Synthetic/Man-Made Fibers
Synthetic or man-made fibers are created through a variety of chemical processes.
Acetate
Acrylic
Nylon
Polyester
Rayon
Spandex
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Synthetic or man-made fibers are created through a variety of chemical processes.
Acetate
- Fabric characteristics
- Acetate fabrics drape well and are smooth, silk-like, and lustrous.
Positive qualities
- Acetate dyes well, is stretch resistant, dries quickly, and resists shrinking.
Drawbacks
- Acetate is a relatively weak fiber, it can wrinkle easily, and it’s not very absorbent.
Care requirements
- Acetate fabrics often need to be dry-cleaned, but they can sometimes be hand or machine washed
(read your care label). Use a low iron temperature.
Acrylic
- Fabric characteristics
- Acrylic has a springy texture that resembles wool.
Positive qualities
- Acrylic is strong, holds in body heat, and is wrinkle resistant. It takes dye well, and dries quickly.
Drawbacks
- Acrylic is not very absorbent and tends to pill.
Care requirements
- Acrylic fabrics can usually be laundered, but dry cleaning may be recommended for some. Acrylic
usually doesn’t need ironing if removed promptly from the dryer. If ironing is needed, use a moderate
temperature.
Nylon
- Fabric characteristics
- Nylon is a smooth fiber with a lustrous look and feel. It’s available in a range of weights and textures
and is often used for linings and foundation garments.
Positive qualities
- Nylon is strong, yet lightweight, and elastic. It resists wrinkles and shrinkage, and dries quickly.
Drawbacks
- Nylon is not very absorbent, tends to pill, and can yellow.
Care requirements
- Nylon fabrics can usually be washed by hand or machine, and either air-dried or tumbled dry at a low
temperature. Use a low iron temperature.
Polyester
Fabric characteristics
- Polyester comes in a range of weights and textures. It is often combined with other fibers to make a
fabric more durable, easier to care for, or less expensive.
Positive qualities
- Polyester is strong and wrinkle resistant. It doesn’t shrink, keeps its shape, and dries quickly.
Drawbacks
- Polyester is not very absorbent and can pill.
Care requirements
- Polyester fabrics are usually machine washable. They usually don’t need ironing if removed promptly
from the dryer.
Rayon
Fabric characteristics
- Rayon fabrics tend to be soft and have a nice drape. They come in a range of weights and textures.
Positive qualities
- Rayon is highly absorbent, holds in body heat, and takes dye well.
Drawbacks
- Rayon wrinkles easily and can shrink or stretch if laundered.
Care requirements
- Dry-cleaning is recommended for some rayon fabrics, but some can be hand washed (read your care
label). White rayon can be bleached. Iron rayon using a moderate temperature. Either iron it damp on
the wrong side or press on the right side using a press cloth.
Spandex
Fabric characteristics
- Often known by the brand name Lycra, spandex is a flexible fiber, usually combined with other fibers
to give fabric elasticity. It is often used for swimwear, exercise wear, and foundation garments.
Positive qualities
- Spandex is lightweight and elastic with excellent recovery.
Drawbacks
- Spandex is not absorbent and can yellow.
Care requirements
- Some spandex must be hand washed, some can be machine washed and tumbled dry (read your care
label). Do not bleach spandex. Use a low iron temperature.
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