Both twill and ripstop refer to specific types of fabric weaves. Ripstop is a type of plain weave with coarse fibers ribbed at intervals designed to resist and reduce tears and abrasions (stops rips). It’s lightweight and sturdy characteristics boast both wind and water resistance. Originally designed for parachutes, ripstop is the military clothing weave to demand when extreme durability is priority 1. The unique checkerboard pattern of ripstop fabric is not hard to miss. A twill weave is characterized by distinct, diagonal lines on the surface of the fabric. The inherent uneven texture and design of twill minimizes the appearance of stains and soils. Less interlacings allow the yarns to move with reduced restriction and consequently twill fabrics are more pliable than plain-weaves. The fewer interlacings also enable more tightly packed yarns with high thread counts. These durable high-count twills are wind, water and wrinkle resistant.