Textile fibres or textile fibers (see spelling differences ) can be created from many natural sources (animal hair or fur, cocoons as with silk worm cocoons), as well as semisynthetic methods that use naturally occurring polymers, and synthetic methods that use polymer-based materials, and even minerals such as metals to make foils and wires. The consumer protection laws requires that fibre content be provided on content labels. Common textile fibres used in global fashion today include:[ 1] [ 2] [ 3] [ 4]
Fibre Source Attribute
Alpaca Alpaca Soft, warmth, lightweight
Angora wool Angora rabbit Softness, blends well with other fibres
Azlon Synthetic Soft, silky, hygroscopic, also known as Aralac
Byssus Pinna nobilis Warmth, lightweight
Camel hair Arabian ña / Guanaco / South America camelid varietiesSoftness, warmth
Cashmere wool Indian cashmere goat Softness
Chiengora Dog Fluffy, lightweight
Lambswool Sheep Softness, elasticity, warmth
Llama Llama Lightweight, insulating
Mohair wool Angora goat Dyes well, lightweight
Qiviut Muskoxen Softness, warmth
Rabbit Rabbits Softness
Silk Silk worm (Bombyx mori) Smooth, strong fabric finish with high shine
Eri silk Silk worm (Samia cynthia) Smooth, strong fabric finish with high shine
Spider silk Golden Orb-weaver Spider (Nephila inaurata madagascariensis); transgenic silk worm; transgenic yeast Ultra-strong, golden, smooth fabric finish with high shine
Vicuña Vicuña Expensive, luxurious, soft
Wool Sheep Warmth
Yak fiber Wild Yak Heavy, warmth
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Fibre Source Attribute
Abacá Abaca plant Thin, lightweight
Acetate Wood Pulp Lustrous, thermoplastic
Bamboo Grass pulp Lightweight, pliable fibre
Banana Banana plant pseudostem/leaves Warm, thick, durable
Kapok Pentandra tree Fluffy, soft and lightweight
Coir Coconut Strength, durability
Cotton Shrub Lightweight, absorbent
Flax Herbaceous plant Lightweight, absorbent, used to make linen
Hemp Cannabis Strength, durability
Jute Vegetable plant in linden family Strength, durability
Kenaf Hibiscus cannabinus Rough
Lyocell Eucalyptus Tree Soft, lightweight, absorbent
Modal Beech tree Softness, lightweight
Piña Pineapple leaf Soft, lightweight
Raffia Raffia palm Carpet/rough
Ramie Flowering plant in nettle family Heavy, tough
Rayon Wood Pulp Soft, lightweight, absorbent
Sisal Agave sisalana Strength, durability
Soy protein Tofu-manufacturing waste Wooly, lightweight
Other plant-based fibers:
Mineral-based fibres
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Fibre Source Attribute
Acrylic Petroleum Products Lightweight, warm, dries quickly
Kevlar Aramids Very strong
Modacrylic Petroleum Products Lightweight, warm, dries quickly
Nomex Aramids Chemical, electrical, and flame resistant
Nylon Petroleum Products Durable, strong, lightweight, dries quickly
Polyester Petroleum Products Durable, strong, lightweight, dries quickly
Spandex Petroleum Products Elastic, strong, lightweight
Rayon Regenerated cellulose Weak when wet
