When making garments, the focus is often on the outer fabric. However, what sits underneath can be just as important. Lining and interlining play a major role in how a garment fits, feels, and performs over time. Many sewing problems—such as poor structure, discomfort, or garments losing shape—can often be traced back to incorrect or missing internal layers.
Understanding the difference between lining and interlining helps you decide when they are needed and how they improve the final result.
What Is Lining?
Lining is the fabric layer that sits on the inside of a garment, directly between the wearer and the outer fabric. Its primary purpose is comfort and finish. Lining allows garments to slide on and off easily, prevents irritation from seams, and creates a clean internal appearance.
Lining is commonly used in:
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Dresses and skirts
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Jackets and coats
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Trousers
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Formal and occasion wear
A lined garment generally feels more comfortable to wear and looks more polished on the inside.
What Is Interlining?
Interlining is a hidden layer placed between the outer fabric and the lining. It is used to add structure, warmth, or support. Unlike lining, interlining is not designed to touch the skin.
Interlining is often used in:
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Tailored jackets and blazers
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Coats and outerwear
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Waistbands and collars
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Structured dresses
Interlining helps garments hold their shape, resist wrinkling, and maintain their silhouette over time.
Key Differences Between Lining and Interlining
Although both sit inside a garment, lining and interlining serve very different purposes.
Lining focuses on comfort and finish.
Interlining focuses on structure and support.
Some garments require only lining, some require only interlining, and others benefit from both layers working together.
When Do You Need Lining?
Lining is useful whenever comfort, movement, or a clean finish is important. Lightweight or textured outer fabrics often feel better with a lining layer, especially when worn for long periods.
Lining is particularly helpful when:
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The outer fabric is rough or textured
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The garment needs to drape smoothly
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You want to hide internal seams
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The garment is worn close to the skin
For example, summer dresses made from lightweight fabrics often benefit from lining to improve comfort and prevent transparency.
This topic pairs well with existing reading such as:
👉 How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Sewing Project
When Do You Need Interlining?
Interlining is needed when a garment requires shape, warmth, or reinforcement. It is especially common in tailored garments and outerwear.
You may need interlining when:
- The garment needs structure or stiffness
- The fabric is lightweight but the design is tailored
- Warmth is required without bulk
- Areas such as collars or waistbands need support
Interlining helps garments maintain their intended shape, especially after repeated wear.
Using Both Lining and Interlining Together
Many garments benefit from using both lining and interlining. In this case, the layers work together:
- Outer fabric: provides appearance
- Interlining: provides structure or warmth
- Lining: provides comfort and finish
This combination is common in coats, blazers, and formal wear, where both appearance and comfort matter.
Common Mistakes When Using Lining and Interlining
One common mistake is adding lining when structure is actually needed. Lining alone will not provide support. Another mistake is using interlining where comfort is the priority, which can result in garments feeling stiff or uncomfortable.
Choosing the correct internal layer depends on how the garment will be worn and what it needs to achieve.
Understanding fabric weight also helps avoid these issues. This connects well with:
👉 How Fabric Weight Affects Drape, Fit and Comfort
How Lining and Interlining Affect Fit
Lining allows garments to move more freely on the body, improving overall comfort. Interlining affects how a garment sits and holds its shape.
Used correctly, both layers enhance fit. Used incorrectly, they can make garments feel bulky or restrictive.
Caring for Lined and Interlined Garments
Garments with lining and interlining often require gentler care. Washing at lower temperatures and avoiding excessive heat helps preserve internal layers and prevent distortion.
Always consider the most delicate layer when choosing how to clean a garment.
For general guidance on garment construction and textile performance, the Textile Institute provides reliable educational information:
Why Internal Layers Matter More Than You Think
Lining and interlining are rarely visible, but they directly affect how a garment feels, fits, and lasts. Many professionally made garments rely on these layers to achieve their quality finish.
Understanding when and how to use lining and interlining helps elevate sewing projects from basic to well-constructed.
Making Better Choices for Future Projects
Before starting a project, consider what the garment needs beyond appearance. Comfort, structure, and longevity all depend on internal layers.
Choosing the right combination of lining and interlining leads to garments that are more enjoyable to wear and more durable over time.
