Fabric by Type
Fabrics with Natural Fibers
Traditionally, fabric has been produced using natural fibers, which are either derived from plants or animals. These fibers are often seen as eco-friendly because of their renewable sourcing and biodegradable nature. Thanks to their absorbency, breathability, and resistance to catching fire, natural fibers are excellent for creating clothing and for indoor applications.
Cashmere. Cashmere is a type of fiber sourced from goats. It surpasses sheep's wool in fineness, strength, lightness, softness, and insulative properties, being roughly three times as insulating. Due to its breathable and gentle nature, cashmere is often employed in the crafting of high-end clothing items.
Cotton Fabric. Cotton is a natural fiber derived from plants, noted for its adaptability, durability, and breathability. As a material, cotton is both biodegradable and recyclable. Among the most environmentally friendly fibers are organic and recycled cotton. This multifaceted material is perfect for indoor curtains, clothing, and bedding, and it's often blended with other fibers for enhanced performance.
Jute. Known alternatively as burlap, hessian cloth, or gunny cloth, Jute is made from fibers of the jute plant. The fabric produced is often utilized in items like bags, drapes, and upholstery. Notably, jute stands out as an extremely eco-friendly natural material because the jute plant replenishes nutrients in the fields where it grows, which are frequently also employed for rice cultivation.
Linen. Linen is a fabric crafted from the long, slender fibers extracted from flax plant stems. Owing to its durability, softness, and quick-drying nature, linen is widely favored for bedding. Its ability to filter light also makes it excellent for use as drapery. Furthermore, linen's antibacterial properties render it perfect for commercial spaces, hospitals, and other high-traffic areas.
Raffia. Raffia fibers are sourced from the leaves of the raffia palm tree. The tree's numerous elongated leaflets are carefully ripped along their lengths to extract a light green fiber, which adopts a natural beige hue once sun-dried. These natural fibers can also be color-treated to produce various shades of raffia. The environmentally friendly raffia results in a firmer fabric, suitable for items such as tablecloths, placemats, lamp shades, hats, bags, wall decorations, and upholstery.
Wool. Wool, mainly sourced from sheep, is the second most widely used natural fiber globally, just after cotton. Noted for its exceptional insulating properties and natural flame resistance, wool is often employed in upholstery, bedding, and outerwear. Merino wool, known for its softness and fine texture, is particularly suited for materials designed to come into contact with skin.
Fabrics with Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fibers have been engineered to overcome some limitations inherent in natural fibers. Fabrics made from synthetic material typically offer ease of maintenance due to their crease resistance, elasticity, pliability, and durability. Their quick-drying feature and superior durability make them more apt for outdoor usage where natural fibers would deteriorate rapidly.
Acrylic Fabric. Acrylic is a man-made fiber that mimics the texture and appearance of wool; it's frequently used as a substitute or mixed with wool or cashmere. Its ability to repel water makes it a suitable choice for outdoor fabrics. Modacrylic is a variation of acrylic that's been adjusted to possess flame-resistant characteristics.
Chenille. Chenille yarn is created from a mix of materials such as cotton, acrylic, rayon, and olefin, giving it a plush, fuzzy texture. The softness of Chenille, coupled with its unique pile, can give it an iridescent look as the fibers reflect light differently based on the viewing angle. Ideally, Chenille should be dry cleaned and not left to dry while hanging. Perfectly suited for upholstery tasks, Chenille fabric can also be used in crafting decorative pillows, beddings, duvets, and various other home decor endeavors.
Olefin. Olefin is the term used in the textile industry for the compound known as polypropylene. This man-made fiber is derived from the waste materials of oil manufacturing, hence it doesn't necessitate the use of water or land for its production. With its inherent resistance to stains and microbes, coupled with its durability, Olefin is an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor upholstery purposes.
Polyester. Polyester is the most prevalent synthetic fiber in the textile world and has been widely used since its debut as the 'miracle fiber' in the 1950s. Its applications range from clothing and outerwear to upholstery and outdoor pillows. Frequently, polyester is blended with other fibers to enhance durability and minimize wrinkle formation.
Polyolefin. Polyolefin is a type of hydrocarbon that has been polymerized; the specific hydrocarbon used defines the attributes of the resulting polyolefin. Its applications in the textile sector encompass upholstery, cushions and pillows, as well as outdoor curtains. Notably, polyolefin is resistant to water and fading, and it can be recycled to produce new yarn.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride). While PVC fabrics are often seen as environmentally harmful, their unique material properties make them essential for some of the most rigorous applications, which very few other materials can withstand. From fire protective garments and awnings to tents and even space vehicles, PVC fabrics have a multitude of uses. They provide exceptional resistance to fire, chemicals, and oil stains.
Rayon Fabric. While Rayon is derived from reprocessed wood, its manufacture into a usable fabric involves synthetic procedures, thereby classifying it as a semi-synthetic material. It's commonly employed as a substitute or mimic for silk, wool, and various other fabrics.
Vinyl fabric, in the textile industry, can be PVC, EVA, or PEVA. For those concerned about environmental impact, non-chlorinated versions like PVA, PVB, EVA, and PEVA are advisable due to their potentially lesser environmental health effects. Vinyl is exceptionally durable, essential for tough environments such as boat upholstery, marine settings, vehicle upholstery, and commercial seating.