CLOTHING FIBERS

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF FIBERS:

Natural Fibers &

Synthetic Fibers

NATURAL FIBERS

1. Natural Fibers – are produced from sources in Nature such as the following:

A. Plants – Including:

1. Cotton Boll2. Flax Plant

ANDB. Animals – Including:

1. Sheep2. Silk Worms

NATURAL FIBERSNatural Fibers are generally…

POSITIVES:

More comfortable to wear

Breathable

Hydrophilic

(water absorbent)

Environmentally Friendly

NATURAL FIBERSNatural Fibers are generally…

NEGATIVES:

More Expensive

Shrink Easily

Wrinkle Easily

More Difficult to care for(Usually need to be dry-cleaned)

SYNTHETIC FIBERS

SYNTHETIC FIBERSSynthetic Fibers are generally…

POSITIVES:

Less Expensive

Do NOT Shrink

Resist Wrinkles

Repels Water

Easy to Care For

(Machine Washable)

SYNTHETIC FIBERSSynthetic Fibers are generally…

NEGATIVES:

Less comfortable

Static Cling

Hydrophobic

(Does Not Absorb)

Melts at High Temperatures

NATURAL FIBERSNatural Fibers Distinguishing Characteristics & Uses

Wool -Absorbs & repels water

USED FOR: Winter clothing, Men’s suits…

Silk – Luxurious Drape & Gummy Texture

USED FOR: Formal dresses, ties, scarves…

NATURAL FIBERSDistinguishing Characteristics & Uses

Linen –

Uneven Texture

USED FOR: women’s suits,

Table Cloths, etc…

Cotton –

Least Expensive & Easiest Care

USED FOR: Many things including, Summer clothes, knits, sheets, towels, etc…

SYNTHETIC FIBERSDistinguishing Characteristics & Uses…

NYLON – Non Cellulosic- Is the Strongest Fiber

USED FOR:

Heavy duty things,

such as tents, back packs,

tarps, etc…

ALSO, USED FOR: delicate

things such as stockings…

SYNTHETIC FIBERSDistinguishing Characteristics & Uses…

POLYESTER – Non-cellulosic

Most Versatile Fiber- It is used to make fancy dresses

- It is used to make polar fleece

- It is made from Petroleum

- It is also used for things

that are not fabric

- It retains Oil Stains

SYNTHETIC FIBERSSynthetic Fibers include:

ACRYLIC – Non Cellulosic

- Resembles Wool

USED FOR: the same

types of things that

wool is used for, but

does not absorb as

effectively

SYNTHETIC FIBERSDistinguishing Characteristics & Uses…

SPANDEX – Non CellulosicIt is the only Fiber that Stretches,

USED FOR: Swim Wear

& Active Wear

SYNTHETIC FIBERSDistinguishing Characteristics & Uses…

RAYON – Cellulosic Fiber- It has a drape and sheen that resembles silk.

USED FOR: Elegant dresses, blouses, scarves, etc…

- It is also ultra absorbent.

It can hold up to ten times

it’s weight.

ALSO USED FOR: products

that need heavy absorption

SYNTHETIC FIBERSDistinguishing Characteristics & Uses…

ACETATE - Cellulosic Fiber

- Dissolves in Acetone

- It has a sheen that

resembles Silk.

- It is the weakest fiber

made and does not

withstand stress.

USED FOR: costumes

and fancy dresses.