---
type: "fabric"
name: "Pilot Cloth"
slug: "pilot-cloth"
fabric_family: "pile_napped"
construction: "brushed/napped"
subtype: "brushed/napped"
typical_fibers:
  - "Wool"
weight_gsm: "300–450 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pilot-cloth"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:20:55.832658+00:00"
---

# Pilot Cloth

Pilot Cloth is a soft, brushed wool fabric known for its warmth and comfort, making it ideal for outerwear and cold-weather garments.

- **Fabric Family**: Pile Napped
- **Construction**: Brushed/Napped
- **Subtype**: brushed/napped
- **Typical Fibers**: Wool
- **Weight**: 300–450 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 1.5–3 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Pilot Cloth

Pilot Cloth is a pile-napped fabric typically constructed from wool fibers. The brushing process creates a soft, fuzzy surface that enhances thermal insulation and provides a luxurious hand feel. This fabric is often used in the production of jackets, coats, and other outerwear due to its ability to retain heat while remaining breathable. The napped surface also adds a degree of water resistance and windproof characteristics, making it suitable for various outdoor applications.

## Woven Properties

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

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 5%
- **Weft Stretch**: 5%

## 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**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

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

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Windproof
- Thermal Insulation

## Common Finishes

- Brushed
- Napped
- DWR Durable Water Repellent

## Common Applications

- Outerwear
- Jackets
- Coats
- Suits
- Blankets

## Common Uses in Detail

### Outerwear & Coats

Its dense, brushed [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool) construction traps heat exceptionally well, making it a long-standing choice for heavy overcoats and jackets. The napped surface resists wind and light moisture, keeping the wearer warm and comfortable in harsh cold-weather conditions.

### Blankets & Throws

The soft, [Plush](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/plush) nap makes it a natural fit for blankets and throws intended for cold climates. Its substantial [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool) weight retains body heat efficiently, while the brushed finish delivers a cozy, comfortable feel against the skin.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry. Iron on low heat if needed.

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

## Additional Information

Pilot Cloth is favored for its durability and warmth, making it a popular choice in both fashion and functional outerwear.

- **Regional Names**: Pilot Cloth (North America), Wool Napped Fabric (Europe)
- **Sourcing Regions**: Italy, China, India
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Pilling, Colorfastness to wash, 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

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