Wholesale partners expect accurate attributes in their data feeds, and consumers increasingly filter by material. Composition also underpins claims such as “recycled” or “organic”, which must be backed by evidence and certification rather than marketing language.
How is AI changing it?
AI-powered data tools check product records for inconsistencies, for example a composition that does not add up to 100% or that conflicts with the product title. Large language models can translate harmonised fibre names into multiple languages for labels and listings, though outputs should be checked against the official terms. Spectroscopy combined with machine learning is being applied to identify fibres in sorting and recycling.
Common pitfalls
- Using trade names or marketing terms instead of permitted fibre names.
- Not updating composition when a mill substitutes a yarn.
- Storing composition as free text, which makes validation and translation harder.
Frequently asked questions
Is fibre composition labelling mandatory in the EU?
Yes. Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 governs textile fibre names and the labelling and marking of fibre composition for textile products sold in the EU.
How is fibre composition verified?
Brands rely on mill declarations and certificates and can commission laboratory testing to confirm the percentages. Spot checks on bulk production help detect substitutions.
