The fabrics I've used allow moisture through, but block most, not all weeds. Better than without it.

One fella I've watched videos on ran irrigation under thick black plastic. Then heated a petal circle that melted a perfect hold for his seedlings. All the moisture kept under it. Just the plant above. No room for weeds at all.

If I had room for in ground planting, that's what I would do. Then cover the plastic with pine straw or pea gravel to help hold it down and give a surface to walk on without slipping.

But that's just me.

Character is not developed in moments of temptation and trial. That is when it is intended to be used.