Cotton vs polyester vs silk
Cotton: easy to wash, beginner-friendly. Polyester: colourfast and cheap. Silk: best drape; requires dry cleaning.
Weight and drape
Lightweight (≤ 100 gsm) suits collars and pouches. Mid-weight (100–180 gsm) is the most versatile. Heavy (180+ gsm) suits obi and outerwear.
Print quality
Look for clean registration on multi-colour wagara. Gold thread on kinran should sit flat.
Pre-cut vs bolt
Pre-cut wins on cost predictability and beginner accessibility.