Moleskin: The "Mole Skin" Effect
Velvet-soft, windproof, and virtually indestructible. The legend among cotton fabrics.
Moleskin is the insider tip for anyone who seeks the robustness of denim but loves the look of velvet. The name (English for "mole skin") says it all: through an extremely dense weave and a special finish, the fabric obtains a surface that is as soft and tactile as short fur, yet consists of 100% durable cotton.
Everything you need to know about moleskin
The secret of moleskin lies in the satin weave and the high weft density.
- The Construction: A high number of weft threads are woven very closely together. After weaving, the surface is mechanically roughened ("sanded"), which brings out the fine fiber ends.
- Wind and Weatherproof: Due to its extreme density, moleskin is almost windproof and can even withstand light drizzle.
- Tactile Quality: It is heavy and firm, yet feels warm and velvety on the skin – without the cold feeling that denim sometimes has in winter.
The secret of moleskin lies in the satin weave and the high weft density.
- The Construction: A high number of weft threads are woven very closely together. After weaving, the surface is mechanically roughened ("sanded"), which brings out the fine fiber ends.
- Wind and Weatherproof: Due to its extreme density, moleskin is almost windproof and can even withstand light drizzle.
- Tactile Quality: It is heavy and firm, yet feels warm and velvety on the skin – without the cold feeling that denim sometimes has in winter.
Our moleskin fabrics are usually between 140 cm and 150 cm wide.
- Classic trousers: approx. 1.50 m – 2.00 m.
- Heavy work jacket: approx. 2.00 m – 2.50 m.
- Vest: approx. 1.00 m.
Our moleskin fabrics are usually between 140 cm and 150 cm wide.
- Classic trousers: approx. 1.50 m – 2.00 m.
- Heavy work jacket: approx. 2.00 m – 2.50 m.
- Vest: approx. 1.00 m.
Yes! Because the surface is brushed, moleskin has a nap (similar to velvet or corduroy). If you run your hand over it, you'll notice that the fibers feel smooth in one direction and stand up in the other. Make sure to cut all pattern pieces in the same direction, otherwise the pieces will appear to have different colors in the light.
Yes! Because the surface is brushed, moleskin has a nap (similar to velvet or corduroy). If you run your hand over it, you'll notice that the fibers feel smooth in one direction and stand up in the other. Make sure to cut all pattern pieces in the same direction, otherwise the pieces will appear to have different colors in the light.
Actually, no, but it is thick. A 90 or 100 denim needle is a must. As the fabric is very tightly woven, it offers resistance when pierced – a sharp needle and strong thread (strength 30 or 50 for decorative stitching) ensure the best results.
Actually, no, but it is thick. A 90 or 100 denim needle is a must. As the fabric is very tightly woven, it offers resistance when pierced – a sharp needle and strong thread (strength 30 or 50 for decorative stitching) ensure the best results.
For decades, moleskin was the standard workwear in steel mills and for the military because it is so dense that glowing sparks often simply bounce off before they can ignite the fabric. This speaks to the enormous quality and safety of this material.
For decades, moleskin was the standard workwear in steel mills and for the military because it is so dense that glowing sparks often simply bounce off before they can ignite the fabric. This speaks to the enormous quality and safety of this material.
