Chapter 11

Strength Durability Resiliency Elasticity Abrasion resistance Wrinkle resistance Shape retention Luster Absorbency Wicking Washability

Come from plants and animals General Characteristics

Absorb WaterMost wrinkle easily

Cotton Flax (Linen) Wool Silk Ramie Leather

Strong, durable Soft Absorbs moisture Breathes well Washes easily Wrinkles easily

Wash in washer and dry Iron at high temperature

Strong Absorbs moisture Comfortable in warm weather Washes easily Wrinkles easily Breathable

Wash or Dry Clean, CHECK LABEL Iron at HIGH temperature

WARM Durable Absorbent Resilient Resists wrinkling Skinks easily Rough Absorbs orders

Dry Clean or Hand Wash and Dry flat Iron at low temperature

Smooth Strong Dries quickly Slight luster Shows water spots

Dry clean or hand wash, check label Iron at low temperature

Made from chemicals

Acetate Acrylic Nylon Polyester Rayon Spandex Aramid

Soft Dries quickly Resistant to shrinking High Luster Low elasticity Can wrinkle

Soft Warm Wool-like Light weight Wrinkle resistant Pills

Dry Cleaned or laundered Iron at low temperature

Very Strong Resilient Dries quickly Doesn’t wrinkle easily Absorbs moisture

Easily laundered Iron at low temperature

Excellent WRINKLE RESISTANCE Resistant to abrasion Dries quickly Blends well with other fibers Bias stretch

Easily laundered Needs little or no pressing

First manufactured fiber Soft and comfortable High moisture absorbency May wrinkle

Usually dry cleaned, sometimes washable Iron at low temperature

Excellent elasticity and recovery Light weight Resistant to body oils Damaged by bleach Damaged by heat

Very stong Resist high levels of heat and flame

resistance Resistant to stretch and abrasion