Clothing is primarily constructed from fibres, which are the fundamental building blocks of textiles. These fibres can originate from different sources, broadly categorized as natural or synthetic.
The fabrics used to create clothes are woven, knitted, or otherwise formed from these tiny thread-like materials called fibres. The type of fibre used significantly influences the fabric's properties, such as its texture, durability, breathability, and appearance.
Natural Fibres Used in Clothing
According to the provided information, Natural fibre clothing is clothing that is made from fibres produced by plants or animals. These fibres are harvested directly from nature without complex chemical processing.
Examples of natural fibres commonly used in clothing include:
- Cotton: A soft, fluffy staple fibre that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of cotton plants. It's widely used due to its softness, breathability, and absorbency.
- Silk: A natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm. It's known for its smoothness, strength, and lustrous appearance.
- Linen: A textile made from the fibres of the flax plant. Linen fabric is highly valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather, as well as its durability.
- Wool: A textile fibre obtained from sheep and other animals, including cashmere and mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, angora from rabbits, and other types of wool from camelids. Wool is known for its warmth and elasticity.
Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics
In contrast to natural fibres, synthetic materials used in clothing are not found in nature. The reference states, "Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, are produced by humans through a chemical synthesis known as polymerisation."
These fibres are engineered by humans using chemical processes, often derived from petroleum-based compounds. This chemical synthesis allows for the creation of fibres with specific properties tailored for various applications in clothing.
Examples of common synthetic fibres include:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Spandex (Elastane)
These synthetic fibres are valued for properties like durability, elasticity, water resistance, and wrinkle resistance, often blended with natural fibres or used on their own.
Fibre Types in Clothing
Here's a quick summary of the two main categories:
| Fibre Type | Source | Production Method | Examples from Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | Plants or Animals | Harvested from nature | Cotton, Silk, Linen, Wool |
| Synthetic | Produced by humans | Chemical synthesis (polymerisation) | (Not listed in reference, but common examples include Polyester, Nylon) |
Understanding the source and type of fibre used is key to knowing the characteristics and feel of the clothes we wear every day.
