It’s no secret that the rise of synthetic fibres has changed the textile industry. From its raw materials to its end products, everything is getting more and more industrialised. Currently, there are two types of man-made fibres dominating the market: polyester and acrylic. These synthetic fibres come from petrochemicals and so for many people, a synthetic fibre means an unnatural product.
Synthetic fibres have a number of advantages over natural fabrics such as reduced shrinkage, easy care and durability. On top of that, these man-made fibres allow manufacturers to make high-quality clothing at a much lower cost than before. That being said, not all synthetic fibres are created equal and this article will help you identify which ones are worth buying and which ones you should stay away from.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made fibre created by merging cellulose with synthetic monomers such as acrylic and methacrylic acid. The resulting product is very strong and durable, which can be attributed to its highly cross-linked structure. It’s also very resistant to chemicals, heat or moisture and those properties make it an ideal material for sportswear and outdoor gear.
The disadvantages of polyester are that it doesn’t breathe well, has poor luster and is quite itchy when worn against bare skin. However, if you want to focus on durability over all else, polyester might be the fibre for you.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a type of man-made fibre used to make fabrics and carpets. These fibres are more coarse than natural fibres like cotton, making them great for items such as bedding and upholstery. This durable fibre also has low elasticity which makes it less likely to stretch or shrink too much. Acrylic is resistant to wrinkling with minimal fraying on the edges, which lends itself well to many types of clothing including workout wear and jackets.
Nylon
The most common synthetic fibre is nylon. Nylon is a polyamide man-made fibre, which means it’s made using petroleum-based chemicals. The average nylon fibres are strong, durable and non-abrasive. Nylon can be used to make products such as clothing, carpets and insulation materials. They can also be used in a variety of other applications like fishing nets and even cars.
Nylon has many advantages over natural fabrics such as:
ג€¢ Rugged durability
ג€¢ Easy care
ג€¢ Low shrinkage
ג€¢ Resists UV damage
Nylon does have some disadvantages though:
ג€¢ Thin appearance – this makes it unsuitable for delicate clothing items such as scarves and dresses (although there are ways around this)
ג€¢ It’s fairly expensive
Nylon is an excellent choice if you want an affordable product that won’t wear out quickly. The downside is that the product may not look very delicate or luxurious. It also shrinks slightly when washed in cold water, so it’s not good for garments that need to fit just right after washing them (like t-shirts).
Derwent Hand-Knotted Wool
One of the top synthetic materials used in textiles is polyester. It’s easy to spot — it often looks shiny, smooth and bright. However, not all polyester is created equally. There are two types of products that commonly use polyester: synthetic fibres and man-made fabrics.
The first type is synthetic fibres which are made from chemicals like petrochemicals and can be found as a fibre or textile product sold in stores such as Lululemon. They’re a popular choice for manufacturers because they offer many advantages over natural fabrics like low shrinkage, easy care and durability.
The second type is man-made fabrics which come from chemical-free materials like wood pulp and cotton and can be found as fabric sold in stores such as Patagonia. These are also a popular choice because they offer some of the same advantages that synthetic fibres do like low shrinkage, easy care and durability but without any of the bad points associated with them like manufacturing chemicals or plastic microfibers that can leach into your clothes.
Cashmere Blend
One of the most commonly mistaken synthetic fibres is cashmere. In fact, many people still believe that raw cashmere comes from goats in Tibet. This is actually not true, as the term is a misnomer. The truth is that pure cashmere can only be achieved through a process called ג€œdown-warpingג€ which makes it so tightly woven and luscious that it feels like real cashmere to touch.
True down-warped cashmere comes from Mongolia and parts of China and is typically marketed as high-quality raw garments. However, the manufacturing process requires a lot of chemicals which means they’re more expensive than other man-made fibres. Another downside to selling these products on the market is that they are single use goods, meaning you can only wear them once! You would need to buy more if you want to get your money’s worth out of them.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is a natural fibre made from the hair of the merino sheep. Merinos have been selectively bred for centuries, resulting in an animal with very fine and soft wool. This quality makes it perfect for use in clothing as it is extremely lightweight and breathable.
Merino comes from New Zealand and is often called ג€œthe world’s most sustainable fibreג€ as it is made from renewable resources without the need for chemicals to change its colour or lighten its shade. It also has antibacterial properties which reduce the risk of infection by up to 99 percent when worn next to the skin. Merino wool doesn’t absorb water or odour so it dries quickly if exposed to sweat or humidity. In addition, merino wool is naturally flame-resistant thanks to how dense its fibres are and because they don’t contain any flammable materials.
One downside of using this type of fabric is that it can be difficult to launder, but there are plenty of methods you can use such as cold washing, drying on a line, tumble drying at low temperatures and more.
When Should You Buy Hoodies From Brands?
For something that’s going to be worn most days, keep in mind how long it will last. If you want a piece that’s going to last at least five years, look for natural fibres. If you’re not looking for a piece that will last so long and you don’t mind the risk of shrinkage and possible fading, go with synthetic fibres.
If you want a low-cost alternative and love the convenience that comes with synthetic fibres, there are plenty of options for you. Synthetic hoodies tend to have much lower costs and can be found in any style from basic sweatshirts to trendy zip-ups.
When Should You Avoid Hoodies From Brands?
When you first think about it, the most obvious reason to avoid hoodies from brands is because they are made from polyester. This particular man-made fibre can cause a number of health problems that you should stay away from.
Other reasons to avoid synthetic fibres include:
– When they have a chemical smell
– When they have a strong and unpleasant odour
– When they’re manufactured in China
Things to look for in a good hoodie brand
No matter what type of synthetic fibre you’re shopping for, there are some things you need to consider before making a purchase.
There are a few main things to look for in a good synthetic fabric. You should be looking for a quality blend that is soft and has stretch. It also needs to have breathability and temperature regulation, as well as not being see-through. Most importantly, it shouldn’t pill and shouldn’t smell bad like most of the synthetic fibres on the market do. A good brand will also produce clothing in multiple colours so you don’t have to spend your money on just one item
FAQ’s
What are the benefits of using synthetic fibres?
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. Synthetic fibres are more durable and resistant to fading and shrinking. However, they also tend to be more resistant to dirt and stains. This means that synthetic fibRs can require more washing and care in order to look as good as their natural counterparts.
What are the disadvantages of synthetic fibres?
The advantages and disadvantages of synthetic fibres all depends on what you are looking for in your clothing. Synthetic fibres are cheaper than natural fibres and so they are ideal for those on a budget. However, these synthetic fibres do not last as long as natural fabrics and so they will need to be replaced more frequently.
The main advantage of synthetic fibenses is that they can be made to almost any shape or size. With natural fibres you have to buy clothing that fits your body shape. That is not the case with synthetic fibres. They also do not fade, shrink or fade after washing as natural fibres can do.
However, there are some disadvantages of synthetic fibrous as well. These fibres usually have a bleached look to them and they tend to absorb moisture better than natural fibre clothes. They are also more likely to cause skin irritation that causes redness, itching or even a rash.
What are the benefits of natural fibres?
I believe that natural fibres are much more comfortable, breathable and it is better for our health. So I recommend using them in your clothing.
