SYNTHETIC FIBERS Man-Made

ACETATE Advantages – Silk like appearance, soft and drapeable, dries quickly, resists moths – shrinking – mildew. Disadvantages – wrinkles, low abrasion resistance, heat sensitive. Care – usually dry cleaned, iron on low temperatures.

ACRYLIC Advantages – soft, warm, wool-like, light weight, wrinkle resistant, resistant to moths and sunlight. Disadvantages – May pill, may accumulate static electricity, heat sensitive. Care – dry clean or machine washed Iron at low temperatures

MODACRYLIC Advantages –soft and warm, resilient, resists abrasion, resists flames, fast drying, resistant to moths- mildew – sunlight Disadvantages – very heat sensitive, may accumulate, static electricity Care –dry cleaned or laundered, iron at very low temperatures

Nylon Advantages- very strong resilient, lustrous, dries quickly Disadvantages –may yellow or gray, heat sensitive, low moisture absorbency. Care – easily laundered, iron at low temperatures,

OLEFIN Advantages- unique wicking properties, strong and lightweight, quick drying , resistant to abrasion –soil – mildew – weather – and perspiration Disadvantage – does not absorb moisture, heat sensitive Care – washable, iron at low temperatures

POLYESTER Advantages –excellent wrinkle resistance, strong, resistant to abrasion, dries quickly, blends well with other fibers, retains heat, - set pleats and creases. Disadvantages-absorbs oily stains, low absorbency of moisture. Care – easily laundered needs little or no pressing

RAYON Advantages – soft and comfortable, high moisture absorbency, drapeable Disadvantages – May wrinkle or shrink unless treated, may mildew Care – usually dry cleaned , sometimes washable

SPANDEX Advantages – Excellent elasticity and recovery, stronger and more are durable than rubber, lightweight, resistant to body oils. Disadvantages – damaged by chlorine bleach, damaged by heat. Care - washable

TRIACETATE Advantages –can be permanently pleated, wrinkle resistant, shrink resistant, crisp finish. Disadvantages – heat sensitive Care – easily laundered