1. FIBERS

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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