---
type: "fabric"
name: "Shweshwe"
slug: "shweshwe"
fabric_family: "specialty"
construction: "jacquard"
typical_fibers:
  - "Cotton"
weight_gsm: "120–200 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shweshwe"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:27:29.200628+00:00"
---

# Shweshwe

Shweshwe is a traditional South African fabric known for its intricate jacquard patterns and vibrant colors, primarily made from cotton.

- **Fabric Family**: Specialty
- **Construction**: Jacquard
- **Typical Fibers**: Cotton
- **Weight**: 120–200 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.3–0.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 112 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Shweshwe

Shweshwe is a specialty jacquard woven fabric that features distinctive geometric patterns and is often used in traditional attire. It is typically made from 100% cotton, providing breathability and comfort. The fabric is characterized by its crisp hand and moderate drape, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including dresses, skirts, and home textiles. Its vibrant colors and patterns are achieved through a unique printing process, which adds to its cultural significance.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 60
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 50

## 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)**: 0.1
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

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

## Performance Features

- Wrinkle Resistance
- Colorfastness
- Stain Release

## Common Finishes

- Pre Shrunk
- Dyed
- Calendared

## Common Applications

- Dresses
- Skirts
- Tablecloths
- Home Decor
- Traditional Garments

## Common Uses in Detail

### Traditional Garments & Dresses

Beloved in South African fashion, this fabric's vivid geometric jacquard patterns make it ideal for traditional dresses and skirts. Its sturdy [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) construction holds shape beautifully, while its bold designs celebrate cultural heritage and are widely worn at ceremonies and festive occasions.

### Home Décor Accents

Its eye-catching prints and durable [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) weave make it a popular choice for cushion covers, curtains, and wall hangings. The fabric's colorfastness and textural richness lend warmth and a distinctly African aesthetic to interior spaces.

### Tablecloths & Linens

Frequently used to dress dining tables for celebrations and gatherings, its tight [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) jacquard construction resists everyday wear and is easy to launder. The intricate patterning elevates table settings, blending practicality with striking visual character unique to South African craft traditions.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with similar colors, tumble dry low, iron on low heat.

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

## Additional Information

Shweshwe is often associated with cultural significance in South Africa and is used in various ceremonies and celebrations. The fabric's unique patterns are a hallmark of its identity.

- **Regional Names**: Shweshwe (South Africa), Indigo cloth
- **Sourcing Regions**: South Africa, India
- **Testing Standards**: AATCC 61 (Colorfastness to Laundering), ISO 12945 (Pilling), ASTM D5034 (Tear Strength)

## Fibers in This Fabric

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

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- [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/shweshwe) — HTML version of this page.*