---
type: "fabric"
name: "Madras"
slug: "madras"
fabric_family: "specialty"
construction: "jacquard"
typical_fibers:
  - "Cotton"
weight_gsm: "120–200 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/madras"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:16:55.96423+00:00"
---

# Madras

Madras is a lightweight, colorful cotton fabric known for its distinctive plaid patterns, often used in summer clothing and home decor.

- **Fabric Family**: Specialty
- **Construction**: Jacquard
- **Typical Fibers**: Cotton
- **Weight**: 120–200 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.3–0.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 110 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Madras

Madras is traditionally a handwoven cotton fabric originating from India, characterized by its vibrant colors and patterns, typically in plaid or check designs. The fabric is constructed using a jacquard weave, allowing for intricate designs and textures. It is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for warm-weather garments such as shirts, dresses, and shorts. The use of cotton fibers provides comfort and ease of care, while the jacquard construction adds a unique visual appeal.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 80
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 60

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 0%
- **Weft Stretch**: 0%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 15 CFM
- **Spray Rating**: 0
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.1
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Bright
- **Opacity**: Semi Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Fluid

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Wrinkle Resistance

## Common Finishes

- Mercerized
- Sanforized
- Brushed

## Common Applications

- Shirts
- Dresses
- Shorts
- Tablecloths
- Home Decor

## Common Uses in Detail

### Shirts & Dresses

Its lightweight weave and vibrant plaid patterns make it a warm-weather wardrobe staple. Breathable [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) construction keeps the wearer cool, while the bold colors lend a relaxed, preppy aesthetic perfectly suited to casual summer shirts and breezy dresses.

### Shorts & Casual Wear

The soft, airy hand of this fabric makes it ideal for shorts and casual bottoms. Its comfortable drape and eye-catching patterns translate well to relaxed warm-season clothing, offering a distinctive look that has remained popular in resort and beach style for decades.

### Table & Home Textiles

Colorful plaid patterns and a crisp yet lightweight character make it a charming choice for tablecloths, napkins, and decorative accents. The cheerful palette brings a casual, summery mood to dining spaces and interiors, complementing outdoor entertaining and relaxed home decor schemes beautifully.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry low and iron on a low setting if needed.

- Machine Wash
- Do Not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low
- Iron Low

## Additional Information

Madras fabric is often associated with summer wear due to its lightness and breathability. It is also popular in the production of casual and resort-style clothing.

- **Regional Names**: Madras Check, Madras Plaid
- **Sourcing Regions**: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
- **Testing Standards**: AATCC 61 (Colorfastness to Laundering), AATCC 16 (Colorfastness to Light), ASTM D5034 (Tear Strength)

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Sheer Drapery](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sheer-drapery.md) — Upholstery Decor
- [Activewear Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-interlock.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-jersey.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-tricot.md) — Specialty
- [Adire](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/adire.md) — Specialty

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/madras) — HTML version of this page.*