man-made fibers
Lab-created fabric materials
Man-made fibers are textile fibers produced through chemical processes rather than grown naturally.
The category includes synthetics like nylon and polyester, made entirely from petrochemicals, as well as semi-synthetics like rayon, derived from plant cellulose but chemically transformed.
They contrast with natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk.
Synthetic petroleum-based fabric
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- acrylicSynthetic resin or fiber
- spandexElastic synthetic fiber
- rayonSemi-synthetic cellulose textile
lycra · elastane · modal · viscose · acetate · kevlar · microfiber · polypropylene
Wool still on sheep
- faux furSynthetic animal-hair fabric
- pleatherImitation animal hide
- vegan leatherNon-animal hide substitute
- athleisureExercise-meets-everyday fashion category
activewear · sportswear · hosiery · lingerie · swimwear · outerwear · linings · gore-tex
Pushing through a die
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
- filamentVery thin thread
- texturizingAdding varied surface quality
- yarn spinningMaking thread from fiber
monofilament · industrial looms · weaving · knitting · nonwoven · drawing · crimping
Resistance to pulling force
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- wear-resistantAble to withstand friction
- abrasion-resistantUnharmed by rubbing
- weatherproofResistant to outdoor elements
moisture-wicking · quick-drying · colorfastness · elasticity · breathability · lightweight · hydrophobic · thermoplastic
Installed floor textile
- upholsteryFurniture's textile layer
- geotextilesPermeable fabrics for earthworks
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- ropeThick twisted fibers
parachutes · seatbelts · insulation · tarpaulins · awnings · tents · fishing nets · protective gear
polyester
Synthetic petroleum-based fabric
rayon · lycra · elastane · modal · viscose · acetate · kevlar · microfiber · polypropylene · aramid
fleece
Wool still on sheep
- faux furSynthetic animal-hair fabric
- pleatherImitation animal hide
- vegan leatherNon-animal hide substitute
athleisure · activewear · sportswear · hosiery · lingerie · swimwear · outerwear · linings · gore-tex · moisture-wicking
extrusion
Pushing through a die
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
- filamentVery thin thread
- texturizingAdding varied surface quality
yarn spinning · monofilament · industrial looms · weaving · knitting · nonwoven · drawing · crimping
tensile strength
Resistance to pulling force
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- wear-resistantAble to withstand friction
- abrasion-resistantUnharmed by rubbing
weatherproof · moisture-wicking · quick-drying · colorfastness · elasticity · breathability · lightweight · hydrophobic · thermoplastic · flame-retardant
carpeting
Installed floor textile
- upholsteryFurniture's textile layer
- geotextilesPermeable fabrics for earthworks
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
rope · parachutes · seatbelts · insulation · tarpaulins · awnings · tents · fishing nets · protective gear · composites