Clothing Fibers

The Naturals

Cotton

Source of Cotton

•The cotton plant–Fibers are formed in the seed pods as the plant ripens

Characteristics of Cotton

• Strong• Durable• Absorbs

moisture• Supports mildew

growth• Does not spring

back into shape

Cotton is used in:• Blouses• Dresses• Skirts• Underwear• Socks• Sportswear• Housecoats• Shirts• Jeans

How Cotton Affects Clothing Characteristics

An all-cotton garment will:• Be comfortable in warm weather• Wrinkle easily• Wash easily• Need ironing at high temperature• Be durable• Withstand wear• Burn readily• Mildew if stored damp or in a damp place

Linen

Source of Linen

• The Flax plant– Fibers are formed in the

stalk of the flax plant.Flax Flax

Characteristics of Linen

• Strong • Durable• Supports mildew

growth• Absorbs moisture

Linen is Used in:

• Blouses• Dresses• Skirts• Suits• Table linens• Household linens

How Linen Affects Clothing Characteristics

An all-linen garment will:• Be comfortable in warm weather• Wrinkle easily• Wash easily• Need to be ironed at high

temperature• Be very durable• Withstand wear• Burn readily• Mildew if stored damp or in a damp

place

Ramie

Sources of Ramie

• The ramie plant– AKA: Chinese grass

Characteristics of Ramie

• High luster• Unusual resistance to molds & bacteria• Extremely absorbent• Dries quickly• One of the strongest natural fibers• Stronger when wet• Durable• Wrinkles easily• Often blended (typically: 55% ramie/45% cotton)• Similar to linen (often mistaken for linen)

Ramie is used in:

• Sweaters• Shirts• Shorts • Tablecloths,

napkins• Handkerchiefs• Fishing nets• Canvas• Sewing threads• Fire hoses

How Ramie affects clothing characteristics

• Keeps it shape and does not shrink

• Can be laundered or dry cleaned• Smooth lustrous appearance

improves with washing

Wool

Sources of Wool

• Sheep– The hair/fur of a

sheep

Characteristics of wool

• Warm• Durable• Returns to original

shape quickly• Absorbs moisture

Wool is used in:

• Knit garments• Sweaters• Gloves• Skirts• Coats• Sportswear• Socks• Suits• Slacks

How Wool affects Clothing Characteristics

An all-wool garment will:• Be warmer than cotton, linen, or silk• Resist wrinkling• Absorb odors• Be durable• Withstand wear• Need protection against insects (moths)• Need careful handling if washed• Need to be pressed at low temperature

Silk

Sources of Silk

• Silkworm- The cocoons of the silkworms

Characteristics of Silk

• Smooth• Lustrous• Strong

Silk is used in:

• Skirts• Blouses• Dresses• Neckties• Scarves

How Silk affects clothing characteristics

An all-silk garment will:• Feel luxurious• Need ironing at low temperatures• Show water spots• Need to be dry cleaned, unless carefully handled in washing