Fabrics and other reinforcements are used in conjunction with resins (the matrix) to produce composite materials (composites) that combine strengths to overcome the weaknesses of the two (or more) materials and thus create very strong materials.

The most common fabrics and reinforcements are carbon fiber, aramid (Kevlar) and fiberglass, although there are many others.

On their own, with the exception of aramids (Kevlar) these fabrics do not have a resistance much beyond what any woven fabric can have, but once they are combined with the resin to make a finished product, their strength can be surprising.