Types of Fibers

In today’s world, functional fabrics are a mixture of two or more different fibers. (e.g., 50% cotton 50% polyester). They will affect how your clothes feel and behave.

The following list is separated into 3 categories: natural fibers, manufactured fibers, and protein fibers. Protein fibers are those like silk and wool that are obtained from an animal and are not vegan friendly. Manufactured fibers are usually made of chemicals. They will typically dry faster than natural fibers and can develop stubborn pilling.

Cotton
Very cool, absorbent, and comfortable. Takes a long time to dry compared to other fibers. Will shrink when you wash it. Medium strength. Ages well. Used in many things, for example t-shirts, jeans, underwear, and upholstery. Combed cotton is softer and better quality than regular cotton.

Flax (linen)
Cool and absorbent, like cotton. Wrinkles badly, need a very hot iron to get rid of wrinkles. Shrinks in water, dry cleaning is recommended. Usually used in summer clothing and home decor.

Ramie
Similar to cotton and linen, but fairly expensive.

Polyester
Does not wrinkle. Does not absorb water well. Dries quickly, doesn’t shrink in water. Not very comfortable when a garment is 100% polyester. One of the cheapest fibers. Very strong. Also called terylene.

Rayon
Similar to cotton: cool, absorbent, and comfortable. Wrinkles easily and has only fair strength. Also called viscose.

Nylon
Strongest major fiber. Very stretchy. Not very absorbent, therefore not very comfortable.

Acetate
Very cheap, not very strong. Dry-clean only. Feels silky and comfortable. Usually used in linings.

Spandex
Very stretchy, will recover instantly to same size. Best used in small percentages to add comfort to a non-stretchy fabric. Also called lycra.

Acrylic
Doesn’t wrinkle easily, good strength. Used as a cheaper, more washable substitute for wool and also in fake furs.

PVC/Polyurethane
Stretchy and waterproof. Usually one side of fabric will be PVC/polyurethane, the other side (backing) will be another fiber like polyester. Doesn’t breathe and is not very comfortable if used for an entire garment.

Silk
Comes from a silkworm. Comfortable, absorbent, wrinkles easily (especially when wet). Sometimes dry-clean only. Very thin.

Wool
Comes from a sheared sheep. Strong, warm, dry, doesn’t wrinkle easily. Can be coarse and itchy, but high quality wool is soft. Dry-cleaning works best.

Mohair
Comes from an angora goat. Softer and shinier than wool. Expensive.

Leather
Comes from dead animals. Strong and absorbent.