Acetate:
A cellulose fibre, which is not affected by moths or mildew, and has excellent draping qualities. It drapes nicely, breathes well on the body, does not shrink and has hypoallergenic qualities. This fibre is blended with a wide variety of other fibres to produce many different weights and types of fabrics. This fibre only excepts certain dyes. It is not crease-resistant but tends to spring back to its original state. Hard wearing fabric that is machine washable. This fibre is found in both woven and knit fabrics. Not used as much in manufacturing of fabrics since the discovery of many polyester fibers.

Acrylic:
Man-made fiber with a soft, woolly hand. Usually added to other natural and man-made fibers to produce wool-like fabrics and knitted goods. The fibre is absorbent, warm, resistant to mildew and moths, washable and dry cleanable but have a tendency to "pill" after some wear and the knitted fabrics easily lose their shape. Stain and wrinkle resistant.

Bamboo:
Natural sustainable fiber, made from the pulp of bamboo grass. It is light and strong and has excellent wicking properties and antibacterial properties. This fiber can absorb more than three times its weight in water making it an excellent fiber for clothing worn next to the skin. It has insulating qualities that keep the wearer cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Takes dyes well and therefore come in a variety of bright colors, drapes smoothly for a beautiful look. Comes in woven and knitted fabrics.

Cotton:
Natural fiber. A very soft and absorbent fiber. It shrinks, so garments that are pre-washed are recommended, or allow for shrinkage when trying on and buying. Cotton is a good conductor of heat making it great for undergarments or clothing worn next to the skin. It can easily mixes with a wide variety of other fibers. Dyes easily but also fades in bright sunlight. This fibre is found in both woven and knitted fabrics. Some common fabric names include; Broadcloth (lightweight woven), Crepe (lightweight crinkle fabric), Flouncing (fine embroidered scalloped edge fabric), Jersey (lightweight knitted fabric), Ratine (loosely woven fabric with rough texture), Satin (soft fabric with a sheen on one side), Shantung (woven with nubs or slubs visible), Velvet (double weave short pile fabric).

Cupro:
Name for Rayon fabric produced by the Cuprammonium method. A very soft silky fiber, often referred to as Bemberg, the name of the company first making it. Cellulose based using cotton or wood. Its very similar to viscose but stronger. Expensive, dyes easily and used mainly in mixtures for blended fabrics.

Lyocell:
Natural fabric. Also known as, Tencel®. It has a soft hand, packs light and is extremely durable and strong. It is made from cellulose (vegetable matter) or wood pulp. The wood chips can be a mix of different hardwood trees such as oak and birch, but Tencel is made from eucalyptus trees.

Micro-fibers:
A mixture of Acrylic, nylon and polyester. Made from petroleum waste products (polypropylene) this fiber is extremely resilient. The micro fiber fabric has excellent wicking properties, which means that the fabric hold the moisture and oils within itself so that they do not set on the surface of the material and transfer to anything that touches it. Great for Baseballs, footballs, cleaning clothes, dust clothes, etc.

Modal:
Bio-based textile made from reconstituted cellulose from the beech tree. It is very soft and feels like cotton or silk. It blends quite well with other fibers such as cotton or spandex. It's a type of rayon, sometimes referred to an artificial silk, because of its soft hand, smooth texture and its ability to breathe well on the body. It is cool to the touch and very absorbent. Drapes well and keeps it shape. Elastic fiber used extensively for blends and mixtures with polyester and cotton.

Metallic Fibers:
Metallic threads woven, braided or knitted into both natural and synthetic fibers to make fabrics like lame and brocade. The most popular fabric is Lame, used in the eveningwear, costuming, dancing, skating and theater production clothing. It is a striking fabric with a gloss finish that catches the smallest light making the fabric come alive. Lame is a weak fabric that loses it properties quickly with use.

Nylon:
Real name - Polyamide which is produced from mineral sources (petroleum products). Easy to dye and is color fast. Nylon is non-absorbent, light weight, hard wearing, durable and resistant to damage. It blends well with other fibers. Nylon is very sensitive to heat and therefore should be washed and dried on cool settings. It dries rapidly with little hang time required, a favorite for campers. Other names: Tactel

Polyester:
Man-made fiber of great strength. Can come in many finishes and mixes very well with other fibers that add strength, stretch or loft to the polyester. It is quick drying, resilient to mold and mildew, easy to wash and holds it form well. Highly flammable, so take warning when wearing it. Slippery and silky in feel, can be mistaken for silk. It can cause skin irritation for some.

Rayon:
Man-made fiber but not an artificial fiber. It is made from cellulose such as wood or cotton but then it requires extensive processing which uses chemicals to make the fibers. Rayon does not age well, it yellows with age and pills to form small balls in areas where the fabric gets most worn or rubs against itself. Rayon drapes nicely, is easy to color with dyes, and is highly absorbent. Fabrics come in both woven and knitted and both fabrics have special care requirements, so read your laundry labels carefully, if Rayon is a fiber listed in the contents. Specific fiber names include: viscose, modal, acetate, and cupro.

Silk:
Natural fiber. Very soft, strong fibers with good insulating properties. It is a natural product and therefore more expensive than other fabrics. Silk takes dye well and therefore come in a dazzling array of colors. Wears well, comfortable, insulating(warm in the winter and cool in the summer), looks and feels smooth. Will last for years if looked after properly. Silk comes in many types of fabrics; Crepe (textured wrinkly fabric), sheers, satins, and blends well with other fibers.

Spandex:
Also known as Lycra. It is a synthetic fabric with a polymer base (polyurethane). Spandex can expand up to 600 times it original state without losing its shape. It will brake down over time and lose its stretch. It is a flexible, breathable fabric and therefore works well for foundation garments, bathing suits and sports wear. Spandex can irritate sensitive skin because it contains harmful chemicals. Some spandex also contain rubber or latex which is even more likely to irritate the skin.

Viscose:
Cellulose fiber usually made from wood-pulp. Soft and absorbent. Can be used alone to make fabrics or mixed with other fibers of all kinds of weights. Viscose rayon has a silky appearance and feel, and breaths similar to cotton. Drapes well but wrinkles very easily and requires allot of maintenance if used for clothing. Very absorbent, may shrink. You will usually find viscose as a blend fiber rather than a stand alone fabric.

Voile:
A term used for high twist yarn fibers used in fine, light, plain weave fabrics. Voile can be made from cotton, rayon, polyester, silk and wool. Voile is lightweight and sheer with good draping qualities.