This document provides a chart comparing the properties, uses, and characteristics of various common fibers used to make fabrics and textiles. It describes cotton as having attractive aesthetics and good durability and comfort. Linen is described as having excellent aesthetics and durability but poor appearance retention. Wool is said to have high durability and comfort as well as high appearance retention. Silk and viscose are both described as having variable aesthetics while silk has high durability and comfort and viscose has poor durability. Nylon and polyester are both described as having excellent durability but poor comfort.

1. APPAREL DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING (14-17) SALONIE AGRAWAL
FIBER CHART
FIBERS PROPERTIES USES
COTTON
ATTRACTIVE AESTHETICS - Matte luster, Pleasant texture,
GOOD DURABILITY- good abrasion resistance, good tenacity, poor elongation
EXCELLENT COMFORT- excellent absorbency, poor thermal retention
MODERATE APPEARANCE RETENTION- Poor resiliency, Moderate dimensional stability,
moderate elastic recovery.
Clothes, Towels, Bedsheets, Draperies, Curtains, Upholstery
Fabrics, Slip Covers, Rugs, Wall Coverings.
Medical, Surgical And Sanitary Supplies.
LINEN
EXCELLENT AESTHETICS - lustrous, Stiff
GOOD DURABILITY- good abrasion resistance, good tenacity, poor elongation
COMFORTABLE - high absorbency, poor thermal retention
POOR APPEARANCE RETENTION- Poor resiliency, Moderate dimensional stability, Poor
elastic recovery.
Tablecloths, Dish Towels, Bed Sheets, Wallpaper/Wall Coverings,
Upholstery, Window Treatments, Suits, Dresses, Skirts, Shirts,
Luggage, Canvases, Sewing Thread.
WOOL
VARIABLE AESTHETICS - Matte luster, Drape well
HIGH DURABILITY- Moderate abrasion resistance, Poor tenacity, High elongation
HIGH COMFORT- High absorbency, high thermal retention
HIGH APPEARANCE RETENTION- High resiliency, Poor dimensional stability, Excellent
elastic recovery.
Suits, Sweaters, Jackets, Carpets, Custom Rugs, Blankets,
Industrial Felts, Upholstery.
SILK
VARIABLE AESTHETICS – Lustrous, soft & silky.
HIGH DURABILITY- Moderate abrasion resistance, High tenacity, Moderate elongation
HIGH COMFORT- High absorbency, good thermal retention
MODERATE APPEARANCE RETENTION- Moderate resiliency, High dimensional stability,
moderate elastic recovery.
Shirts, Ties, Blouses, Formal Dresses, Lining, Lingerie, Pajamas,
Robes, Dress Suits, Eastern Folk Costumes, Upholstery, Wall
Coverings, Rugs, Bedding, Wall Hangings.
VISCOSE
VARIABLE AESTHETICS – Lustrous
POOR DURABILITY- poor abrasion resistance, poor tenacity, moderate elongation
EXCELLENT COMFORT- High absorbency, poor thermal retention
POOR APPEARANCE RETENTION- Poor resiliency, Poor dimensional stability, Poor elastic
recovery.
Dresses, Linings, Shirts, Shorts, Coats, Jackets, Other Outer Wear;
Industrial Yarns (Tyre Cord), Upholstery, Carpets, Casting Of
Cellophane.
NYLON
VARIABLE AESTHETICS- smooth, light weight, high strength.
EXCELLENT DURABILITY- excellent abrasion resistance, excellent tenacity, high elongation
POOR COMFORT- Poor absorbency, Moderate thermal retention
HIGH APPEARANCE RETENTION- High resiliency, high dimensional stability, excellent elastic
recovery.
Clothes Fabrics, Bridal Veils, Package Paper, Carpets, Musical
Strings, Pipes, Tents, Rope, Parachutes, Flak Vests, And
Toothbrush.
POLYESTER
VARIABLE AESTHETICS
EXCELLENT DURABILITY- excellent abrasion resistance, excellent tenacity, high elongation
POOR COMFORT- Poor absorbency, moderate thermal retention
HIGH APPEARANCE RETENTION- Excellent resiliency, high dimensional stability, high elastic
recovery.
Shirts, Pants, Jackets, Hats, Bed Sheets, Blankets, Upholstered
Furniture, Computer Mouse Mats, Fabrics For Conveyor Belts,
Safety Belt, Pillows, Bottles, Films, Tarpaulin, Canoes, Liquid
Crystal Displays, Holograms, Insulating Tapes, Guitars, Piano,
Vehicle/Yacht Interiors.