A fabric substrate material is provided. The fabric substrate includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first plurality of non-functional fill yarns and at least one functional fill yarn, and the second layer includes a second plurality of fill yarns. The second plurality of fill yarns and the at least one functional fill yarn exhibit substantially the same compressive strength, compressive resistance, or flexural strength. As such, the functional fill yarn in the first layer is protected from shrinkage or expansion and remains undamaged and functional after the fabric substrate is woven and subsequently handled or processed. The aforementioned practice of reinforcement described in the fill direction of the second layer can also be applied in the warp yarn direction, using the same principles described herein.