Fabric, an essential material used in everyday life, has undergone a remarkable evolution over time. It is the result of weaving threads together.
There are several types of fabric, each with special characteristics and uses, ranging from natural to synthetic origins. Fabric is crucial in the clothing industry, such as pants, shirts, and towels. In addition, it is used in furniture decoration and industry.
This article explores the journey through different fabric types.
Types of Fabric
Fabric can be classified into two types according to the origin of the used material: natural (from plants or animals) and synthetic fabrics (from petrochemicals).
Natural Fabrics:
- Cotton
- Cotton has been one of the most used fabrics for ages.
- It is made from fibers of cotton plants.
- It is a staple fiber, meaning it is composed of various lengths of fiber.
- Cotton is a convenient choice for everyday use because it is soft, durable, and adapts to all seasons; it is warm in winter and can absorb moisture and withstand heat in summer.
- It is also used in bed sheets, curtains, towels, and tents.
However, the attention towards organic cotton production is increasing because it needs significant amounts of water and pesticides, which are not eco-friendly.
- Linen
- Linen is made from flax plants.
- Characteristics: natural strength, lightweight, and breathability.
- It is the optimal choice for sensitive skin because it does not cause any skin irritations.
- It is ideal for warm days, as it permits air circulation and keeps the individual cool.
- Linen is also widely used in furniture, curtains, bed linens, tablecloths, and other household items.
- One drawback of linen is that it is easily wrinkled, although some might find it a special feature.
- Wool
- Wool is produced from animals like sheep and goats.
- It is mainly used in cold climates, as winter clothing or blanket, due to its natural characteristics of providing warmth and comfort by insulating and trapping air.
- The natural flame-resistance and moisture-wicking properties of wool make it widely used, not only in clothes, but also in carpets, upholstery, and blankets industry.
- Some people might find wool itchy for their skin, so they avoid wearing it.
- Silk
- Silk is the most luxurious and elegant fabric.
- Silkworms produce silk as a material for their nests through a process called sericulture.
- It is known for its smooth and shiny texture, making it a high-quality premium fabric in luxurious fashion and home decor.
- Silk is strong and durable. Additionally, silk is a temperature-regulating fiber, making it suitable for both summer and winter.
- The production of silk is complex and expensive.
Synthetic Fibers:
Synthetic fibers are created from chemical materials to copy and enhance the characteristics of natural fabrics. They provide the following benefits:
- Strength
- Durability
- Resistance to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkles
- Affordability
Additionally, synthetic fibers can be used for custom-made reasons, such as moist-resist clothing for athletes. Synthetic fabrics are divided into organic (from natural or synthetic polymers) and inorganic.
These are examples of synthetic fabrics:
- Polyester
- It is the most frequently used synthetic fabric, accounting for 80% of synthetic fiber use.
- Characteristics: Strong, soft, long-lasting, wear-resistant, and easily dried.
- Polyester is often combined with other fibers like wool to enhance their strength.
- Uses: clothing, furniture, sheets, pillows, and footwear.
- Nylon
- Nylon is the name of a polyamide group, named thermoplastic polymers.
- It is derived from petrolatum.
- Characteristics: lightweight, strong, flexible, durable, easily cleaned, stretchy, and affordable.
- Uses: bags, clothes, and wallets.
- Nylons are not breathable, but they are wear-resistant.
- Chiffon
- Chiffon is produced from silk or synthetic fibers, cotton, nylon, or polyester.
- It is lightweight, transparent, strong, and slightly stretchy so it is often used in dresses, blouses, and scarves.
- Chiffon is prone to snagging.
Synthetic fabrics depend on petrochemicals, which are nonrenewable resources and have a negative environmental impact. Additionally, they require hundreds of years to decompose. Therefore, the development of more eco-friendly options and improvements in synthetic fiber manufacturing are gaining more importance.
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