Career Paths | Overview | Fiber Characteristics | Microfibers

FIBER AND FABRIC EDUCATION PROGRAM -

Fiber Characteristics - Microfibers

Manufacturered Fiber - available in acrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon

CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ultra fine (less than 1.0 dpf), finer than the most delicate silk
• Extremely drapeable
• Very soft, luxurious hand with a silken or suede touch
• Washable, dry cleanable
• Shrink-resistant
• High strength (except Rayon)
• Excellent pleat retention
• Insulates well against wind, rain and cold

MAJOR END USES:

• Apparel - hosiery, blouses, dresses, separates, sportswear, ties, scarves, menswear, intimate apparel, activewear, swimwear, outerwear, rainwear.
• Home Fashions - curtains, draperies, upholstery, sheets, towels, blankets.

Comments - Micro-fibers is not really not a fiber unto itself. Rather, it refers to an ultra-fine fiber, which can be woven or knit into a very high quality fabric construction. Originally, when DuPont introduced the first microfiber in 1989, it was a polyester microfiber. However, today in addition to polyester microfibers, there are also nylon microfibers that have become important in the pantyhose market, rayon microfibers, and acrylic microfibers.

One of the important characteristics of microfiber fabrics is that they can be woven so tightly that the fabric can´t be penetrated by wind, rain, or cold. For this reason, raincoat manufacturers have become big users of polyester microfibers. Microfibers also have a wicking ability, which allows perspiration to pass through the fabric. Microfibers are comfortable to wear.

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