Fibers
By:Riana White
Cotton
Comes From:Cotton plant
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Strong and durable;comfortable and soft
- Not resilient or elastic;wrinkles unless treated
End Uses
- Shirts, sweaters, dresses and jeans
Flax/Linen
Comes From: Flax plant
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Stronger than cotton; comfortable
- Not resilient; wrinkles easily; shrinks
End Uses:
- Blouses, dresses. pants, suits
Wool
Comes From:Sheep
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Very versatile; provides warmth
- Damaged by moths and other insects
End Uses:
- Coats, suits, slacks and socks
Silk
Comes From:Worm
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Natural luster; strong yet lightweight
- Weakened by sunlight, perspiration
End Uses:
- Blouses, dresses, lingerie and scarves
Acetate
Comes From:Wood Pulp
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Silk-like appearance; soft and drapable
- May wrinkle;low abrasion
End uses:
- Dresses, wedding and party clothes
Rayon
Comes from: Wood pulp
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Soft and comfortable;high moisture absorbency
- May wrinkle or shrink unless treated
End uses:
- Shirts,draperies and blouses
Lyocell
Comes from: Dissolving pulp
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Exceptional strength;lustrous; soft drape
- Wrinkles; susceptible to mildew and silverfish
End uses:
- Suits, dresses, coats and jackets
Nylon
Comes from:By a process called polymerizing
Advantages/Disadvantages
- Very strong;resilient, dries quickly
- May yellow or ray and heat sensitive
End uses:
- lingerie, pantyhose and swimsuits
Olefin
Comes from:Polyolefin
Advantages/disadvantages
- Unique wicking properties
- Doesn’t absorb moisture; heat-sensitive
End uses:
- Shirts, underwear, socks for active wear.
Polyester
Comes from: plastic compound
Advantages/disadvantages
- Dries quickly
- Absorbs oily stains
End uses:
100% or blends for shirts, pants and shirts
Spandex
Comes from:sensitizers
advantages/disadvantages
- elastic; stronger and more durable
- Damaged by chlorine bleach
End uses:
- Elastic, underwear, and swimsuits