FIBERS

SYNTHETIC FIBERS Manufactured through the use of chemical substances. Less absorbent than natural fibers and are heat sensitive. Swimsuits need to have the chlorine rinsed out of them right after use to avoid excess damage to the fibers.

ACRYLIC · created to be similar to wool; soft, warm, and lightweight ·  often used in sweaters ·  machine washable ·  tends to peel and/or ball Think in terms of your Grandmother knitting a sweater for you that would be nice and warm but not itchy like wool. She would knit it from acrylic yarn.

created to be a silk look alike ACETATE       created to be a silk look alike often used in linings & formal wear usually dry cleanable only I don’t recommend using acetate except for linings. Other fabrics such as polyester are better to imitate silk and formal fabrics and the care and appearance is much better.

POLYESTER · washes easily, resists wrinkling, but retains oily stains ·  fine to heavy weight – will depend upon use ·  tend to peel and/or ball

made from wood pulp; not a very strong fiber RAYON       made from wood pulp; not a very strong fiber can be made to resemble cotton and/or silk; A very soft drape easily wrinkles, washable or dry cleanable, check label

nylon is the strongest fiber used in sportswear use low pressing temperature If you were climbing a mountain you’d want a rope made out of the strongest fiber – NYLON

SPANDEX avoid chlorine, dryer, or hot iron · spandex is commonly used in active wear, swim wear and stretchable garments · provides elasticity avoid chlorine, dryer, or hot iron Swimsuits need to have the chlorine rinsed out of them right after use to avoid excess damage to the fibers.

BLENDS Are a combination of two or more fibers. They are created to combine the best characteristics of both fibers. Swimsuits need to have the chlorine rinsed out of them right after use to avoid excess damage to the fibers.

Least expensive natural fiber COTTON       Made from cotton plant Least expensive natural fiber Good for summer clothing and children’s wear Press at high temperature Absorbs moisture, comfortable to wear Wrinkles easily, dries quickly, shrinks

Expensive – used in fine summer suits LINEN     Made from stem of flax plant Many characteristics like cotton –wrinkles, strong, absorbs moisture Expensive – used in fine summer suits Care varies from washable to dry clean Press at high temperature

Luxury fabric – beautiful colors SILK     Made from silk worm Luxury fabric – beautiful colors Wrinkles easily & weakened by sun Care varies from washable to dry clean

WOOL Made from animals sheep, rabbits, goats etc. Natural fire-retardant characteristics Warm, keeps body heat in, repels outside moisture Often used for coats & outer wear   Shrinks –Care varies from dry clean to washable