Synthetic Fabrics
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics are made from man-made materials. Some types of synthetic fabric include polyester, nylon, and acrylic, along with brand-name materials such as Dacron, Kevlar, and Spandex. The fibers used to make synthetic fabrics are derived from oil, coal, or natural gas. They can be dyed during the process of creating the fibers, which allows for brighter and longer-lasting color than can be achieved with natural fabrics.
Manufacturers of synthetic fabrics can also add other chemicals during fiber creation to make the final product resistant to water, flame, wrinkling, or insects. Because of these added chemicals, synthetic fabrics sometimes have properties that natural fabrics cannot match, such as being waterproof or extremely stretchable.
Synthetic fabrics are often used for clothing, but they can also be used to make tents, blankets, upholstery, parachutes, diapers, drapes, and more. Synthetic fabrics may be soft, stiff, lightweight, heavy, or sheer. Some synthetic fabrics can be washed in a machine, while others require hand-washing or dry cleaning. Unlike natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics are not biodegradable. They also tend to be less breathable than natural fabrics. The chemicals used in creating synthetic fabric may also leach out of the fabric, posing potential health or environmental problems.
To find out more about synthetic fabrics, click on the links on this page from Business.com.
Synthetic Fabrics Key Terms
Know the most useful synthetic fabric termsBy Nikki Wheeler Synthetic fabrics are fabrics made from woven synthetic, manufactured or man-made fibers. The benefits of using synthetic fabrics include greater strength and durability for industrial uses, less expensive production and low maintenance in caring for fabrics used for clothing or home furnishing. Each synthetic fabric was created from the desire to simulate natural fibers and in some cases even improve upon them. When exploring the options of using synthetic fabrics for your business, it is best to start with a firm grasp of synthetic fabrics key terms.
Nylon
Nylon is a highly versatile synthetic fabric that can range from lightweight to heavyweight, can be shiny or dull, is wrinkle-free and abrasion-resistant. Because of its durability, it is used to manufacture things like seat belts and rope.
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Learn more about nylon and its many uses by looking through the inventory at Seattle Fabrics, which includes nylon for everything from tents to ropes to clothing.
Spandex
Spandex is a synthetic fabric known also by its most famous brand name, Lycra. It is an exceptionally stretchy fabric that is used mostly in apparel and more specifically for sportswear.
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Read everything about Lycra, the name brand spandex, from the history of the fabric to recent innovations.
Rayon
Rayon is a shiny synthetic fabric that is used for apparel as an alternative to silk. It is used for home decoration and for some industrial uses.
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Have a look at the different weaves and possible uses of rayon fabric among the wide selection at Denver Fabrics.
Polyester
Polyester is the most common synthetic fiber found in apparel. It is often blended with other fabrics like cotton to keep clothing maintenance minimal by taking advantage of polyester's wrinkle- and shrink-resistant qualities.
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Read more about polyester fibers at Fiber Source.
Acetate
Acetate fibers create an artificial fabric that drapes beautifully for use in flowing apparel, such as dresses, and home decor like window treatments. It is comfortable and soft, resilient to moisture and has a unique luster.
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Visit the GAMA Association to learn about all the positive characteristics of acetate and why it is considered an eco-friendly fabric.
Acrylic
Acrylic fabrics are used very often in clothing as an inexpensive alternative to cashmere, because of the similar feel and texture. They are resistant to shrinkage and wrinkles.
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Find out more about acrylic fabrics from Fabric Link.
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