What do we mean when we’re talking about textiles?
Textiles refer to flexible materials made of polymers, films, fibres, yarns or fabrics [1]. Many items we interact with daily are textiles: clothing, bedding, towels, furniture upholstery, personal protective clothing or equipment, etc. Textiles can be made of natural fibres such as cotton, wool, and silk, regenerated fibres like lyocell or acetate, or of synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
Our clothing is made up of fibres that have been spun into yarns and woven or knitted into fabrics. Alternatively, clothing can also be non-woven as is the case with felted fabrics or leather. The fibre content, yarn type, fabric construction (woven, knit, or non-woven) and construction of a textile product will all influence aspects such as the function, comfort, appearance and durability of the item. For example, rain jackets are typically made from synthetic fibres with yarns that are tightly woven for water resistance while cotton t-shirts are knitted for greater stretch and comfort. Therefore, choosing a garment that is suitable for a particular function or activity can help your clothing last longer.
Our goal is to help you understand what textiles are, how they’re made, and how those fibres/processes affect the end product and its impact on the environment.
[1] Kadolph, S.J. (2011). Textiles. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
