When people talk about jute fabric and burlap fabric, they often mix them up as if they were the same thing. While both are closely related, they are not identical. Jute is a natural fiber, while burlap is the rough, woven fabric made from jute. Understanding the difference is important for businesses, eco-friendly shoppers, and anyone interested in sustainable living.
Stay with us, we’ll dive deep into jute vs. burlap fabric, exploring what they are, how they are used, their unique features, and how to choose between them.
What is Jute Fabric?
Jute fabric is a natural textile made from jute fibers, one of the most affordable and eco-friendly fibers in the world. It is extracted from the stalks of the jute plant, mainly grown in Bangladesh and India. The fibers are long, soft, and shiny, which makes them easy to spin into threads and yarns.
Unlike synthetic fabrics, jute fabric is biodegradable, breathable, and durable, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious industries.
What is Jute Used For?
Jute has been used for centuries in both traditional and modern applications. Its versatility makes it suitable for:
- Clothing and fashion – eco-friendly dresses, tunics, and accessories.
- Home décor – curtains, upholstery, rugs, and carpets.
- Handicrafts – handbags, mats, and decorative pieces.
- Industrial use – ropes, geotextiles, and canvas materials.
- Eco-friendly packaging – replacing plastic bags with jute shopping bags.
What is Burlap Fabric?
Burlap fabric is a coarse, loosely woven cloth made from jute fibers. It’s often recognized by its rustic, rough texture and natural brown color. While jute is the raw material, burlap is the end product created by weaving jute threads.
Because of its durability and breathability, burlap is widely used for storage, packaging, and decorative purposes.
What is Burlap Used For?
Burlap fabric has many practical uses in different industries:
- Sacks and Bags – widely used for transporting grains, potatoes, and coffee beans.
- Rustic Décor & Crafts – table runners, wall hangings, wedding decorations.
- Agriculture – crop storage, root protection, and erosion control.
- Packaging – an eco-friendly alternative to plastic sacks.
What is the difference between jute and burlap fabric?
While jute and burlap are related, they are not the same. Here are the main differences:
| Feature | Jute Fabric | Burlap Fabric (Hessian) |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber Source | Jute plant fibers | Jute plant fibers |
| Processing | Can be woven into fine or coarse fabric (varied textures) | Coarse weave of jute threads (low thread count) |
| Texture | Smoother, softer than burlap, though it can still be coarse | Rough, coarse, rustic feel |
| Breathability | More breathable than hessian | Limited airflow |
| Strength | Strong but can be lighter and more flexible | Strong and heavy-duty |
| Durability | Durable for clothing, home décor, and accessories | Withstands heavy loads (agriculture, sacks) |
| Moisture Handling | Breathable, better moisture control for home & clothing | Absorbs moisture, but not great for long-term exposure |
| Appearance | Can be dyed, bleached, or softened for different looks | Natural brown, rustic, industrial look |
| Comfort Level | Can be processed into softer fabric for clothing & décor | Not suitable for direct skin contact (too rough) |
| Price | More expensive than hessian due to processing | Cheaper and widely available |
| Eco-Friendliness | 100% biodegradable, renewable, and sustainable | Biodegradable, eco-friendly alternative to plastics |
| Common Uses | Clothing, carpets, rugs, geotextiles, upholstery, handbags, and eco-friendly décor | Sacks, bags, packaging, rustic décor, agriculture, crafts |
| Detailed Uses | • Clothing and fashion accessories • Upholstery, curtains, carpets, rugs • Eco-friendly shopping bags and handbags • Decorative crafts and home textiles |
• Sacks and storage bags for agriculture • Packaging for grains, potatoes, coffee beans • Rustic decorations for weddings and events • DIY crafts, gardening sheets, erosion control |
| Eco-Trend | Popular in sustainable fashion and eco-friendly home décor | Growing use of eco-friendly packaging as companies replace plastics with burlap |
| Common Misconceptions | • Jute is the raw fiber/finer fabric, not the same as burlap • Jute fabric used for clothes & décor, burlap mainly for sacks & packaging • “Jute burlap cloth” is a confusing term because burlap is always made from jute |
• Often mistaken as “jute” itself, but it’s actually just one type of fabric made from jute |
Sustainability: Jute Fiber and Burlap Fabric in Eco-Friendly Living
One of the biggest advantages of both jute and burlap is their environmental impact.
- Eco-benefits of Jute Fibers:
- 100% biodegradable and recyclable.
- Grows quickly with little need for pesticides.
- Has a very low carbon footprint.
- Eco-benefits of Burlap Fabric:
- Replaces plastic sacks and packaging.
- Used in agriculture to reduce synthetic waste.
- Plays a role in eco-conscious weddings and events.
- Sustainable Fashion with Jute:
Jute fabric is being embraced by designers as part of the global sustainable fashion movement. Jute clothing, jute handbags, and even footwear are becoming trendy alternatives to fast fashion.
How to Choose Between Jute Cloth and Burlap Fabric
If you’re unsure whether to pick jute fabric or burlap, here’s a quick guide:
- Purpose:
- Fashion, décor, or accessories → Choose jute fabric.
- Packaging, sacks, or rustic decoration → Choose burlap fabric.
- Texture Preference:
- Smooth and soft → Jute fabric.
- Coarse and rustic → Burlap fabric.
- Durability Needs:
- Lightweight but strong → Jute fabric.
- Heavy-duty and rugged → Burlap fabric.
Buyer’s Guide:
- Businesses in fashion and home décor should go for jute fabric.
- Farmers, exporters, and event planners should choose burlap fabric.
Final Thoughts
Jute and burlap may come from the same plant, but they serve different purposes. Jute cloth is finer and more versatile, making it a popular choice for fashion, décor, and sustainable living. Burlap fabric is rougher and stronger, making it ideal for agriculture, packaging, and rustic crafts.
Both are eco-friendly, durable, and practical alternatives to synthetic materials. Whether for style, farming, or décor, Jute Cloth & Burlap Fabric for Multiple Uses continues to prove its value in everyday life.
FAQs
Are jute fabric and burlap fabric the same?
No. Jute is the fiber, while burlap is the coarse, woven cloth made from it.
How long will jute last?
With proper care, jute fabric can last for years, depending on use.
Can you make jute clothing from burlap?
No. Burlap is too rough for comfortable clothing. Jute fabric is used instead.
Is cloth hessian different from cloth burlap?
No. “Hessian” is the British term for burlap. Both are the same.
Which lasts longer – jute cloth or jute burlap cloth?
Burlap fabric is heavier and more durable for storage, while jute cloth is more versatile but less rugged.
Why is jute burlap fabric popular for rustic weddings?
Because of its natural, earthy, and vintage look, it’s widely used for wedding décor like table runners and backdrops.
