Natural fibres

1. Natural fibres from plants:

Cotton is used for making jeans, t-shirts and towels. It is cool to wear, has a soft handle [handle: how a textile feels when touched such as soft, rough, smooth, warm or cool ], a good drape [drape: the supple and flexible characteristics of a fabric - how it hangs or behaves when pleated or folded ], and is durable [durable: able to withstand wear, especially as a result of weathering. ]. It can be washed and ironed, but it creases easily, is very absorbent [absorbent: able to take in and hold moisture ] and dries slowly.
Linen is used for summer clothing, tea towels and tablecloths. It is fresh and cool to wear, has a stiffer handle, and a good drape. It is durable, but can be washed and ironed. It creases badly and is very absorbent, but is also fast drying.

2. Natural fibres from animals:

Wool is used for jumpers, suits and blankets. It is warm to wear, absorbent, dries slowly, is breathable [breathable: allowing perspiration to evaporate, making sports or work clothes more comfortable to wear ], repels rain and can be soft or coarse to handle. It does not have good drape, and is not durable; however, creases tend to drop out. If it is not dry-cleaned it may shrink.
Silk is used for evening wear and ties. It is warm to wear, absorbent, has a soft handle and a good lustre [lustre: the sheen of a fabric, e.g. silk is bright and shiny ] and drape. It is durable and creases drop out. It needs to be dry cleaned.

Listed below are a summary of the properties and end-uses [end-uses: the purpose and market for a product - what it is used for ] of natural fibres.