TextilesNatural and Synthetic Fibers

Fibers

All fabrics are made from small, hair-like fibers

Fibers can be separated into two categories – Natural– Synthetic

(manufactured)

Natural Fibers

Come from plants and animals– Animals = protein fibers– Plants = cellulosic fibers

General Characteristics– Hydrophilic (Absorb Water)– Comfortable to wear– Most wrinkle easily– Durable

Natural Fibers

Cotton Flax (Linen) Wool Silk Ramie Leather

Specialty – Mohair (goat)– Camel– Cashmere (goat)– Angora (rabbit– Llama

Can be expensive….Why?– Hard to collect and process

Cotton Advantages

Strong, durable Soft Absorbs moisture Breathes well Washes easily Cheap

Cotton disadvantages

Mildews Does not spring back into shape Wrinkles easily Burns readily Shrinks

Care of Cotton

Machine washable May shrink if washed or dried at high

temperatures Iron at high temperature

Blouses Dresses Skirts Underwear Shirts Jeans Sportswear

Clothing/Fashion Uses

Flax (Linen) Advantages

STRONG Absorbs moisture Comfortable in warm weather Washes easily

Linen disadvantages

Mildews WRINKLES Burns easily Shrinks

Care of Linen

Wash or Dry Clean, CHECK LABEL Iron at HIGH temperature

Clothing/Fashion uses

Blouses Dresses Skirts Suits

Wool Advantages WARM Durable ABSORBENT Dyes well Resilient (returns to original shape

quickly) – very elastic due to natural crimp Resists wrinkling Fire Retardant

Wool Disadvantages

Requires special care Shrinks sometimes if washed, or dried

in dryer Absorbs odors Requires protection against insects

(moths)

Care of Wool

Dry Clean or Hand Wash and Dry flat Iron at low temperature

Knit garments Sweaters Gloves Skirts Coats Sportswear Socks Suits slacks

Clothing/Fashion uses

Silk Advantages

Smooth Lustrous Strong Dries quickly Luxurious Drapable, soft Resists mildew Resists wrinkles

Silk Disadvantages Shows water spots

(sweat, perfumes, hairspray) Sensitive to light

Care of silk

Dry clean or handwash, check label Iron wrong side at low temperature

Skirts Blouses Dresses Neckties Scarves Lingerie Sweaters

Clothing/Fashion uses

Synthetic (Manufactured) Fibers

Made in factories from raw materials– Fibrous substance found in plants = cellulosic– Chemicals = noncellulosic

Characteristics– Hydrophobic (water resistant)– Promote static cling– Heat Sensitive– Many pill– Most are wrinkle resistant

Synthetic Fibers Acetate Acrylic Nylon Polyester Rayon Spandex (Lycra) Aramid (Kevlar, Nomex) Olefin Triacetate Modacrylic

Rayon Advantages

Soft and comfortable High moisture absorbency Drapeable Dyes well Good sheen

Rayon disadvantages

May wrinkle, stretch, or shrink May mildew Lacks strength Heat sensitive

Care of Rayon Usually machine washable Retains appearance better if dry cleaned Iron at low temperature

Dresses Skirts Lingerie Blouses

Clothing/Fashion uses

Nylon Advantages

Very Strong Resilient Lustrous Dries quickly

Nylon disadvantages

May yellow or gray Builds up static cling Heat Sensitive Low moisture absorbency

Care of Nylon

Easily laundered Fabric softener to reduce static Iron at low temperature

Sportswear Jackets Raincoats Backpacks Purses

Clothing/Fashion uses

Polyester advantages Excellent WRINKLE RESISTANCE Resistant to abrasion Dries quickly Blends well with other fibers Retains heat-set pleats and creases

Polyester Disadvantages Absorbs oily stains Builds up static electricity Low absorbency of moisture

Care of Polyester

Remove oily stains immediately Easily laundered Use fabric softener to reduce static Needs little or no pressing

Clothing/Fashion uses

Pants Shirts Suits Sportswear Skirts

Acrylic Advantages

Soft Warm Wool-like Light weight Wrinkle resistant Resistant to moths and sunlight Retains shape

Acrylic Disadvantages

Pills Static electricity Does not absorb moisture Heat sensitive

Care of Acrylic

Machine washable Use fabric softener to reduce static cling Iron at low temperature

Sweaters Knit garments Faux Fur Coats Pants Skirts Shoe soles

Clothing/Fashion uses

Fabric Blends

Created to utilize the positive characteristics of each fiber– Usually one natural

and one synthetic

Example: – Polyester/cotton

blend• More wrinkle

resistant, stronger, and mildew resistant

The End…