TextileGlossary.com

What is "Natural Fibers" - Definition & Explanation

Materials that grow in nature such as cotton, flax, hemp, alpaca, wool and silk. The processing natural fibers into organic clothing is done with as few chemicals and harmful impact on the environment as possible.
All fibers made out of plants, animal and mineral sources belong to the group of natural fibers. Various conditions in climate, plantation or breed of animal can influence the characteristic and quality of the fiber.
Australian Wool, for example, is different in its texture from Scottish wool. With the exception of ‘endless’ silk thread, natural fibers are staple yarns (elongated single cells).
In the group of vegetable fibers you will find yarns such as Cotton, Linen, Hemp, Jute, Ramie, Sisal.

In the group of animal fibers you will find yarns such as Wool, Mohair, Horsehair, Goat hair, Silk.

A general term for fibers derived from natural substances such as cellulose, proteins and minerals.
Fibers that were not created by people, such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

Seamless Technology
This term can refer to either 'seamless knitting' (See Seamless Knitting), or 'welding/bonding technology', which uses a bonding agent to attach two pieces of fabric together, and eliminates the need...
Parka
Traditionally a hooded fur coat made and used by northern natives, but now it can also be insulated with modern manmade materials like "thinsulate", and may have no fur at all, although usually...
Hook & Loop
Fasteners with two layers: a "hook" side, which is a piece of fabric covered with tiny plastic hooks, and a "loop" side, which is covered with even smaller and "hairier" plastic loops.. When the two...
Metallic Fiber
An inorganic fiber made from minerals and metals, blended and extruded to form fibers. The fiber is formed from a flat ribbon of metal, coated with a protective layer of plastic, which reduces...
Clip dot/Clip spot
A design effect created on a woven fabric by the use of extra yarns which are woven into the fabric at a certain spot then allowed to float over the fabric to the next spot. The float threads are...

Companies for Natural Fibers:


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