Finer Fabrics
By Elizabeth Brumley
Cotton (natural fiber)
Disadvantages-wrinkles easily
Can be used for many things like... corduroy, flannels, coffee filters, etc.
Flax/Linen (natural fiber)
Disadvantages-wrinkles easily
Can be used for many things like... finer fabric yarns, paint, medicine, etc.
Wool (natural fiber)
Disadvantages-traps odor
Can be used for many things like... sweaters, suits, blankets, etc.
Silk (natural fiber)
Disadvantages-poor resistance to sunlight exposure
Can be used for many things like... garments, medical dressings, cartridge bags, etc.
Acetate (manufactured fiber)
Disadvantages-needs to be dry cleaned, dyes may fade or bleed, relatively weak, subject to static electricity, heat sensitive
Can be used for many things like... linings, draperies, cigarette filters, etc.
Rayon (manufactured fiber)
Disadvantages-wrinkles easily, low resiliency, heat sensitive, susceptible to mildew, stretches, weakens when wet, shrinks, may need dry cleaning
Can be used for many things like... lingerie, bedspreads, diapers, etc.
Lyocell (manufactured fiber)
Disadvantages-susceptible to mildew
Can be used for many things like... dresses, slacks, coats, etc.
Nylon (manufactured fiber)
Disadvantages-high shrinkage in moulded sections, pollution problems, lack of stability, doesn't absorb water well
Can be used for many things like... raincoats, hoses, dental floss, etc.
Olefin (manufactured fiber)
Disadvantages-not resilient, heat sensitive, damaged by friction, extended expose to oil based soils may become permanent, difficult to die, potential to brown from soil wicking
Can be used for many things like... swimwear, vacuum cleaner bags, carpet, etc.
Spandex (manufactured fiber)
Disadvantages-whites yellow with age, heat sensitive, harmed by chlorine bleach, nonabsorbent
Can be used for many things like... aerobic/exercise wear, golf jackets, bra straps, etc.
Polyester (manufactured)
Disadvantages-difficult to dye, not resistant to oily stains, crimp loss
Can be used for many things like... seat belts, laundry bags, night wear, etc.