1. Textiles
Natural
Manufactured

2. Fibers Basic Unit of all Textile Products- tiny hair like.
All fibers have their own characteristics and properties, depending upon their source, chemical composition, and quality.
No fiber is perfect. Each has some good, fair, and poor qualities that may make it suitable or unsuitable for certain uses.

3. Fibers con’t
The basic characteristics of a fiber can be slightly altered but never totally changed. The fiber may be short, long, straight, or curly. These fiber characteristics greatly affect the appearance, and performance of the fabrics they are made into.
The Characteristics you look for in children’s clothing are totally different that you would look for in evening wear for yourself.
Thus a good understanding of fibers, yarns, and fabrics if basic to the study of apparel.

4. Fiber Sources Natural- occurs naturally in nature
Cellulosic Fibers and Protein Fibers
Manufactured- is made from chemicals or natural fibers that are chemically changed
Cellulosic and Synthetic

5. Fiber Sources Natural- Plant or Animal fiber that grow in nature.
Two categories:
Cellulosic Fibers (plant)- Include: Cotton, Linen (hemp), Ramie, Jute, Bamboo
Protein Fibers (animal) Include: Wool, Silk, Leather

6. Fiber Sources
Manufactured- 2 Categories
Cellulosic
Synthetic-

7. Manufactured- Cellulosic
Cellulosic- Made from a Natural material called Cellulose. The cellulose is turned into a liquid and poured through a spinneret. Includes: Acetate, Rayon, Triacetate, Lyocell.

8. Fiber Sources (con’t)
Manufactured Non-cellulosic (may be called “Synthetic”- Made from chemicals, petroleum, coal, and natural gas. All of these fibers are manufactured from different combinations of petroleum, natural gas, air and water. They are poured through a spinneret. Include: Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon, Modacrylic, Spandex, and Olefin.

9. Natural Fibers General Characteristics
Absorbent
Breathable- porous fibers
Biodegradable
Most Wrinkle, some exceptions
Often very luxurious, and more expensive than Manufactured Fibers

10. Fiber Structures
Staple Fibers- Short & Fuzzy- Usually between 1” and 4” long. These tiny fibers already exist in a plant or animal. The fibers just need to be cleaned up, sorted, and purified before they are used for fabrics.
Short
Look lumpy and bumpy under a microscope
Include all natural fibers, except silk

11. Fiber Structures (con’t)
Filament Fibers- Long and smooth (like fishing line)
Include all manufactured fibers
Include Silk
Manufactured Fibers can be cut to a staple length to create a fabric that is like a natural fiber

12. Spinneret
All man-made and Synthetic fibers are poured through a Spinneret to create the fiber.

13. Manufactured Fibers General Characteristics
Low absorbency
Non-breathable
Wrinkle resistant
Usually less expensive
Heat Sensitive

14. Manufactured Fibers- Cellulosic
Acetate
Lyocell (Tencel®)
Rayon

15. Manufactured Cellulosic Fibers
Made from a natural material called “cellulose.” Found in the plant wall of different plants.
General Characteristics
Breathable
Wrinkle
Heat Sensitive
Absorbent

16. Acetate Advantages Soft Drapeable Dries quickly Resistant to shrinking
Absorbent
Dyes in beautiful colors
Often used as a blend

17. Acetate Disadvantages
Wrinkles easily
Low abrasion resistance
Heat sensitive
Damaged by acetone

18. Acetate- care
Some fabrics will be washable, but many will be “dry clean only.”

19. Acetate- Clothing/Fashion uses
Skirts
Blouses
Dresses
Scarves
Linings

20. Acetate - Fabrics
Taffeta
Satin
Linings
Slinky

21. Rayon advantages Soft and comfortable High moisture absorbency
Drapeable
Frequently Blended
Good Wickability
Dyes Well

22. Rayon disadvantages May wrinkle or shrink unless treated May mildew
Colors will fade
Quality & price vary
Some types will water spot

23. Care of Rayon Dry cleaned or washable (see label)
Iron at low temperature

24. Rayon- Clothing/Fashion uses
Dresses
Shirts
Blouses
Skirts
Pants

25. Lyocel advantages Breathable Soft and comfortable
Drapes well- heavier than Rayon
Dull finish
Absorbent
Strong
Made to look like silk, cotton, linen, or wool

26. Lyocel disadvantages Expensive Stretches in length & width
Damaged with hot iron

27. Care of Lyocel
Washable
Dry Clean
Low Iron

28. Clothing/Fashion uses
Dresses
Skirts
Lingerie
Shirts
Pants

29. Non-Cellulosic (Synthetic Fibers
Acrylic
Nylon
Polyester
Spandex (Lycra)
Aramid (Kevlar, Nomex)
Olefin
Triacetate
Modacrylic

30. Synthetic Fibers All are made from Petrochemicals
General Characteristics
- Resist Abrasion
- Resist Wrinkling
- Heat Sensitive
- Not absorbent

31. Acrylic

32. Acrylic Advantages Soft Warm – High Bulking Power
Wool-like without the weight
Light weight
Wrinkle resistant
Resistant to moths and sunlight
Affordable
Sunlight resistant

33. Acrylic Disadvantages
Pills
Non-absorbent
Static electricity
Heat sensitive
Holds oil based stains

34. Care of Acrylic
Dry Cleaned or laundered
Iron at low temperature

35. Acrylic-Clothing/Fashion uses
Sweaters
Knit garments
Faux Fur
Coats
Pants
Skirts
Shoe soles

36. Nylon
Introduced in 1939 as the “miracle fiber.”

37. Nylon Advantages Very Strong* Resilient Lustrous- nice sheen
Dries quickly
Water, wind resistant
Affordable
Lightweight

38. Nylon disadvantages May yellow or gray Heat Sensitive
Low moisture absorbency
Pills

39. Care of Nylon
Easily laundered
Iron at low temperature

40. Nylon- Clothing/Fashion uses
Sportswear
Jackets
Raincoats
Lingerie
Backpacks
Purses

41. Polyester
One of the most widely used Manufactured fibers in the world.
Made into many different fabrics because it is so versatile.
Frequently blended to make the fabric more easy care.

42. Polyester advantages Excellent WRINKLE RESISTANCE
Resistant to abrasion- strong
Dries quickly
Blends well with other fibers
Retains heat-set pleats and creases

43. Polyester disadvantages
Absorbs oily stains
Low absorbency of moisture
Does not crease easily
Static Cling

44. Care of Polyester
Easily laundered
Needs little or no pressing

45. Polyester Clothing/Fashion uses
Pants
Shirts
Suits
Sportswear
Skirts

46. Polyester Fabrics
Satin
Taffeta
Denim
Tweed
Chiffon
Broadcloth
Crepe

47. Spandex advantages Excellent elasticity and recovery
Stronger and more durable than rubber
Light weight
Resistant to body oils
Used for one reason:
“Stretch”
*Spandex is always blended with
other fibers.

48. Spandex disadvantages
Damaged by chlorine bleach
Damaged by heat
Does not Dye Well

49. Clothing/Fashion uses
Pants
Shirts
Jeans
Sportswear
Underwear
Socks
Bras
Tights

50. Fabric Blends Cotton / Polyester – Why? Cotton / Spandex – Why?
Wool / Acrylic – Why?
Cotton / Linen – Why?
Polyester / Silk – Why?
Nylon / Spandex – Why?

51. Aramid (Kevlar & Nomex) advantages
Exceptional strength
Exceptional heat and flame resistance
Resistant to stretch and abrasion

52. Aramid disadvantages
Not absorbent

53. Clothing/Fashion uses
Kevlar
Bullet Proof Vests
Cut/Heat and Chemical resistant Gloves
Nomex
Fireman Uniforms
Racing Apparel

54. Resources: http://www.elann.com/Commerce.Web/fibre_facts.aspx

55. The End…