Surface Formation

Surface formation refers to the processes that turn fibres and yarns into a coherent textile surface in the first place – the foundation of every piece of underwear.

The processes at a glance

• Woven fabric – a surface made of interlacing warp and weft threads
• Knitted bindings – knitted or warp-knitted goods made of interlooped stitches
• Single-faced knits – right/left goods with a different face and back
• Laces and appliqués – decorative elements made from yarn or embroidery
• Nonwovens (card webs) – fibres bonded by gluing or fusing, without any yarn structure

Why the type of surface formation matters

Whether a garment stretches or holds its shape, drapes smoothly or has a textured surface is decided right here, in this first production step. Knitted fabrics adapt to the body and are therefore the most common choice for underwear, while woven fabrics and laces are used deliberately for stability or decoration.

You will find all terms around materials and workmanship in our Underwear Glossary.