ACETATE
Cellulosic-based, from wood pulp or cotton linters.
Characteristics:
Luxurious appearance Crisp or soft hand Wide range of colors; dyes and prints well Excellent drape ability and softness Shrink, moth, and mildew resistant Low moisture absorbency, relatively fast drying No pilling problem, little static problem Most acetate garments require dry-cleaning.
Major End Uses:
Apparel- Blouses, dresses, linings, special occasion apparel, Home Fashion – Draperies, upholstery, curtains, bedspreads.
TRIACETATE
Man-made.
Characteristics:
Luxurious hand Excellent drape ability Resilient Excellent pleat retention Washable or dry-cleanable No pilling problem Can have static problem.
Major End Uses:
Apparel – dresses, skirts, sportswear, robes, particularly where pleat retention is important.
LYOCELL
Man-made, cellulosic-based.
Characteristics:
Excellent strength Washable Shrink- and wrinkle-resistant Soft hand Excellent drape Absorbent Dyes and prints well.
Major End Uses:
Apparel – dresses, suits, sportswear, pants, jackets, blouses, skirts.
ACRYLIC
Man-made.
Characteristics:
Light-weight, soft, warm for winter wearing Fine, soft, lightweight, cotton-like fabrics, which are cool in hot weather Dyes to bright colors with excellent fastness Outstanding wick ability Machine washable, quick drying Resilient; retains shape; resists shrinkage, & wrinkles Flexible aesthetics for wool-like, cotton-like or blended appearance Excellent pleat retention Resistant to moths, oil and chemicals Superior resistance to sunlight degradation Static and pilling can be a problem.
Major End Uses:
Apparel – sweaters, socks, fleece, circular knit apparel, sportswear, children’s wear Home Fashion – Blankets, throws, upholstery, awnings, outdoor furniture, rugs/floor coverings.
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| Fibres |
SPANDEX
Man-made.
Characteristics:
Lightweight Can be stretched over 500% without breaking Able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length Abrasion resistant Stronger, more durable than rubber Soft, smooth and supple Resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions or detergents No static or pilling problems.
Major End Uses:
Apparel – articles where stretch is desired: athletic apparel, bathing suits, foundation garments, ski pants, slacks, hosiery, socks, belts.
NYLON
Man-made.
Characteristics:
Lightweight Exceptional strength Good drape ability Abrasion resistant Easy to wash Resists shrinkage and wrinkling resilient, pleat retentive Fast drying, low moisture absorbency. Can be pre-colored or dyed in a wide range of colors Resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals Static and pilling can be a problem Poor resistance to continuous sunlight.
Major End Uses:
Apparel – swimwear, activewear, intimate apparel, foundation garments, hosiery, blouses, dresses, sportswear, pants, jackets, skirts, raincoats, ski and snow apparel, windbreakers, children’s wear. Home Fashion – carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstery, draperies, bedspreads Other – Luggage, back packets, life vests, umbrellas, sleeping bags, tents.
POLYESTER
Man-made.
Characteristics:
Strong Crisp, soft hand Resistant to stretching and shrinkage Washable or dry-cleanable Quick drying Resilient, wrinkle resistant, excellent pleat retention (if heat set) Abrasion resistant Resistant to most chemicals Because of its low absorbency, stain removal can be a problem Static and pilling problems.
Major End Uses:
Apparel – essential every form of clothing, dresses, blouses, jackets, separates, sportswear, suits, shirts, pants, rainwear, lingerie, children’s wear Home Fashion – curtains, draperies, floor coverings, fiber fill, upholstery, bedding.
RAYON
Man-made, cellulosic-based from wood pulp.
Characteristics:
Soft and comfortable Drapes well Highly absorbent Dyes and prints well No static, no pilling problems Fabric can shrink appreciably if washing dry clean only rayon Washable or dry cleanable.
Major End Uses:
Apparel – Blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, millinery, slacks, sport shirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes Home Fashion – bedspreads, blankets, curtains, draperies, sheets, slip covers, table cloths, upholstery.
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