Performance characteristics of materials key terms

Moisture-wicking

The ability of a fabric to draw moisture away from the skin to the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate.

Biodegradable

A material that can decompose naturally in the environment without causing harm.

Natural Fibres

Fibres that are sourced from plants or animals, such as cotton, wool, and silk.

Synthetic Fibres

Fibres that are man-made, typically derived from petrochemicals, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic.

Elasticity

The ability of a fabric to stretch and return to its original shape.

Thermal Insulation

The property of a fabric to retain heat and provide warmth.

Thermal Insulation

The ability of a material to resist the transfer of heat, keeping the wearer warm.

Moisture-wicking

The ability of a fabric to draw moisture away from the body to the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate.

Tensile Strength

The resistance of a material to breaking under tension.

Moisture Management

The ability of a fabric to absorb, transport, and evaporate moisture.

Staple Fibres

Short fibres that are spun together to create yarn, typically derived from natural sources.

Continuous Filament Fibres

Long, continuous strands of fibre produced through extrusion, often made from synthetic materials.

Regenerated fibres

Fibres made from natural materials that have been chemically processed to create a new fibre, such as viscose or lyocell.

Synthetic fibres

Fibres made from man-made materials, typically through processes like melt spinning, including polyester and nylon.

Filament Yarn

Yarn made from long continuous strands of fiber, resulting in a smooth texture.

Staple Yarn

Yarn made from short lengths of fibers that are spun together, typically softer and more textured.

Blended Fabrics

Fabrics made from a combination of different fibres to enhance performance and aesthetic qualities.

Finishes

Chemical or mechanical treatments applied to fabrics to improve their properties, such as water resistance or softness.

Elastomeric fibres

Fibres that have elastic properties, allowing them to stretch and return to their original shape, commonly used in stretch fabrics.

Multi-filament yarns

Yarns made from multiple filament fibres twisted together, providing strength and a smooth texture.

Panel Knitting

A knitting technique that produces flat pieces of fabric that are sewn together to form a garment.

Whole Garment Knitting

A knitting method that creates a complete garment in one piece, minimizing waste and seams.

Needle-felting

A method of creating non-woven fabrics by mechanically bonding fibers using barbed needles.

Adhesive bonding

A process where an adhesive is applied to hold fibers together in a non-woven fabric.

Warp

The set of lengthwise yarns that are held in tension on a loom during the weaving process.

Weft

The yarns that are woven across the warp yarns to create fabric.

Crêpe

A lightweight fabric with a crinkled or textured surface, often used in dresses and blouses.

Metallic fibres

Fibres that contain metallic elements, providing shine and enhancing the durability of fabrics.

Yarn

A long continuous length of interlocked fibres, used for knitting or weaving to create fabrics.

Fabric

A material made from weaving or knitting yarns together, used in the production of garments and textiles.