Material Types
Here’s a grouping of terms for all of the synthetic fibers used in apparel manufacturing today.
- Acetate:
- One of the earliest manufactured fibers in which the fiber-forming substance is cellulose acetate.
- Acrylic:
- A manufactured fiber that is silk-like in appearance and feel and springs back when crushed. The fiber-forming substance is any long chain of synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units.
- Lycra:
- INVISTA’s trademark for a synthetic fabric material with elastic properties of the sort known generically as “spandex.”
- Micro Fiber:
- Very thin fibers, including polyester, nylon and acrylic, that are less than one denier per filament. Typically creates very strong fabrics with a softer hand but durable, water repellent, windproof and with the ability to retain color.
- Micro Fleece:
- A high-density anti-pilling fleece made from micro fiber brushed less than a regular fleece fabric. It is very warm, but does not have the accompanying weight.
- Nylon:
- A synthetic polymer, a plastic, durable fabric used in apparel and other everyday items. Invented by DuPont Corp. in 1939, today it’s used in many apparel items and is popular for its resistance to moisture and wrinkles and its unending durability.
- Polyester:
- A strong, durable synthetic fabric with low moisture absorbency. Polyester is popular for its comfort and doesn’t wrinkle or fade. It is often blended with cotton to produce a longer lasting garment that wrinkles less.
- Rayon:
- A manufactured textile fiber composed of regenerated cellulose.
- Spandex:
- Name for many of the elastic textile fibers most often made from polyurethane. Its ability to stretch and snap back to its original form makes spandex ideal for a blend used in garments designed to hold their shape. It was first developed in 1959.
- Supplex:
- DuPont-engineered nylon that is soft and supple like cotton but durable and quick-drying. It’s stain, fade and shrink resistant, as well as windproof and breathable.
- Taslan:
- A textured yarn that is made on a bulking process developed by DuPont. Its hand, loftiness, covering power and yarn texture are such that these properties are permanent and don’t require special handling or care. It’s a registered trademark.
- Teflon Coated:
- DuPont-trademarked water- and stain-repellent coating that allows fabric to remain breathable.
- Ultra Suede:
- Registered trademark of Spring Mills Inc. for a fabric marketed under its Skinner brand. Fabric isn’t woven or knitted, and has tiny polyester fibers embedded in its soft, lush surface.
Branded Terms
Here is a short list from around the industry to help you more quickly identify some of the most prominent names.
- ClimaCool:
- Adidas technology that keeps air flowing around garment to regulate body temperature.
- ClimaLite:
- Adidas water-wicking technology.
- ClimaProof:
- Adidas technology that keeps the wearer warm and dry no matter what the weather.
- ClimaShell:
- Adidas technology that protects fabric from the environment but remains light, breathable, and water- and wind-resistant.
- CoolFit:
- Bella’s dry-wicking performance technology found in its Alo line.
- CoolMax:
- The DuPont technology that uses specially engineered fibers to push perspiration to the surface of a garment. Used in many brand-name moisture management systems.
- Dri-Fit:
- Nike water-wicking system to keep the wearer dry.
- Dri-Power:
- Russell Artwear technology for drawing moisture away from the body.
- DryTech:
- Boardroom Custom Clothing quick-dry system based on capillary migration.
- EnduraFit:
- Technology and company that produces a full-line of moisture-wicking garments.
- PlayDry:
- Reebok moisture-wicking technology.
- PolarTec:
- Leading manufacturer of synthetic and technology fabrics. Its products run the gamut from moisture-wicking and insulation to stretch and weather protection.
- StretchFlex:
- Bella’s stretch-fabric technology found in its Alo line.
- TempraDry:
- Moisture-wicking system from WICKid that uses microfiber polyester to keep the wearer cool and dry.
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