Fiber/Content – What it’s made of

Is it made of silk?  Polyester?  Rayon?  These are very important things you should know and we cover it right here for you.

FIBER is classified into two: natural and man-made (also known as synthetic or manufactured fiber).  Cotton, wool, linen, silk, hemp, jute and ramie are all natural fibers. While polyester, rayon, nylon, acetate are among the man-made fibers.  Information on each fiber is enumerated below.

Cotton plant Cotton
Is a natural fabric that is very soft in nature.  Cotton is a lightweight and easily dyed and blends well with other fibers both natural and synthetic.  Cotton came from the cotton plant which abundantly thrives in tropical and subtropical regions including parts of America, Africa, India and  Pakistan.
Silkworm and cocoon Silk
Silk is a natural fiber from the cocoon of silkworms.  For centuries, silk has been identified among the rich and famous most often associated with wealth, luxury and success.  It is also the most sought-after, cherished fiber for wedding dresses (and also the most expensive).   There are several types with different textures: raw silk and silk mikado are just two examples.  It can be woven into just about any fabric.
Linen from flax Linen
Linen is a natural fiber from the flax plant.  It is the strongest among the vegetable fibers which has 2-3 times the strength of cotton.  Linens are durable, elegant and considered the refined luxury fabric but typically not as fine in modern times as in ages past.  It has a firm weave, is solid and opaque, and has a crisp hand. It breaths well and is excellent in hot, humid weather for comfort but wrinkles very badly and can go limp in humidity.  Linen is a top choice for Irish styles.
Wool image Wool
Wool is a natural fiber from the fur of sheep.   It grows in several natural colors such as black, brown (also called moorit) grey and the most commonly available white.  Wool of any color takes dye easily and can be felted.
Ployester Image Polyester
Polyester is an inexpensive man-made fabric that can be woven into just about anything, including duchesse satin.  Polyester has come a LONG way from its beginnings and can now create some of the best fabrics out there.  Care is easy (though you never want to launder tailored items) and it resists wrinkles well.  Polyester remains a versatile and important man-made fabric. Blends of polyester give cotton a permanent press property and extend the wear of these blended garments
Rayon image Rayon
Rayon has a texture similar to silk but it is more elastic and affordable.  It is strong, very absorbent and can be produced to look like natural fabrics. Rayon has improved a lot over the years.  Proponents claim that it breaths like natural fibers.  It can have a beautiful drape, depending on how it is woven.  It can wrinkle badly; is often mixed with other fibers such as linen or polyester.
Nylon Image Nylon
Nylon was first introduced as a household garment in 1940 when it was knitted into hosiery.  It became one of the most versatile fibers among the man-made fabrics.  It was also used in tricot (lining material), netting for bridal veils and in carpeting.  But generally speaking, fabric made of nylon is cheap and low quality. It gives fabrics like satin an unnatural glossy sheen and will not last long.  Whites will yellow quickly.
Acetate Image Acetate
Acetate is not a strong fabric and not moisture-absorbent but it can be woven into other fabrics that have the luxurious look like silk but does not shrink like silk.  More often than not, acetate is garbage fabric.  Have you had coat linings that disintegrate?  That’s acetate.  It will self-destruct on a hanger without even using it.  Think twice on using this!