A lot of you are probably familiar with some of the important characteristics of the common textile fibers.

However, others may not understand the difference between manufactured fibers. For example, do you know the advantages of say, acetate, acrylic and polyester? When working with or selling textile products, it is important to understand the characteristics of the fibers used in the fabrications you deal with. All fibers are not the same, and their properties and advantages can vary widely. o help you better understand fibers, the following summari!es the important characteristics and end uses of the ma"or fibers used in apparel and home fashion.

1. Acetate #ellulosic$based, from wood pulp or cotton linters. %& #haracteristics 'uxurious appearance #risp or soft hand Wide range of colors( dyes and prints well )xcellent drapeability and softness *hrink, moth, and mildew resistant 'ow moisture absorbency, relatively fast drying +o pilling problem, little static problem ,ost acetate garments re-uire dry$cleaning .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel$ 0louses, dresses, linings, special occasion apparel, Home Fashion $ 1raperies, upholstery, curtains, bedspreads Acetate is a 2dry clean only2 fiber. However, again, read the label, because many of the new acetate circular knits, which have been out on the market for a few years, are hand washable. *o far, there is no washable woven acetate available in the marketplace.

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4& #omments here are a couple of important characteristics to keep in mind. Acetate takes color extremely well, and it5s also very soft and drapeable. For the past %6 years, #elanese has been blending acetate with a wide variety of fibers. hey have also been experimenting with different knitting and weaving techni-ues, which has resulted in the development of a variety of fabrics, that have become suitable for many markets. 7rior to these developments, the ma"or uses for acetate in apparel were as a liner in coats, "ackets, bla!ers, etc., and as a ma"or fabric in special occasion dresses, because the acetate velvets, crepes, taffetas, and satins were ideal for this market. 0ut because of the new fabric developments, acetate has been elevated up to the designer level with many ma"or designers like 8eorgio Armani and 9scar 1e la :enta using acetate in their lines. ;& #are

,ost acetate garments should be dry$cleaned. *ome knits are washable. <f laundering is indicated, use the following guide= > Hand wash in warm water with mild suds. > 1o not twist or wring out the garment. > 1o not soak colored items. > 7ress while damp on the wrong side with a cool iron. if finishing the right side use a pressing cloth. > #ircular knits should be laid flat to dry. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.& Note= Acetate is adversely affected by acetone and other organic solvents, such as nail polish remover and perfumes containing such solvents.

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2. Linen +atural, ,ade from flax, a vegetable fiber. %& #haracteristics #omfortable 8ood strength, twice as strong as cotton Hand$washable or dry$cleanable #risp hand ailors well Absorbent 1yes and prints well 'ightweight to heavyweight +o static or pilling problems Fair abrasion resistant .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ dresses, suits, separates, skirts, "ackets, pants, blouses, shirts, childrenswear.Home Fashion $ curtains, draperies, upholstery, bedspreads, table linens, sheets, dish towels.

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4& #are > *ome linens are washable, while others are dry clean only. 0e sure to check the label. > Washable household linen, handkerchiefs, and linen apparel can be washed easily and become softer with use. > White linens should be dried in the sun, if to help them to keep their whiteness. > 8enerally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for drapery linens, upholstery linens and decorative linens. > 'inen fabrics may need fre-uent pressing, unless treated for crease resistance ?7ermanent press and soil release finishes are now being used effectively on @AB linenC4AB polyester tablecloths, napkins and placemats.& ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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3. Mohair +atural, from angora goats. %& #haracteristics 'ong, lustrous, strong fiber 'uxurious *oft hand

,ost resilient natural textile fiber 'ightweight, warms, good insulator 1yes well, brilliant colors +on$crush, $mat and $pill -ualities. :esists fading

.& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ coats, suits, dresses, sweaters, accessories, loungewear, socks.Home Fashion $ blankets, throws, upholstery, draperies, carpets, rugs.

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4. Polyolefin(Olefin) ,an$made. %& #haracteristics 'ightweight, lightest fiber, it floats *trong Abrasion resistant, resilient *tain$, static$, sunlight$, and odor$resistant High insulation characteristics :esists deterioration from chemicals, mildew, perspiration, rot and weather Fast drying High wickability #olor fast, because colors are incorporated during fiber forming stage *pills can be readily wiped up *tatic and pilling can be a problem <roning, washing and drying need to be done at low temperature +on$allergenic .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ activewear, sportswear, "eans, socks, underwear, lining fabrics. Home Fashion $ indoor and outdoor carpets, carpet backing, upholstery, wall coverings, furniture and bedding construction fabrics.

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4& #omments 9f all the fibers, this is probably the one that is least familiar to you. his is because, since its development in %D@%, polyolefin has been used almost exclusively in the home furnishings area and the high performance activewear market, for such things as backpacking, canoeing, and mountain climbing apparel. 0ut, within the last year producers of this fiber have begun to make in$roads into the mainstream apparel market. *o, this is a fiber that you may be seeing more of going forward. <t is now being blended with cotton for use in the denim market. And, it5s also being tested is in the swimwear market. <n fact, Asics Eapan has developed a swimsuit made of a blend of polyolefin and 'ycra, as the official swimsuit for the Eapanese 9lympic *wim eam. heir main reason for selecting polyolefin is that it5s the least absorbent of all the man$ made fibers, and it5s the only fiber that floats. ?*wimmers will try anything to cut a milli$ second off their timesF& ;& #are ,ost items can be washed or dry$cleaned. > ,ost stains can be readily be removed by wiping, using lukewarm water and detergent.

> <f fabric is machine washed, it should be line dried or tumbled dried with gentle or no heat. > 1o not iron. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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5. Spandex ,an$made. %& #haracteristics 'ightweight #an be stretched over A66B without breaking Able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length Abrasion resistant *tronger, more durable than rubber *oft, smooth and supple :esistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions or detergents +o static or pilling problems .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ articles where stretch is desired= athletic apparel, bathing suits, foundation garments, ski pants, slacks, hosiery, socks, belts.

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4& #omments 'ycra is the most familiar spandex fiber, and is 1u7ont5s brand name for its spandex fiber. An interesting fact about spandex is that it was developed as a substitute for rubber. And, when it was first introduced in %DAD, it totally revolutioni!ed the swimwear and foundations industry. Although it has poor strength, it stretches over A66B. *o, the excellent stretch of spandex compensates for the fact that it5s a weak fiber. Although it has poor strength, it stretches over A66B. *o, the excellent stretch of spandex compensates for the fact that it5s a weak fiber.Although it has poor strength, it stretches over A66B. *o, the excellent stretch of spandex compensates for the fact that it5s a weak fiber. ;& #are > Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water. > 1o not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex. /se a color safe bleach only. > :inse thoroughly. > 1rip dry. <f machine drying, use low temperature setting. > <f ironing is re-uired, iron rapidly and don5t leave the iron in one place too long. /se a low temperature setting on the iron. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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. Acrylic ,an$made. %& #haracteristics 'ight$weight, soft, warm with a wool$like hand 1yes to bright colors with excellent fastness 9utstanding wickability ,achine washable, -uick drying :esilient( retains shape( resists shrinkage, G wrinkles

Flexible aesthetics for wool$like, cotton$like or blended appearance )xcellent pleat retention :esistant to moths, oil and chemicals *uperior resistance to sunlight degradation *tatic and pilling can be a problem

.& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ sweaters, socks, fleece, circular knit apparel, sportswear, childrenswearHome Fashion $ 0lankets, throws, upholstery, awnings, outdoor furniture, rugsCfloor coverings

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4& #omments Acrylic is a soft drapeable fabric which provides warmth without being heavy, and it takes color beautifully. Although acrylic has traditionally been a fallCwinter fabric, with a wonderful resemblance to wool, ,onsanto5s product development department has recently developed some light weight circular knits and blends which lend themselves to trans$seasonal dressing as well. Acrylic is comfortable to wear. <t feels like wool. Het, it is easy care and is machine washable or dry cleanable. ;& #are Acrylic garments may be washed or dry cleaned. > When machine washing, use warm water setting and add a fabric softener during the final rinse cycle. > ,achine dry at low temperature. :emove from dyer as soon as garments are dry. > Wash delicate items by hand in warm water. *tatic electricity can be reduced by using s fabric softener in every third or fourth washing. 8ently s-uee!e out water, smooth or shake out garment and let dry on a non$rust hangar. *weaters and circular knits should be dried flat. > <f ironing is re-uired, use moderately warm iron. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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!. Lyocell ,an$made, cellulosic$based. %& #haracteristics )xcellent strength Washable *hrink$ and wrinkle$resistant *oft hand )xcellent drape Absorbent 1yes and prints well .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ dresses, suits, sportswear, pants, "ackets, blouses, skirts.

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4& #omments his is the newest cellulosic fiber, and a new brand name that you may have seen recently is encel:. his fiber is cellulosic, and it is very similar to rayon in appearance. he ma"or difference between lyocell and rayon is that lyocell is much more durable and has a much stronger wet strength. <t is also machine washable and dryable. ;& #are 'yocell garments may be either machine washable and dryable or drycleanable. :ead the

label. > Washable lyocell has the strength and ease of care of other easy$care fabrics. > ,achine wash and dry at low temperature. :emove from dryer as soon as the garment is dry > <f ironing is re-uired, use a moderately warm iron. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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". Nylon ,an$made. %& #haracteristics 'ightweight )xceptional strength 8ood drapeability Abrasion resistant )asy to wash :esists shrinkage and wrinkling resilient, pleat retentive Fast drying, low moisture absorbency #an be precolored or dyed in a wide range of colors :esistant to damage from oil and many chemicals *tatic and pilling can be a problem 7oor resistance to continuous sunlight .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ swimwear, activewear, intimate apparel, foundation garments, hosiery, blouses, dresses, sportswear, pants, "ackets, skirts, raincoats, ski and snow apparel, windbreakers, childrenswear. Home Fashion $ carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstery, draperies, bedspreads. 9ther $ 'uggage, back packets, life vests, umbrellas, sleeping bags, tents.

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4& #omments +ylon is one of the strongest of all fibers, and for this reason it5s used in garments that take a great deal of hard wear, like panty hose and swimwear. he most popular fabric blend used in swimwear today is nylon and 'ycra ?or spandex&. Although nylon is a very strong fiber, one of it5s unfavorable characteristics is that it has poor resistance to prolonged exposure to the sun. <n addition, the 'ycra ?or spandex& breaks down from exposure to chlorine in pool water. Het, there probably aren5t a lot of old, worn out swimsuits being returned because the fabric has wore out. hat5s because the customer has learned through experience that most swimsuits, if worn a lot, won5t last for much more than a season or two. *o, in many cases, when a customer shops for swimwear, she may buy as many as two or three at a time in order to get herself through "ust one season. his is because she has come to know what to expect from these fibers. ;& #are ,ost items made from nylon can be machined washed and tumbled dried at low temperatures. > /se warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. > o minimi!e static electricity use a dyer sheet when machine drying. > o minimi!e static electricity use a dyer sheet when machine drying.

> <f ironing is re-uired, use a warm iron. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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#. $ayon ,an$made, cellulosic$based from wood pulp. %& #haracteristics *oft and comfortable 1rapes well Highly absorbent 1yes and prints well +o static, no pilling problems Fabric can shrink appreciably if washing dry$clean$only rayon Washable or dry cleanable. :ead the labelF .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ 0louses, dresses, "ackets, lingerie, linings, millinery, slacks, sportshirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes. Home Fashion $ bedspreads, blankets, curtains, draperies, sheets, slip covers, table cloths, upholstery.

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4& #omments 9ne of the ma"or characteristics of rayon, also called viscose, centers around the care of the fabric. For those of you who have been around rayon a lot, you know that there are both washable and 2dry clean only2 rayons in the garments that you sell. Why are there both washable and non$washable rayons? 9riginally rayon was a 2dry clean only2 fiber. However, the fiber producers discovered that they could create washability in rayon by putting certain finishes on the surface of the fabric after it was knitted or woven. 0ut this also added to the price. *o, today many rayons in the marketplace remain untreated, and are therefore 2dry clean only2. <t5s very important to read the labels, and make the customer aware that "ust because he or she may have purchased a washable rayon last week, that doesn5t mean that all rayons are washable. Anytime a rayon garment, labeled 2dry clean only2, is washed, a risk is taken, and one of three things may happen. First the garment can shrink tremendously, sometimes as much as two or three si!es. *econd, the garment may fade, or a printed pattern may bleed. And third, the fabric may lose its soft hand. he rayon that was once soft and drapeable may become stiff and harsh. here5s also something important to remember when caring for the washable rayons. ,ost of the washable rayon garments today are labeled 2hand wash, cool water, drip dry or dry flat2. And, it5s important that these directions are followed, because when rayon is wet, it actually loses 46B to A6B of its strength. *o, hand washing, like the label says, is the best. he constant agitation of the washer, and tumbling of the dryer will beat the garment against the side of the washer and dryer. And, eventually this causes the fiber to break down, and shorten the life of the rayon garment. *o, in order to get the maximum life out of your washable rayon garment, it5s best to hand wash and dripChang dry ;& #are ,ost rayon garments should be dry$cleaned, but some types of fabric and garment construction are such that they can be hand or machine washed. For washable items, use the following as a guide=

> /se mild lukewarm or cool suds. 8ently s-uee!e suds through the fabric and rinse in lukewarm water. 1o not wring or twist the article. > *mooth or shake out the article and place on a non$rust hanger to dry. :ayon sweaters should be laid flat to dry. > 7ress the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron at a moderate setting. <f finishing on the right side is re-uired, a press cloth should be used. > 0etween wearings, rayon articles may be pressed with a cool iron. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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1%. &riacetate ,an$made. %& #haracteristics 'uxurious hand )xcellent drapeability :esilient )xcellent pleat retention Washable or dry$cleanable +o pilling problem #an have static problem .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ dresses, skirts, sportswear, robes, particularly where pleat retention is important

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4& #omments his is the only man$made fiber discussed today which is not produced in the united *tates. However, both the appearance and properties of triacetate are very similar to those of acetate. he ma"or difference is that triacetate is washable. ;& #are > 7leated garments are best hand laundered. ,ost other garments containing %66B t riacetate can be machine washed. > <f ironing is needed, a high temperature setting may be used. > Articles containing triacetate re-uire little care due mainly to the fiber5s resistance to high temperature. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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11. 'otton +atural, #ellulosic. %& #haracteristics #omfortable *oft hand Absorbent 8ood color retention, prints well ,achine$washable, dry$cleanable 8ood strength 1rapes well )asy to handle and sew

.& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ Wide range of wearing apparel= blouses, shirts, dresses, childrenswear, activewear, separates, swimwear, suits, "ackets, skirts, pants, sweaters, hosiery, neckwear. Home Fashion $ curtains, draperies, bedspreads, comforters, throws, sheets, towels, table cloths, table mats, napkins.

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4& #are > #otton can be easily laundered. <t can withstand high temperatures. ?boiling water does not hurt the fiber&. > Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton. > *ince cotton fibers are fairly inelastic cotton fabrics may wrinkle easily. And, fabric may need fre-uent pressing. > However, cotton fabric can be treated with a wrinkle resistant finish to create a more resilient fabricCgarment. he label will tell you if this finish has been applied. > A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry cotton. #otton will take much longer to dry than less absorbent fibers. > #otton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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12. Micro (i)er* ,an$made= available in acrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon. %& #haracteristics /ltra fine ?less than %.6 dpf&, finer than the most delicate silk )xtremely drapeable Iery soft, luxurious hand with a silken or suede touch Washable, dry cleanable *hrink$resistant High strength ?except :ayon& )xcellent pleat retention <nsulates well against wind, rain and cold .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ hosiery, blouses, dresses, separates, sportswear, ties, scarves, menswear, intimate apparel, activewear, swimwear, outerwear, rainwear. Home Fashion $ curtains, draperies, upholstery, sheets, towels, blankets.

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4& #omments ,icro$fibers is the only fiber that5s really not a fiber unto itself. :ather, it is a technology that has been developed to produce an ultra$fine fiber, and then weave it or knit it into a very high -uality fabric constructions. 9riginally, when 1u7ont introduced the first microfiber in %DJD, it was a polyester microfiber. However, today in addition to polyester microfibers, there are also nylon microfibers that have become important in the pantyhose market, rayon microfibers, and acrylic microfibers. 9ne of the important characteristics of microfiber fabrics is that they can be woven so tightly that the fabric can5t be penetrated by wind, rain, or cold. For this reason, raincoat manufacturers have become big users of polyester microfibers. ,icrofibers also have a wicking ability, which allows perspiration to pass through. *o they5re comfortable to wear. ;& #are

> Acrylic, nylon and polyester microfibers are machine washable, machine dryable or drycleanable > Follow the instructions for washing fabrics consisting of these individual fibers. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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13. Polye*ter ,an$made. %& #haracteristics *trong #risp, soft hand :esistant to stretching and shrinkage Washable or dry$cleanable Kuick drying :esilient, wrinkle resistant, excellent pleat retention ?if heat set& Abrasion resistant :esistant to most chemicals 0ecause of its low absorbency, stain removal can be a problem *tatic and pilling problems .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ essentially every form of clothing, dresses, blouses, "ackets, separates, sportswear, suits, shirts, pants, rainwear, lingerie, childrenswear Home Fashion $ curtains, draperies, floor coverings, fiber fill, upholstery, bedding.

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4& #omments his is probably the fiber that you5re most familiar with, of all the man$made fibers. Hou are aware that it5s the best wash$and$wear fiber. /nfortunately, because of the over$ saturation of polyester .6 to 46 years ago, some consumers have ac-uired a kind of negative perception about the fiber. 0ut, what5s exciting today is that, like all the other man$made fibers, new developments in polyester are beginning to create a new attitude towards the fiber. his is true, not only for manufacturers and designers, but also for consumers. <n addition, when polyester is blended with other dry$clean only fibers, like wool, acetate, or rayon, the durability of the blended fabric improves and, in some cases, the fabrics can even be made washable, if the percentage of polyester is high enough. ;& #are ,ost items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried. > /se warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle > ,achine dry at low temperature setting and remove articles as soon as the tumbling cycle is complete. > <f ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron > ,ost items made from polyester can be dry$cleaned. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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14. Sil+ +atural, animal fiber ?silk worm&. %& #haracteristics *oft or crisp hand 'uxurious

1rapes and tailors well hinnest of all natural fibers 1yes and prints well Hand$washable or dry$cleanable 'ittle problem with static, no pilling problem 9nly fair abrasion resistance 7oor resistance to prolonged exposure to sunlight

.& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ dresses, blouses, skirts, "ackets, pants, pants, scarves, ties. Home Fashion $ curtains, draperies, upholstery.

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4& #are 9nly pre$washed silk is washable. :ead the labelF > 1ry cleaning is generally preferred, since laundering detergent and dyes in other clothes may adversely affect silk fabric. > For washable silk, follow the care instructions carefully. > For items without linings and without embellishments attached, careful handwashing is permissable, with mild soap and lukewarm water. > #hlorine bleach should never be used on silk. > For long$time storage, silk should be sealed against light, air and insects. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&

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15. ,ool +atural, Animal fiber. %& #haracteristics #omfortable 'uxurious, soft hand Iersatile 'ightweight 8ood insulator Washable Wrinkle$resistant Absorbent )asy to dye .& ,a"or )nd /ses Apparel $ sweaters, dresses, coats, suits, "ackets, pants, skirts, childrenswear, loungewear, blouses, shirts, hosiery, scarves. Home Fashion $ carpets, draperies, upholstery, blankets.

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4& #are > 8ive wool garments a .;$hour rest between wearings. Hang on shaped or padded hangers, leaving lots of space. <n general, wool fibers will shed wrinkles and return to their orginal shape > )mpty pockets, remove belts and hang with closures !ipped and buttoned. > Fold knits. > 0rush wool to remove surface soil. /se a damp sponge for knits and finer fabrics. > :efresh wool garments -uickly after wearing or unpacking by hanging them in a steamy

bathroom. ,oisture from the steam will remove wrinkles. > <f wool gets wet, dry the garment at room temperature away from heat. <f there5s a nap, brush with the nap. > :emove spots and stains promptly. > Leep moths away by storing wool with fresh cedar blocks. > 1ry clean once a season?or when stained&, and especially before storing. > Always steam when pressing wool. /se the wool setting. Avoid pressing wool totally dry.When ossible, press on the reverse side of the fabric. When necessary to press on the right side, use a press cloth to avoid a shine. 'ower and lift the iron, don5t slide it back and forth. 7revent imprinting inside detail by placing a piece of brown paper or tissue paper under folds, seams or darts. ?For specific instruction refer to the garment5s sewn$in care label.&