FIBERS SYNTHETIC FIBERS Manufactured through the use of

FIBERS

SYNTHETIC FIBERS • Manufactured through the use of chemical substances. • Less absorbent than natural fibers and are heat sensitive.

ACRYLIC · created to be similar to wool; soft, warm, and lightweight · often used in sweaters · machine washable · tends to peel and/or ball

ACETATE • • created to be a silk look alike often used in linings & formal wear • usually dry cleanable only

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

RAYON ; not a • made from wood pulp 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 • nylon is the strongest fiber • used in sportswear • use low pressing temperature

SPANDEX · spandex is commonly used in active wear, swim wear and stretchable garments · provides elasticity • avoid chlorine, dryer, or hot iron

BLENDS • Are a combination of two or more fibers. • They are created to combine the best characteristics of both fibers.

COTTON plant • Made from cotton • 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

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

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