Modern fibres

It's important to know the different properties of fibre blends like polyester/cotton, and how these properties affect the end use of fibres.

Microfibres

Polyester or nylon microfibres are 60 to 100 times finer than a human hair. They can be blended with synthetic or natural fibres and are used for clothing for outdoor pursuits and active sportswear.

Thermoplastic polyester or nylon microfibres can be heat-treated to give them coils, crimps and loops, which makes these textured yarns stretchy and warm. They are used for underwear, sportswear, knitwear and carpets.

Fibre blends

Blending different fibres together produces yarns that have the combined properties of each component fibre. Using fibre blends improves the appearance, performance, comfort and aftercare of fabric. Blending can also reduce the cost of an expensive fibre.

• Polyester/cotton blend: shirts are more easy-care and crease-resistant than shirts made from 100 percent cotton.
• Cotton/lycra blend: jeans are more comfortable, stretchy and fit better than cotton jeans.
• Acrylic/wool blend: trousers are less expensive than 100 percent wool trousers.

Modern microfibres

• Elastane (Lycra) is always used in a blend with other fibres. It is used to make sportswear, body-hugging clothes and bandages. It has good handle and drape, is durable, crease resistant, stretchy (more comfortable) and is easy care. It has low warmth and is absorbent.
• Tencel is a 'natural' microfibre made from cellulose derived from wood-pulp. It is used for shirts and jeans. It has soft handle, good drape, is breathable, durable, crease-resistant, easy-care and biodegradable. It is absorbent and has low warmth.

Exam tip

Make sure that you know the properties and end uses of fibre blends such as polyester/cotton. You'll get extra marks for being able to link a fibre's properties to the product it's used for: eg, Tencel fibre is suitable for denim jeans because it is soft, drapes well and is easy to care for.

Now try a Test Bite