Fabric Fibers - Part 2
                                                                                                                                             










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.







                                                                                          <<Back to Fabric Fibers Part One


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