70D – 1200D
Denier: what it means and what each is used for
Reviewed by Mohamed Rizk, Head of Production Engineering, 20+ years at Al Rawda. Last updated
What denier means, and which weight of yarn suits which fabric, from fine 70D to heavy 1200D.
What does denier mean?
Quick answer
Denier is the weight, in grams, of 9,000 metres of yarn. The higher the denier, the heavier and thicker the yarn.
A yarn of 150 denier means that 9,000 metres of it weigh 150 grams. Finer deniers make lighter, softer fabrics; heavier deniers make thicker, stronger, more hard-wearing ones. Denier is also linked to tex, another yarn number: 1 tex equals 9 denier. Al Rawda makes DTY from 70 to 1200 denier.
Which DTY denier is used for what?
Quick answer
As a rule, fine deniers (about 70D to 75D) make light, soft fabrics, medium deniers (about 100D to 300D) suit home textiles and lighter upholstery, and heavy deniers (about 450D and above) suit heavy upholstery and contract seating. Rugs and carpets use heavy deniers too, from about 300D.
70D to 75D
Linings, lightweight apparel fabrics, light curtain fabrics, soft-touch home textiles
Fine, light, soft
100D to 150D
Bedding and home textile fabrics (from about 75D), curtain linings, decorative fabrics
Balanced: soft with some body
200D to 400D
Upholstery and decorative fabrics, blankets, heavier curtain fabrics, light rugs and carpets from 300D
Stronger, more body
450D to 600D
Heavy upholstery, furniture coverings, contract seating, some rugs and carpets
Thick, hard-wearing
900D to 1200D
Very heavy, bulky constructions: rugs, carpets, heavy upholstery, technical and outdoor fabrics
Very bulky and strong
| Denier | Typical uses | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 70D to 75D | Linings, lightweight apparel fabrics, light curtain fabrics, soft-touch home textiles | Fine, light, soft |
| 100D to 150D | Bedding and home textile fabrics (from about 75D), curtain linings, decorative fabrics | Balanced: soft with some body |
| 200D to 400D | Upholstery and decorative fabrics, blankets, heavier curtain fabrics, light rugs and carpets from 300D | Stronger, more body |
| 450D to 600D | Heavy upholstery, furniture coverings, contract seating, some rugs and carpets | Thick, hard-wearing |
| 900D to 1200D | Very heavy, bulky constructions: rugs, carpets, heavy upholstery, technical and outdoor fabrics | Very bulky and strong |
What is 70D to 75D DTY used for?
Quick answer
70D to 75D DTY is typically used for light, soft fabrics: linings, lightweight apparel fabrics, light curtain fabrics and soft-touch home textiles.
At this weight the yarn is fine and flexible, so the fabric drapes well and feels smooth. The filament count matters a lot here: more filaments make a softer fabric. Al Rawda starts at 70 denier. Very sheer, lustrous voiles are often made from FDY instead, so choose DTY when you want bulk and softness.
What is 300D DTY used for?
Quick answer
200D to 300D DTY is typically used for upholstery and decorative fabrics, blankets and heavier curtain fabrics, and light rugs and carpets from 300D.
This is where the yarn starts to give a fabric real body and abrasion resistance, while staying versatile. It is a common choice for upholstery grounds and for curtain fabrics that need to hang heavily.
Tell us the fabric you are making and we will advise on the specification.
What is 450D to 600D DTY used for?
Quick answer
450D to 600D DTY is typically used for heavy upholstery, furniture coverings and contract seating, and for some rugs, carpets and technical fabrics.
These yarns are thick and strong, and the textured structure adds bulk without losing durability. They suit fabrics that must resist heavy wear.
Tell us the fabric you are making and we will advise on the specification.
What is 900D to 1200D DTY used for?
Quick answer
900D to 1200D DTY is typically used for very heavy, bulky constructions: rugs and carpets, heavy upholstery, and technical or outdoor fabrics.
These are the heaviest yarns we make. They are specified less often than the lighter deniers, so please confirm availability, filament count and colours with our sales team before you plan a fabric around them.