---
type: "fabric"
name: "Melton"
slug: "melton"
fabric_family: "pile_napped"
construction: "brushed/napped"
subtype: "brushed/napped"
typical_fibers:
  - "Wool"
weight_gsm: "400–600 g/m²"
price_tier: 4
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/melton"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:17:36.463655+00:00"
---

# Melton

Melton is a dense, heavy wool fabric characterized by its soft, brushed surface and excellent thermal insulation properties, making it ideal for outerwear and heavy garments.

- **Fabric Family**: Pile Napped
- **Construction**: Brushed/Napped
- **Subtype**: brushed/napped
- **Typical Fibers**: Wool
- **Weight**: 400–600 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 1.5–3 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$$ (4 of 5)

## About Melton

Melton is a type of wool fabric that is brushed to create a soft, napped surface, enhancing its warmth and comfort. Typically made from 100% wool, Melton is known for its durability and resistance to fraying, fading, and wrinkling. The fabric's dense construction provides excellent thermal insulation, making it suitable for winter coats, jackets, and blankets. The brushed finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its water-repellent properties, making it a popular choice for outerwear.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 40
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 30

## Stretch Properties

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

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 100 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 1.2
- **UPF Rating**: 30

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: brushed
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Thermal Insulation
- Windproof
- Water Resistant

## Common Finishes

- Brushed
- Napped
- Water Repellent Treatment
- Anti Pilling Finish

## Common Applications

- Coats
- Jackets
- Blankets
- Hats
- Suits

## Common Uses in Detail

### Coats & Outerwear

Its dense, tightly woven structure and thick napped surface make it exceptionally well-suited for overcoats and structured jackets. The fabric's natural [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool) fibers trap heat effectively, providing reliable insulation against cold weather while maintaining a clean, tailored appearance.

### Hats & Accessories

Milliners and accessory makers prize it for its ability to hold shape without fraying at cut edges, making it easy to craft structured caps, berets, and hat brims that retain their form through repeated wear and exposure to the elements.

## Care Instructions

Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Do not wring. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Iron while slightly damp.

- Washing: 30°C, Do not bleach, Iron at medium temperature, Do not dry clean

## Additional Information

Melton is often used in military uniforms and traditional garments due to its durability and warmth. It is also favored in high-end fashion for its luxurious feel and appearance.

- **Regional Names**: Melton wool, Wool Melton
- **Sourcing Regions**: Italy, United Kingdom, China
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Pilling, Colorfastness to wash/light, Seam slippage, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Cuddle Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cuddle-fleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Flannelette](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flannelette.md) — Pile Napped
- [Microfleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/microfleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Polar Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/polar-fleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Baize](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/baize.md) — Pile Napped

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