We’ve put together several guides with information on the different types of fibres and fabrics.
Just a few of those include what some of the most commonly produced and used fibres and fabrics are, and the difference between synthetic, natural and regenerated fibres (which also includes good descriptions of how each type of fibre is produced)
However, in the guide below, we’ve outlined the properties and traits of individual fibres, how they might look and feel, and also their potential different uses.
Different Traits & Features To Be Aware Of In Different Fabrics & Fibres
Some of the different properties, characteristics and features of different fibres and fabrics to be aware of might include but aren’t limited to:
– How It Looks
The aesthetics of the fibre or fabric, which can be a personal preference
– How It Feels
To touch, and when in contact with the skin when wearing or using
– Range Of Available Colors
Is it available in one color (such as just white), or a range of colors?
Part of this comes down to the ability of the fibre or fabric to absorb dyes and other coloring and finishing chemicals and agents
– Breathability
Ability to allow air in and out of the fibre or fabric, and not trap or block it (like for example how leather might do this)
This is part of the ability of the fibre or fabric to help the skin/human body regulate temperature in the case of clothing
– Absorbability, and Drying
Ability to absorb moisture such as sweat or water, and the ability to dry quickly when wet
– Wicking
In the context of this guide, we rely on rei.com’s explanation of moisture wicking, which is to excel at resisting the penetration of moisture
– UV Resistance
Ability of the fibre or fabric to resist damage or breaking down from UV rays and sun exposure
– Anti-Bacterial Properties
Fibres specifically with properties that inhibit or reduce microbial growth
– How It Sits On The Body
Sometimes known as drape
– Strength & Durability
How well it deals with physical use, wear and tear, and how fragile or hardy the it is
And, ultimately how long it lasts/how much use you can get out of it taking into consideration using and also washing and maintaining the item
– Whether It Pills Or Wrinkles
Pilling is when a small ball of fibres appears on the surface of the fabric, and it makes the fabric look unsightly or worn
Wrinkling is when the fabric wrinkles or creases and doesn’t keep a smooth look or it’s original form very easily
Some fibres have properties that will reduce pilling or wrinkling/creasing
– How Good It Is For Sensitive Skin
Some fibres are less prickly and scratchy than others, and are more soft and smooth. This may be better for sensitive skin
Additionally, some people’s skin react to certain types of fibres with certain textures, or chemicals used in the fibres. This allergy based reaction will be specific to each individual person
– Whether It Is Prone To Static Or Not
Some antistatic fibres are made to minimize static charge, or to minimize the effect of static electricity more than others
– How Easy It Is To Clean, Iron & Maintain
Some fibres might require intensive maintenance, whilst other might be far easier or less intensive to upkeep
– Capability To Blend/Mix With Other Fibres
The ability to be blended/mixed with other fibres in finished products gives a fibre greater versatility to take on the beneficial properties and traits of those other fibres
– How Much It Costs
A reasonably important factor
A fibre or fabric has to be affordable for both the producer/supplier, and the consumer
– What Products It’s Used In (& Best For)
Some fibres are good for everyday uses, whilst others are good for speciality or specific uses (such as for a specific industry)
Matching the fibre to the end use is important
– Eco & Sustainability Features & Benefits
There’s a range of factors that can contribute to how eco friendly or sustainable different fibres are
How fibres are produced, and also the biodegradability of the fibre are just two examples
Some fibres are more eco friendly and sustainable compared to others across various measures
Natural vs Regenerated vs Synthetic Fibres – General Properties, Traits & Characteristics
Ultimately, each individual fibre has it’s own traits and properties.
But, as a very generalized and short description of the traits of the different main types of fibres:
– Natural Fibres
Some natural fibres might have the advantage of being naturally soft (compared to a cheaply made synthetic fibre for example which might be more coarse), absorbent (instead of wicking moisture away from the body), have good breathability (which is why natural fibres are often used for bed sheets over less breathable synthetic fibres to help regulate the body’s temperature), and can be eco friendly in some ways synthetics (that are essentially plastics) currently are not (with one example being how the fibres are made, or the biodegradability of the fibres)
But, natural fibres may wrinkle or pill more (and not hold their form as well as well in the short or long term), be less durable when exposed to wear and tear and environmental conditions, and require a more thorough or specific maintenance routine in some instances compared to synthetic fibres
– Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres have the advantage of being man made for a specific trait or end use.
Some synthetic fibres can be inexpensive, durable and more resistant to wear and tear and environmental factors, easier to maintain in some ways, wrinkle, stretch and shrink resistant (and essentially hold it’s form easier), can be waterproof, can dry very quickly (such as swimwear material) … just as a few examples of positive traits.
Synthetic fibres may also wick away moisture (i.e. is moisture resistant) rather than absorb or soak it up like natural fibres might
On the flip side, some synthetic fibres may not breathe as well as some natural fibres like cotton (although some can be engineered to do so), but technology is always developing to increase breathability.
Synthetic fibres may also be made from petrochemicals and may not be as biodegradable as some natural fibres
The textileschool.com resource in the resources list includes profiles for synthetic fibres such as polyamide, polyester, acrylic, and elastane
wikipedia.org also include general descriptions of synthetic fibre traits
– Regenerated Fibres
It depends on the specific regenerated fibre, as there is a range of them, and they can be made in different ways
As just one example, Lenzing produces several different brands of wood based cellulose fibres, each with their own traits and final properties
This is compared to say a rayon made with bamboo from another producer or supplier which might have a different set of traits
Regenerated fibres have an ability to use natural cellulose material, but combine that with semi synthetic fibre production processes to customize fibre traits (to an extent … depending on the production process)
Profiles Of Fibres Outlined Below
Polyester
Cotton
Organic Cotton
Bamboo
Organic Bamboo
Hemp
Organic Hemp
Linen/Flax
Organic Linen/Flax
TENCEL, & Other Brands Of Lenzing Fibres
Jute
In a separate guide, we’ve also compared rayon, viscose and modal, to fibres like polyester and bamboo.
Polyester
Polyester is a man made fibre, derived from compounds from petrochemicals like petroleum (making it essentially a plastic).
There’s several different types of Polyester, with PET being a common one.
It can be engineered to provide traits natural fibres that undergo more natural production processes might not be able to.
Potential Properties & Traits
Might be cheap to produce, and cheap for consumers
Might be wrinkle, stretching (may spring back and hold it’s form), and tear resistant
Might be durable and resistant to abrasion, and everyday wear and tear
Might wick away moisture rather than absorb it
Might dry quickly (like for example swimwear)
Might be good for outdoor use
Because it’s generally made from petrochemicals, it may not be as biodegradable as some natural fibres
The quality and traits of polyesters can vary depending on how they are made – it has a range of engineering traits
Some biobased polyesters are being developed
From ecofashionsewing.com:
Polyester synthetic fibre is durable and resistant to shrinkage and stretch.
The fabric is washed easily, and dries quickly … is wrinkle and mildew resistant – properties that most common natural fibres do not have.
On the down side, however, along the petrochemical origin, polyester fabrics have a “plastic” handle [which] means they are water repellent which makes them your last choice for summer clothing.
Technology development can overcome some of polyester’s disadvantages and in future of the fashion industry there will be better options of synthetic fibres.
From gminsights.com: ‘Polyester fiber [offers] extreme elasticity, high wrinkle, and abrasion resistance capacity’
Potential Uses
Polyester is currently the most produced fibre of all fibres, and can be used in a range of product, especially a range of textiles
It can be used as a substitute for cotton in some products, and can be blended with cotton too
More About Polyester
sewport.com, masterclass.com, wikipedia.org, and textileschool.com all contain more information on the potential traits and uses of polyester specifically
Read more about polyester and other synthetic fibres in this resource by ecofashionsewing.com
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre from the cotton plant.
There’s several different types of cotton, with Pima and Egyptian cotton being two examples.
Potential Properties & Traits
Might be soft on the skin and comfortable
Might breath well
Might absorb moisture well (because the fibres in cotton have more space in between them than in some other fabrics), but not wick moisture as well as say polyester
Might absorb colors and dyes well at the production stage
Might be hypoallergenic in some instances
Might not have static issues
Might shrink when washed in some instances
Might wrinkle easy
Low quality cottons might pill easily
Might be slower to dry than say polyester
Long staple cotton can be used high quality cotton textiles
Potential Uses
Cotton is the most produced natural fibre, and is the second most produced fibre behind polyester
It has a range of uses, and might particularly be good for products like clothing, bedsheets, underwear, woven fabrics, home decor like curtains, and many types of textiles
More About Cotton
masterclass.com has a guide that outlines the properties of cotton (softness, durability, absorbency, holds dye well, breathability, and no static cling), and what it’s used for
sewport.com has a good guide that goes through some other properties of cotton
textileschool.com and wikipedia.org also mention some of the other properties and uses of cotton
Organic Cotton
You can read more about what organic cotton is in this guide, and also read about some of the differences to regular cotton in this guide.
Potential Properties & Traits
In the cotton comparison guide, we outline that some organic cotton products may be softer because of having longer fibers, and being handpicked. There’s also other potential differences mentioned
Organic cotton may also be more sustainable or eco friendly in some ways
Potential Uses
Organic cotton might be used for many of the same products regular cotton is used for
Bamboo
Bamboo grows from the bamboo plant, and is a natural fibre.
There might be a difference in the traits of bamboo depending on whether it’s mechanically processed, or chemically processed.
Chemically processed bamboo fibre is more of a regenerated or semi-synthetic fibre.
Most bamboo is chemically processed though because it’s cheaper, easier and quicker to produce.
Wikipedia.org provides more information on the different traits of bamboos that are processed in different ways:
Mechanically produced bamboo fiber and bamboo rayon have markedly different properties.
Bamboo rayon varies in physical properties, as would be expected from the range of properties in other rayon
Potential Properties & Traits
From cariloha.com:
Soft, Silky Look & Feel [and potentially softer than cotton]
Takes Colors Well
[May have good breathability … and some bamboo shirts may] be 3 degrees cooler than cotton
Moisture Control – fibres wick moisture away from your body
[Potentially good for sensitive skin] … some … viscose bamboo doesn’t use harsh chemicals or pesticides and can help prevent skin irritations that can flare up with other chemically treated fabrics
From bamboofabricstore.com.au:
[Is soft, light, almost silky in feel, breathable and cool, hydrophilic (meaning it absorbs water), antistatic, performs better with odors, stands abrasion well, and is sustainable and eco friendly]
Bamboo fibre has a thinness degree and whiteness degree close to normal finely bleached viscose and has a strong durability, stability and tenacity.
[Compared to other fibres, it may be] 3 times more [anti bacterial] than Cotton Products (claimed) … 12 times more [anti static] than Cotton Products … 60% improvement [in hygroscopic ability to take up water] in Comparison with Cotton Products … [and] 30 % improvement in [deodorization in] Comparison with Cotton Products]
From bambootextiles.com.au:
The longer staple and higher tensile strength [of bamboo] is what makes a tough, soft yarn – which is not as susceptible to wearing and fraying as many other yarns [and this] gives bamboo fabrics excellent durability.
The hollowness of the fibre contributes to its very high level of absorbency [and it can] hold dyes and pigments more readily and permanently [whilst not losing it’s colour as quickly]
[Bamboo may take longer to dry than some other fibres]
From fabriclink.com:
Bamboo fiber is also not inherently antimicrobial, as is sometime implied
From fibre2fashion:
[Might have] good hygroscopicity, excellent permeability, soft feel, easiness to straighten and dye and splendid color effect of pigmentation … [May have good elasticity] … [and, good resistance to UV]
[May be softer than cotton]
[May have better moisture absorbency and ventilation than cotton because of the cross section of the fibre]
[Because of the bio agent bamboo kun, bamboo may have] natural antibacterial elements
[May need less] dyestuff than cotton, modal or viscose [because it absorbs dyestuffs well]
From keycolour.net:
[Antibacterial properties, regulates body temperature, absorbent, moisture wicking, soft to touch]
From sustainablefashion.com.au, and elkieark.com:
[Might be prone to pilling]
Anti Bacterial Properties – Can lose anti bacterial properties after chemical production
UV Resistance Properties – Can lose UV resistance after chemical production
We’ve also written about the potential eco friendliness and sustainability of bamboo as a fibre in this guide
Potential Uses
Bamboo is a reasonably flexible fibre in terms of it’s use that can be used for a range of textiles and home goods such as mattresses, bedding, clothes, and more
It can also be used for non wovens and hygiene products
More About Bamboo
The fiber can also be blended with Tencel®, cotton, and other fibers (fabriclink.com)
Organic Bamboo
Organic bamboo might be mechanically processed (instead of chemically processed), or it might have a process where the chemicals used in production are captured with wastewater and re-used.
There is currently no real certification, such as GOTS certification used for organic cotton, that is available for organic bamboo right now.
The company selling the bamboo cellulose sourced product would have to specifically outline this is the case though and tell you how they do it.
We’ve also included some information on what organic bamboo is in this guide – What Organic Bamboo Actually Is
Potential Properties & Traits
In the same way that organic cotton might have some properties regular cotton doesn’t, organic bamboo might have some properties regular bamboo doesn’t because of the way it is harvested and processed (without certain chemicals).
Testing results from a company that sells organic bamboo products may allow the consumer to be informed on how many chemicals are left on the final bamboo product after production, and whether the bamboo retains certain features like anti bacterial properties or UV resistant properties (that haven’t been stripped away by processing chemicals)
On mechanically and naturally processed bamboo, from eycolour.net:
This mechanical process allows the bamboo fiber to remain strong, thus, producing an exceptionally high-quality product.
Although expensive, this method is eco-friendly and creates an impeccably durable material.
Potential Uses
There is not a lot of true organic bamboo confirmed to be available at the moment.
But, organic bamboo may be able to fill similar uses to regular bamboo.
Hemp
Hemp is a natural fibre that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant.
There’s different types of Hemp fibers, with each having different qualities.
From fabriclink.com:
The highest quality hemp comes from the “true” hemp plant called Cannabis Sativa.
Sisal hemp and Manila hemp (also known as Abaca) are lower quality hemp fibers
From textiletoday.com.bd:
There are thirty varieties of Hemp fiber.
Potential Properties & Traits
From fabriclink.com:
[Might be stronger than cotton]
[May have antibacterial properties, and also UV resistance properties]
[May take dyes well]
[May be breathable]
[May wrinkle easily]
[Might not have good drapability]
[May be best when blended with other fibres because of hemp’s lack of softness, and harshness on the hand]
From oecotextiles.org:
[May have] softness and high abrasion resistance …
… texture of pure hemp textiles resembles that of flax linen …
… hemp fibers can be woven alone or with other fibers … to create many different looks … [and] colors and finishes.
Hemp has a … natural luster and a lush hand and drape not found with any other natural or synthetic fiber, even linen.
[May be strong and durable, and have a longer lifespan than other natural fibres, hold it’s shape well and not stretch, withstand washing and cleaning well, be comfortable to wear, absorb moisture well, be breathable, and be quick at drying, absorb dyes and retain colors better than other natural fibres, have a high resistance to UV light, and not fade in color when exposed to the sun, be resistant to rotting, mildew, and mold, and be biodegradable and easily recyclable]
From sewport.com:
Hemp … has a similar texture to cotton, but it also feels somewhat like canvas.
[May not be …] susceptible to shrinkage, and it is highly resistant to pilling.
Since fibers from this plant are long and sturdy, hemp fabric is very soft, but it is also highly durable [and may last double or triple the time of a cotton t shirt].
Some estimates suggest that hemp fabric is three times stronger than cotton fabric
[May be a] lightweight fabric, [and] highly breathable, easy to dye, [and] highly resistant to mold, mildew …
Hemp fabric softens with each washing, and its fibers don’t degrade [with multiple] washings.
From textiletoday.com.bd:
[May be dyed well, but difficult to bleach]
Hemp fiber is longer, stronger, more absorbent, more mildew resistant and more insulative than Cotton fiber.
The thermal reactions of Hemp and the effect of sunlight are the same as for Cotton.
Hemp is moth resistant, but it is not impervious to mildew.
Furthermore, Hemp has the best ratio of the heat capacity of all fibers giving it superior insulation properties.
[May be soft and durable]
As Hemp is not pliable and elastic, it cannot be woven into fine fabrics.
Some sources say hemp may have a harsh or a more ‘hippy’ look to it, so might be best blended with other fibres like cotton, silk, wool, polyester etc.
But, oecotextiles.blog mentions that ‘… new developments from the 1980’s in retting and processing the stalks has meant that the hemp fibers produced today are soft and lustrous enough for even the finest fabrics’. So, hemp may be reasonably versatile in modern times.
Potential Uses
fabriclink.com indicates Hemp can be used in different types of apparel, and also different types of home fashion and decor
Organic Hemp
Potential Properties & Traits
From textiletoday.com.bd: Natural organic Hemp fiber “breathes” and is biodegradable.
Linen/Flax
A natural vegetable/plant fibre made from the flax plant.
According to wikipedia.org, ‘There are two varieties: shorter tow fibers used for coarser fabrics and longer line fibers used for finer fabrics’
Potential Properties & Traits
From textileschool.com:
[May have good breathability, absorbency, and heat conductivity]
[May not have good resiliency]
From wikipedia.org:
[May be strong, absorbent, and dry faster than cotton]
[May be comfortable, be cool to wear, and be smooth and soft]
[May have a tendency to wrinkle because of poor elasticity]
More biodegradable than cotton
Mildew, perspiration, and bleach can damage the fabric
From wikipedia.org:
Flax fibers can usually be identified by their “nodes” which add to the flexibility and texture of the fabric.
The cross-section of the linen fiber is made up of irregular polygonal shapes which contribute to the coarse texture of the fabric.
… shorter tow fibers [are] used for coarser fabrics and longer line fibers [are] used for finer fabrics.
According to sewport.com:
[May be highly breathable, now in stretchability, not prone to pilling, dries quickly, and may have good durability because it’s possible to achieve a higher thread count than with cotton]
Potential Uses
fabriclink.com indicates linen/flex may be good for different types of apparel and clothing, and home fashion
Wikipedia.org mentions linen is an expensive textile used in smaller quantities compared to other fibres, but is used for a range of linen products
Several sources indicate that linen is good for soft and fine fabrics, but, it’s not as resilient as other natural fibres
Organic Linen/Flax
Not an overly common fibre.
Organic linen/flax is dew-retted to soften the fibres (without the environmental damage of common dam retting), before being scutched to draw each stem into long flaxen strands.
These long and soft fibres and strands may produce fabrics of high quality and that are fine in texture.
Uses no irrigation, no GMOs, no toxic pesticides, so might be sustainable in some ways.
Read more about organic linen at elkieark.com
TENCEL, & Other Brands Of Lenzing Fibres
TENCEL is a fiber produced by Lenzing that is used for for textiles.
We’ve provided more information on TENCEL Lyocell and Modal, and other brands of Lenzing fibres in this guide.
Some of the specific traits of TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibres according to the latest information on the TENCEL website are (some is paraphrased, and some is a direct quote):
TENCEL™ Fibers In General – Potential Properties & Traits
There are different TENCEL fiber variations in the product range, and each can be customized for the end application’s specifications
Some of the general traits of TENCEL fibers are that they are soft to the skin, smooth to touch, absorbs and releases moisture and supports the body’s natural thermal regulation (may absorb moisture better than cotton), are less favorable for bacterial growth as there’s less moisture available on the surface of the fiber (and may rate better than polyester, synthetics and cotton in this regard), have good breathability, have good color vibrancy, have lower static charge than synthetics, and are less prone to fade with repeated washes.
There’s also these fiber products with specific traits for their end use – TENCEL™ Intimate, TENCEL™ Active, TENCEL™ Luxe, TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Footwear. Lyocell and modal can be used in each of these areas and other areas
In terms of sustainability, they have a botanic origin, are biodegradable and compostable (under industrial, home soil and marine conditions), and have a closed loop production process where water and solvent are re-used at better than a 99% rate
Lenzing also mentions TENCEL fibers are now CarbonNeutral®/carbon zero fibers
TENCEL™ Denim have low carbon footprint, and produced with low amounts of water
The STANDARD by OEKO-TEX® certification also confirms that both Lyocell and Modal fibers have been tested for ‘numerous regulated and non regulated harmful substances and are therefore harmless to human health’
TENCEL™ Lyocell – Potential Properties & Traits
Variations of the Lyocell fiber include the standard lyocell variations, the REFIBRA technology variations, and the micro technology variations
Their physical properties are that they have a ‘high tenacity profile, efficient moisture management and [also] gentleness to skin’, as well as strength, durability, being long lasting, being smooth on the skin and having a good drape on the body
Lyocell fibers in particular have an efficient uptake of dyes, which results in a more vibrant/brighter/more intense sheen of color compared to cotton fabrics
In general, the lyocell fibers are sustainable across some measures as they are ‘extracted from sustainably grown wood using a unique closed loop system … [which recycled water and where solvent is reused at a] recovery rate of more than 99%’
Can be used for general textiles, denim, innerwear, activewear, home and interiors, and footwear
Can be combined with other fibers (which are listed on the tencel.com website) to enhance aesthetic and functionality of a fabric
TENCEL™ Lyocell Filament – Potential Properties & Traits
Described as using Eco Filament technology
Has ‘A new variant of the Lyocell production process enables Lenzing to produce extremely fine filament yarn, branded as TENCEL™ Luxe, which produce silky-smooth luxury fabrics with color vibrancy and a flowing liquid-like drape.’
Also has a sustainability component ‘using wood-based cellulosic fiber technology … [a] closed loop process [where there is the recovery of process chemicals … and also uses renewable energy for production’
TENCEL™ Modal – Potential Properties & Traits
Variations of the Modal fiber include the Eco Soft technology, Micro technology, Eco Color technology, and Indigo Color technology variations
They are designed to be long lasting, retain their color vibrancy longer than conventionally dyed fabrics and are less prone to fade, and are about twice as soft as cotton (even after repeated washing)
Can be used for general textiles, denim, innerwear, activewear, and home and interiors
Claimed to be flexible and offer different design possibilities as it can be blended with other fibers to increase softness and comfort of fabrics
In terms of sustainability, ‘TENCEL™ Modal fibers are extracted from naturally grown beech wood (sourced from sustainable forests in Austria and neighboring countries) by an environmentally responsible integrated pulp-to-fiber process, which is self-sufficient in energy and recovers co-products from component parts of the wood.’. Renewable energy is also used for production
All TENCEL™ standard Modal fibers are also biodegradable and compostable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions, thus they can fully revert back to nature.’
Other TENCEL™ Fiber Technologies – Potential Properties & Traits
Beyond the individual fibers, there are different technologies used during production with TENCEL™ fibers to give the fibers specific properties.
A list of them includes:
REFIBRA™
Micro
Eco Soft
Eco Color
Eco Filament
Eco Clean
Indigo Color
On the TENCEL website, the traits of these technologies are all listed.
As just one example, TENCEL™ Modal fibers produced with Micro technology produce very fine fibers that can result in very fine yarns, with lightness and softness, and can have enhanced moisture absorption.
We make mention of some of the additional sustainability benefits of these technologies in this guide.
But, the Lenzing TENCEL site has the full information on these technologies.
Subjective Feedback On TENCEL By A User
The businessinsider.com.au guide includes a journalists feedback on researching, feeling and wearing TENCEL. They mentions about TENCEL:
‘Compared to cotton, people [on the internet] thought Tencel shrank less, wrinkled less, and breathed more. In the store, [the journalist] noticed … the fabric felt softer and stronger than most cotton’
‘[A partner at a global retail consulting firm said TENCEL has] moisture absorption ability, which in turn makes [it] breathable, softer, [and] less prone to wrinkles …
[What is unclear is whether it] collects as much odor or bacteria as other fabrics and needs to be washed less
[The journalist found TENCEL was silky, and after] a few months of wearing and washing it … It’s more airy than a normal cotton button-up, and [it doesn’t have to be washed] as often. [and, there wasn’t much difference in wrinkling]
[In terms of price, TENCEL is more expensive than cotton because of the technology required to produce it, and possibly because of how much money companies might have to spend marketing it]. However, our point in regards to that would be to consider the subsidies cotton receives and factor that into prices too
Jute
Jute is a natural vegetable fibre that comes mainly from the White jute plant.
Potential Properties & Traits
From swicofil.com:
[A golden fibre with a silky shine, high tensile strength, low extensibility, and is] 100% bio-degradable recyclable and thus environment friendly
From wikipedia.org:
Jute is in great demand due to its cheapness, softness, length, lustre and uniformity of its fiber
‘[It may also be a shiny, strong and coarse fiber …]
… as a home textile, either replacing cotton or blending with it … [jute …] is a strong, durable, color and light-fast fiber. Its UV protection, sound and heat insulation, low thermal conduction and anti-static properties make it a wise choice in home décor.
Also, fabrics made of jute fibers are carbon-dioxide neutral and naturally decomposable [and] jute is the most environment-friendly fiber starting from the seed to expired fiber, as the expired fibers can be recycled more than once …
[Jute] has high tensile strength, low extensibility, and ensures better breathability of fabrics.
By treating jute with caustic soda, crimp, softness, pliability, and appearance is improved, aiding in its ability to be spun with wool.
[Jute fibres] are also often blended with other fibres, both synthetic and natural [such as wool]
– fao.org
Some sources say Jute may be limited in it’s usage in fashion to an extent, compared to other fibres like cotton.
Potential Uses
Wikipedia.org lists a number of the uses of jute as a fiber
[May be used in] industrial yarn and fabric for packaging (swicofil.com)
May not be used in textiles as heavily as other fibres, and may be used in ropes, twines, packaging materials, floor coverings, bags, and more] (jpdepc.org, and cleanfax.com)
Some sources say Jute may not be as good for floor coverings because it can wear down and be hard to clean, it can change colors, and it can hold odor
*Note – These Profiles Are Generalisations Only
It’s worth noting that this guide contains generalisations about fibres only.
So, don’t just rely on the information in this guide when assessing the traits of different fibres and fabrics – it’s worth doing separate research involving other sources to.
Fibres and fabrics can differ in their traits and characteristics for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
The variations of cotton for example have different fibre traits and features.
– Fibres can be produced by different suppliers and companies, who have their own production processes – which can affect the final features of the fibre.
Lyocell might be one example of this
– In a finished textile, one fibre or fabric might be blended with another, to mix traits and features of the finished textile.
For example, cotton might be mixed with polyester in a finished textile product
With blended/mixed fibre products, there will likely be a different set of traits than a finished product made of 100% one individual fibre.
– A fibre might perform differently or better on one type of product compared to another.
For example, a jute rug might perform worse than a jute bag in terms of durability due to the type of activities each product is used for
– The development of technology will change how different fibres look and feel over time
Other Resources On The Above Fibres
These guides provide some more information on the above fibres:
– Rayon vs Viscose vs Modal vs Polyester vs Lyocell vs Bamboo Comparison: What’s The Difference?
– globalspec.com outlines the general properties to look for in different fibres, and gives examples of the properties of different synthetic and regenerated fibres
– textileapex.blogspot.com gives a side by side general comparison of synthetic and natural fibres
How To Find Out The Profile Of The Fibre or Fabric Product You’re Buying
The best way to find out what you are buying and to know what to expect is to:
– Look on the seller’s website, social media profiles, and other places where they have a presence online
Find out how the fibres in the product are sourced and also produced
Look at their FAQ section for info on how their fibres might look and feel, and the different qualities they might have
Read the product description and contact the seller beforehand with any questions you might have.
Generally, the best sellers answer a lot of your questions in their descriptions and FAQs of their fibres and products, and/or have certifications (such as GOTS, Oeko Tek 100 etc.) listed where necessary.
TENCEL for example has lists of sustainability certifications on their websites for their Lyocell and Modal fibres
Read reviews and feedback from other customers
See whether the manufacturer or seller provides any results for tests done on their fibres for things like UV resistance, anti pilling, anti bacteria properties etc
– Inspect the product in person
Look at the label or product description of the product you are buying to find out what fibres or yarns it’s made of, and what % of what fibres the product is made from
Touch and feel the product yourself physically in person, and try it on in person if they allow potential customers to touch and wear or test the product before buying
Sources
1. https://www.tencel.com/general
2. https://www.businessinsider.com.au/how-tencel-compares-to-cotton-2015-9?r=US&IR=T
3. https://www.elkieark.com/blogs/eco-living-sustainable-living/organic-bamboo-bed-linen
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10. http://www.fabriclink.com/University/Hemp.cfm
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14. https://www.simplififabric.com/pages/organic-cotton
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18. http://www.fabriclink.com/University/Polyester.cfm
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22. https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/polyester-fabric
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25. https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/cotton-fabric
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28. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyester
29. https://www.textileschool.com/234/polyester-fiber-and-its-uses/
30. https://www.textileschool.com/164/cotton-fibers-and-its-properties/
31. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton
32. https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/what-does-moisture-wicking-mean
33. https://www.keycolour.net/blog/the-organic-bamboo/
34. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo_textile
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37. https://www.fabriclink.com/university/Bamboo.cfm
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51. https://www.lenzing.com/products/veoceltm
52. https://www.lenzing.com/products/lenzingtm
53. https://www.tencel.com/b2b/product/tencel-lyocell
54. https://www.tencel.com/b2b/product/tencel-modal
55. https://www.tencel.com/b2b/product/tencel-lyocell-filament
56. https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/fibres-textiles/fabric-fashion-industry-regenerated-fibres/
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58. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax
59. http://www.fao.org/economic/futurefibres/fibres/jute/en/
60. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/polyester-fiber-market
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