---
type: "fabric"
name: "Sharkskin"
slug: "sharkskin"
fabric_family: "woven"
construction: "twill"
typical_fibers:
  - "Wool"
  - "Polyester/Wool"
weight_gsm: "250–350 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sharkskin"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:26:26.636708+00:00"
---

# Sharkskin

Sharkskin is a durable, twill-woven fabric known for its smooth texture and subtle sheen, often used in tailored garments and formal wear.

- **Fabric Family**: Woven
- **Construction**: Twill
- **Typical Fibers**: Wool, Polyester/Wool
- **Weight**: 250–350 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Sharkskin

Sharkskin is a tightly woven fabric characterized by a diagonal ribbing pattern typical of twill weaves. It is commonly made from a blend of wool and polyester, providing a balance of warmth, durability, and ease of care. The fabric's unique texture gives it a sophisticated appearance, making it a popular choice for suits, blazers, and trousers. Its weight and structure lend it a fluid drape, while the blend of fibers enhances its wrinkle resistance and overall performance.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 50
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 40

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 2%
- **Weft Stretch**: 2%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 100 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.2
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

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

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Stain Release
- Wrinkle Resistance

## Common Finishes

- Brushed
- Calendered
- DWR Durable Water Repellent
- Wrinkle Resistant

## Common Applications

- Suits
- Blazers
- Trousers
- Dresses
- Uniforms

## Common Uses in Detail

### Suits & Tailoring

Its smooth, tightly woven surface and subtle sheen make it a favored choice for tailored suits and blazers. The fabric holds a crisp structure, drapes elegantly, and resists wrinkling, lending a polished, professional appearance ideal for business and formal occasions.

### Uniforms & Workwear

Durability and a smart, neat appearance make sharkskin well-suited to professional uniforms and workwear. Its resilient [Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/twill) construction withstands regular wear, retains its shape over time, and presents a consistently sharp look essential for hospitality, military, and corporate dress codes.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash on a gentle cycle with similar colors. Avoid bleach. Iron on low to medium heat if necessary. Dry cleaning is recommended for best results.

- Machine Wash At 30°C
- Do Not Bleach
- Iron At Medium Temperature
- Dry Clean Only

## Additional Information

Sharkskin is often favored for its ability to resist creasing and maintain a polished appearance throughout the day, making it ideal for professional attire.

- **Regional Names**: Sharkskin Suiting, Sharkskin Wool
- **Sourcing Regions**: Italy, China, India, Turkey
- **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

- [Bedford Cord](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bedford-cord.md) — Woven
- [Birdseye](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/birdseye.md) — Woven
- [Boutis](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/boutis.md) — Woven
- [Cavalry Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cavalry-twill.md) — Woven
- [Cheviot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cheviot.md) — Woven

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