Fiber
any substance with a high length to width ratio and suitable characteristics for being processed into fabric
Yarn
an assemblage of fibers that are twisted or laid together to form a continuous strand
Short fibers
staple" yarn
long filaments
filament" yarn
Fabric
a planar flexible structure, often made from yarns. Fabrics can be woven, knit, nonwoven or other types.
Griege Goods
unfinished fabric
How does it look?
Aesthetic
Does it feel tight? Heavy?
Comfort
How long will it last? Will it look the same?
Durability
Physical Appearance
color, luster, and opacity of a fabric; important for apparel, household and interiors.
Drape
...the way a fabric falls while it hangs; the suppleness and ability of a fabric to form graceful configurations
Wrinkle and Crush Resistance
the ability of a fabric to return to its original condition when distorted by bending, wrinkling, or crushing
Dimensional Stability
ability of a fabric to resist shrinkage or growth during use and care.
Relaxation shrinkage/gain
Occurs during initial launderings due to stretching during manufacturing- Is irreversible
Felting Shrinkage
Applicable only to wool- The scale surface of the fibers interlock with moisture, heat, and agitation- Is irreversible.
Residual Shrinkage
Reduction in length resulting from fiber swelling when washed- Often reversible. i.e jeans stretching after wash
Shape Retention
fabric's ability to retain its shape during use- Terms such as sagging are used to describe poor shape retention.
Pilling
is "the tendency of fibers to work loose from a fabric surface and form balled or matted particles of fiber that remain attached to the surface of the fabric").
Snagging
is the pulling of yarn(s) during use.
Colorfastness
is a product's ability to retain color during use and care
If a color does not bleed, crock, fade, etc. it is "fast".
Moisture Absorption and Transport
Fabric's ability to hold moisture or to transport liquid (perspiration) and moisture vapor away from the body.
Thermal Insulation
fabric's ability to provide insulation by trapping air adjacent to the body.
Stretch and Recovery
a fabric's ability to stretch and return to its original shape.
Static Buildup
the static charge that builds up in fabrics made of fibers with poor electrical conductivity and low moisture absorption.
Tactile Properties
Called fabric hand, texture, stiffness or smoothness, etc. that affect how a fabric feels when in contact with skin.
Skin Irritants/Allergens
skin irritations due to allergic reaction or to a rough fabric surface
Strength
amount of force required to rupture a fabric
tensile
force required to pull fabric apart longitudinally
tearing strength
force required to rip fabric
bursting strength
force required to burst knit or nonwoven fabrics in a multidimensional manner
Abrasion Resistance
fabric's ability to withstand wear due to rubbing
Flat abrasion
is wear of a flat fabric surface.
Flex Abrasion
is wear of a fabric when moving or flexing and unflexing.
Edge abrasion
is wear of a fabric surface that is on an edge, such as at a hem.
Weathering
fabric's ability to withstand environmental conditions, including sunlight, heat, and moisture.
WOOL PRODUCTS LABELING ACT (WPL), 1939, amended 1986
Recycled wool
Reprocessed
Reused
Virgin wool
Lamb's wool
Manufacturer's name, registration number (WPL #)
TEXTILES FIBER PRODUCTS IDENTIFICATION ACT (TFPIA), 1960
Fiber content by descending percentage
Generic Name
Manufacturers name or registration number
Country of origin
Care Label- 3.FTC RULE: CARE Labeling of Textile Apparel (1972, 1984, 1998)
Care instructions in words, symbols