Fishnet vs. Mesh — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Fishnet refers to a type of material with an open, diamond-shaped knit, often used in stockings or fishing nets, while mesh describes a broader category of similar materials with interlinked strands, used in various applications from clothing to fencing.
Difference Between Fishnet and Mesh
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fishnet is characterized by its distinctive open, diamond-shaped knit, commonly associated with stockings or fishing nets, designed for aesthetic appeal or capturing marine life. Mesh, on the other hand, encompasses a wider range of materials made from interlinked strands, which can vary in size, shape, and purpose, including clothing, bags, and screens.
While fishnet is often used for its decorative aspect in fashion or its specific utility in fishing, mesh materials serve a broader array of functions, such as providing ventilation in athletic wear, reinforcing in construction, or filtering in industrial applications. Fishnet's allure in fashion stems from its unique pattern and sensual connotations, whereas mesh's appeal lies in its versatility and practicality across diverse fields.
Despite their similarities, fishnet's niche role contrasts with mesh's widespread utility, highlighting their distinct applications and cultural associations.
In the realm of durability, fishnet's design may be more prone to tearing due to its larger, open spaces, whereas mesh fabrics can be engineered for high strength and resilience, catering to demanding environments.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Fashion, fishing
Clothing, industrial, construction, sports
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Knit Pattern
Open, diamond-shaped
Various shapes, tighter or looser weaves
Aesthetic
Decorative, sensual
Practical, versatile
Durability
Prone to tears in larger designs
Can be engineered for high strength
Cultural Connotation
Often associated with fashion and allure
Associated with functionality and utility
Compare with Definitions
Fishnet
A type of net used for catching fish, characterized by its large, open weave.
The fishermen cast their fishnet into the sea at dawn.
Mesh
Used in industrial settings for filtering or reinforcing.
The construction project used steel mesh for concrete reinforcement.
Fishnet
A material with an open, diamond-shaped knit, often used for stockings.
She wore fishnet stockings to add a dramatic touch to her outfit.
Mesh
Often found in athletic wear for its breathability.
His mesh jersey kept him cool during the game.
Fishnet
Can be used decoratively in costumes or performances.
The costume designer incorporated fishnet material for a touch of flair.
Mesh
Can refer to a network or interconnection of items or people.
The community formed a tight-knit mesh of support.
Fishnet
Symbolic of certain fashion trends or subcultures.
Fishnet apparel is a staple in punk and goth fashion scenes.
Mesh
In fashion, mesh can provide a layering effect or transparency.
Her mesh overlay dress added depth to her ensemble.
Fishnet
Often associated with a sensual or edgy fashion statement.
The singer's fishnet gloves complemented her avant-garde look.
Mesh
A material made from interconnected strands, used in various applications.
The mesh screen door kept the bugs out while letting the breeze in.
Fishnet
In the field of textiles, fishnet is hosiery with an open, diamond-shaped knit; it is most often used as a material for stockings, tights, gloves or bodystockings. Fishnet is available in a multitude of colors, although it is most often sported in traditional matte black.
Mesh
A mesh is a barrier made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible or ductile materials. A mesh is similar to a web or a net in that it has many attached or woven strands.
Fishnet
Netting used to catch fish.
Mesh
Any of the open spaces in a net or network; an interstice.
Fishnet
A mesh fabric resembling such netting.
Mesh
Often meshes The cords, threads, or wires surrounding these spaces.
Fishnet
Fishnets Stockings made from such mesh fabric.
Mesh
An openwork fabric or structure; a net or network
A screen made of wire mesh.
Fishnet
(countable) A net used to catch fish.
The fishnets were hung over bushes to dry.
Mesh
Often meshes Something that snares or entraps
"Arabia had become entangled in the meshes of ... politics" (W. Montgomery Watt).
Fishnet
(uncountable) A fabric with an open diamond-shaped structure; normally used for stockings etc
Mesh
The engagement of gear teeth.
Fishnet
Stockings made of fishnet fabric.
Fishnets are for catching men.
Mesh
The state of being so engaged
Gear teeth in mesh.
Fishnet
A net that will enclose fish when it is pulled in
Mesh
To catch in or as if in a net; ensnare.
Mesh
To cause (gear teeth) to become engaged.
Mesh
To cause to work closely together; coordinate.
Mesh
To become entangled.
Mesh
To become engaged or interlocked
Gears that are not meshing properly.
Mesh
To fit together effectively; be coordinated.
Mesh
To accord with another or each other; harmonize.
Mesh
A structure made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material, with evenly spaced openings between them.
Mesh
The opening or space enclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads enclosing such a space.
Mesh
The engagement of the teeth of wheels, or of a wheel and rack.
Mesh
A measure of fineness (particle size) of ground material. A powder that passes through a sieve having 300 openings per linear inch but does not pass 400 openings per linear inch is said to be -300 +400 mesh.
Mesh
(computer graphics) A polygon mesh.
Mesh
(electronics) In mesh analysis: a loop in a electric circuit (to which Kirchhoff's voltage law can be applied).
Mesh
(ambitransitive) To connect together by interlocking, as gears do.
Mesh
To fit in; to come together harmoniously.
The music meshed well with the visuals in that film.
Mesh
(transitive) To catch in a mesh.
Mesh
The opening or space inclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads inclosing such a space; network; a net.
A golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men.
Mesh
The engagement of the teeth of wheels, or of a wheel and rack.
Mesh
To catch in a mesh.
Mesh
To engage with each other, as the teeth of wheels.
Mesh
The number of opening per inch of a screen; measures size of particles;
A 100 mesh screen
100 mesh powdered cellulose
Mesh
Contact by fitting together;
The engagement of the clutch
The meshing of gears
Mesh
The topology of a network whose components are all connected directly to every other component
Mesh
An open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
Mesh
The act of interlocking or meshing;
An interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check
Mesh
Keep engaged;
Engaged the gears
Mesh
Coordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively
Mesh
Work together in harmony
Mesh
Entangle or catch in (or as if in) a mesh
Common Curiosities
How is mesh used in construction?
In construction, mesh is used for reinforcing materials like concrete, providing strength and support.
Is fishnet durable?
Fishnet can be less durable than some types of mesh due to its larger, open knit, which may be prone to tears.
Can mesh be used in clothing?
Yes, mesh is widely used in clothing, especially in athletic wear for its breathability and flexibility.
How does the cultural connotation of fishnet compare to that of mesh?
Fishnet often carries a sensual or fashionable connotation, whereas mesh is generally associated with practicality and utility.
What is fishnet material primarily used for?
Fishnet material is primarily used for fashion items like stockings and for making fishing nets.
Can fishnet be considered a type of mesh?
Yes, fishnet can be considered a specific type of mesh known for its open, diamond-shaped knit.
Why is fishnet associated with fashion?
Fishnet is associated with fashion due to its decorative appeal and its use in items like stockings and accessories that add a sensual or edgy touch to outfits.
What are some common uses of mesh in everyday items?
Common uses of mesh include clothing, bags, screens, filters, and reinforcement materials in construction.
What makes mesh materials versatile?
Mesh materials are versatile due to their varied knit patterns, applications, and the ability to be engineered for specific strengths and functionalities.
Are there different types of mesh materials?
Yes, there are various types of mesh materials, including synthetic and natural fibers, each with different weaves and applications.
Can fishnet be used for purposes other than fashion or fishing?
While less common, fishnet can also be used decoratively in performances or costumes.
What factors contribute to the durability of mesh materials?
The durability of mesh materials depends on the type of fibers used, the tightness of the weave, and any additional treatments or engineering.
Are fishnet and mesh the same thing?
While they share similarities as materials with open spaces, fishnet specifically refers to a type of mesh with a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern, primarily used in fashion and fishing.
How do the patterns of fishnet and mesh differ?
Fishnet typically features a uniform, diamond-shaped pattern, while mesh can have various patterns, including tighter or looser weaves.
In what ways can mesh enhance athletic performance clothing?
Mesh enhances athletic performance clothing by providing ventilation, reducing weight, and increasing flexibility, thus improving comfort and performance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
