Textile Fibre Types & Properties
Textile fibres determine many of the characteristics of a finished yarn, including strength, softness, moisture behaviour, durability, heat resistance and suitability for different manufacturing processes. Understanding fibre properties helps textile manufacturers select the right yarn for each application.
Main Types of Textile Fibres
Textile fibres are generally divided into natural fibres, regenerated cellulosic fibres and synthetic fibres. Different fibres can also be blended to combine specific performance characteristics.
Natural Plant Fibres
Plant-based fibres are derived from naturally occurring cellulose. They are widely used in clothing, household textiles and industrial fabrics.
- Cotton – soft, absorbent, breathable and versatile
- Linen / Flax – strong, breathable and moisture absorbent
- Hemp – durable with good tensile strength
- Jute – coarse and strong, commonly used for technical and packaging applications
- Sisal – stiff and durable, suitable for ropes and industrial textiles
Natural Animal Fibres
Animal fibres are protein-based materials valued for warmth, elasticity, softness and thermal properties.
- Wool – insulating, resilient and moisture regulating
- Merino wool – fine, soft and suitable for next-to-skin textiles
- Cashmere – very soft and lightweight
- Mohair – lustrous, resilient and durable
- Silk – smooth, strong and naturally lustrous
Regenerated Cellulosic Fibres
These fibres are produced from naturally derived cellulose that is processed and regenerated into textile fibre.
- Viscose – soft, absorbent and comfortable
- Modal – soft with good dimensional stability
- Lyocell – strong, smooth and moisture absorbent
- Acetate – smooth with good drape and lustre
Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres are engineered polymers designed to provide consistent properties and specific performance characteristics.
- Polyester – durable, dimensionally stable and abrasion resistant
- Polyamide / Nylon – strong, flexible and abrasion resistant
- Acrylic – lightweight, warm and wool-like
- Polypropylene – lightweight with low moisture absorption
- Elastane – highly elastic and used to provide stretch
Comparison of Common Fibre Properties
| Fibre | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, absorbent, comfortable | Knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, towels, apparel and home textiles |
| Polyester | Strong, durable, low moisture absorption, good dimensional stability | Apparel, workwear, home textiles and industrial fabrics |
| Viscose | Soft, absorbent, good drape | Apparel, linings, knitted and woven textiles |
| Wool | Warm, elastic, insulating and moisture regulating | Knitwear, outerwear, blankets and technical blends |
| Polyamide | High strength, abrasion resistance and flexibility | Hosiery, sportswear and technical textiles |
| Acrylic | Lightweight, warm, soft and weather resistant | Knitwear, blankets and wool-blend yarns |
Why Fibres Are Blended
Industrial yarns are often produced from two or more fibres because a blend can provide a balance of characteristics that would be difficult to achieve with a single fibre.
For example, cotton/polyester yarn can combine the softness and moisture absorption of cotton with the strength, dimensional stability and durability of polyester.
- Improve strength and durability
- Modify softness and handle
- Improve moisture management
- Increase dimensional stability
- Adjust thermal performance
- Improve abrasion resistance
- Meet specific technical or commercial requirements
Technical and Functional Fibres
Some industrial applications require fibres with specific performance characteristics beyond those of conventional textile materials. These may include resistance to heat, flame, chemicals, abrasion, UV exposure or high mechanical loads.
Technical yarns may use fibres such as aramids, modacrylic, high-tenacity polyester and specialised fibre blends. The appropriate construction depends on the intended application and required performance.
For more information, see our Technical & Functional Yarns page.
Choosing the Right Fibre for Your Yarn
Selecting a fibre should begin with the requirements of the finished textile. Manufacturers should consider the intended application, processing method, required strength, handle, moisture behaviour, heat resistance, colour requirements and target cost.
In many cases, a custom fibre blend can be developed to balance these requirements. Elmika works with manufacturing partners to evaluate suitable yarn constructions against customer specifications.
Related Resources
Learn more about Garneigenschaften, compare yarn thickness using our Garnnummern-Umrechner, explore Custom & Blended Yarns, or view Polyester-Spinngarn.
Need a Yarn for a Specific Application?
Send us your required fibre composition, yarn count, application, colour and approximate quantity. We will review suitable production options.
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