Textiles: fibres

Cotton - jeans, t-shirts & towels

• cool to wear
• soft handle (how it feels)
• good drape (how it hangs/behaves when pleated/folded)
• durable
• absorbent => dries slowly
• creases easily
• can be washed & ironed

Linen - summer clothing, tea towels & tablecloths

• fresh and cool to wear
• stiffer handle than cotton
• good drape
• durable
• absorbent BUT fast drying
• can be washed or ironed
• creases badly

Wool - jumpers, suits & blankets

• warm to wear
• absorbent BUT dries quickly
• breathable
• repels rain
• soft/ coarse handle
• can shrink
• good drape
• not durable
• creases drop out
• dry clean

Silk - evening wear & ties

• warm to wear
• absorbent
• soft handle
• good lustre & drape
• durable
• creases drop out
• dry clean

Viscose - shirts, dresses & linings

• low warmth
• absorbent => dries slowly
• soft handle
• good drape
• not durable
• creases easily
• wash and iron

Acrylic - jumpers, fleece jackets & blankets

• warm to wear
• non-absorbent => fast drying
• stiffer handle (a bit like wool)
• good drape
• durable
• crease resistant
• easy care

Nylon - sportswear, fleece jackets, socks & seat belts

• warm to wear
• absorbent => dries slowly
• breathable
• soft/coarse handle
• can shirnk
• good drape
• durable
• creases drop out
• dry clean

Polyester - raincoats, fleece jackets, children's night wear, medical textiles & working clothes

• low warmth
• non-absorbent BUT fast drying
• soft handle
• good drape
• very durable
• crease resistant
• easy care
• can be recycled