Fiber types and properties
Natural Fibres
- Cotton: Derived from the cotton plant, this fibre is known for its durability, absorbency, and suitability for dyeing. It is gentle, hypoallergenic, and great for skin contact fabrics.
- Silk: Luxurious and lustrous, silk is derived from silkworm cocoons. It has excellent drape, is strong, and has natural temperature-regulating properties.
- Wool: Acquired from sheep, it has great elasticity and resilience. Wool is warm, flame resistant and absorbs moisture well, making it comfortable in varying conditions.
- Linen: Produced from the stem of flax plants, linen is exceptionally absorbent, strong, and good for summer clothing due to its coolness.
Manufactured Fibres
Regenerated
- Rayon: Made from wood pulp, rayon drapes well and is highly absorbent making it good for summer wear. It may wrinkle easily and loses strength when wet.
- Acetate: Derived from wood pulp, acetate is known for its high lustre, and good drape. Less absorbent than rayon, it dries quickly and is moderately strong.
- Lyocell: This is a variety of rayon made from wood pulp under eco-friendly processes. It combines silk's drape with the absorbency of cotton.
Synthetic
- Nylon: Offers high strength, elasticity, and resilience. Nylon was the first fibre to be completely synthetic. It's resistant to moisture and wrinkles but is prone to static build-up.
- Polyester: This is also highly strong, resilient, and resistant to shrinking and creasing. Polyester is also quick-drying, however, it has tendency to retain oily stains.
- Acrylic: This soft, lightweight fibre is known for its wool-like feel. Acrylic is warm, resilient, retains colour well, and is resistant to sun and chemical damage.
Blended Fibres
- Many textiles are not entirely composed of one fibre but are blended, often to combine characteristics of various fibres. For example, cotton and polyester might be blended to combine cotton's softness and absorbency with polyester's strength and durability.
Note the Properties of Fibres
Understanding the properties of each fibre is key to making appropriate selections in designing and creating garments. Different garments will command different properties based on their use and styling.