4. fabrics (natural and synthetic fibres) Flashcards
What are fibres?
Tiny hair like structures that are spun together to make yarns
What are natural fibres derived from?
Animals and plants
What are synthetic fibres?
- they are man made
- and are mostly non-biodegradable so are therefore not sustainable
- they come from many different sources including coal, oil and minerals
What are 5 natural fabrics?
- cotton
- wool
- silk
- linen
- leather/suede
What are 5 synthetic fabrics?
- Polyester
- Polyamide (Nylon)
- Elastane (Lycra)
- Viscose
- Acrylic
What are the features of cotton?
- soft
- good absorbency
- prints well
- machine washable
- strong
- breathable
Where does cotton originate from?
the cotton plant
What are the uses for cotton?
- jeans
- towels
- shirts
- dresses
- underwear
What are the features of wool?
- High UV protection
- flameproof
- breathable
- durable
- insulating
Where does wool originate from?
sheep
What are the uses for wool?
- jumpers
- coats
- blankets
What are the features of silk?
- smooth
- soft
- strong
Where does silk originate from?
the silk worm
What are the uses for silk?
- wedding dresses
- lingerie
- pillowcases
What are the features of linen?
- strong
- cool in hot weather
Where does linen originate from?
the flax seed plant
What are the uses for linen?
- trousers
- tops
What are the features of leather/suede?
- strong
- hardwearing
- durable
What does leather/suede originate from?
the skin of animals, mainly cows
What are the uses of leather/suede?
- jackets
- trousers
- shoes
What are the features of polyester?
- durable
- wrinkle resistant
- stain resistant
What are the uses for polyester?
- shirts
- jackets
- safety/conveyor belts
- tyre reinforcement
What are the features of polyamide (nylon)?
- durable
- high abrasion resistance
What are the uses of polyamide (nylon)?
- sportswear
- carpets
What are the features of elastane (lycra)?
- stretchy
- durable
- high stain resistance
What are the uses for elastane (lycra)?
- sportswear
- swimwear
- tights
What are the features of viscose?
- soft
- comfortable
- absorbent
- easily dyed
What are the uses of viscose?
- dresses
- shorts
- shirts
- coats/jackets
- outerwear
What are the features of acrylic fabric?
- absorbent
- retains shape after washing
- easily dyed
- resistance to sunlight
What are the uses for acrylic fabric?
- jumpers
- tracksuits
- linings in boots
What are blended and mixed fabrics>
- fabrics that take on the positive characteristics of their combinations
- they are mixed to improve their performance
What is an example of a mixed/blended fabric, a feature and a use for it?
- cotton/polyester
- easy care and crease resistant
- used for school shirts
What are some ethical choices somebody can make in relation to clothes?
- check that a brand is transparent about its production methods
- prioritise organic cotton over fast fashion
