Synthetic Fibers – Fabric Guide and Comparisons

Synthetic fibers are created from chemicals taken from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and other chemicals known as petrochemicals. They are known as synthetic or artificial fibers and are totally man-made and the opposite of natural fibers. A secondary group, known as semi-synthetic man-made fibers, is made from a combination of chemicals and plant material called cellulose. This process is known as semi-synthetic because it combines natural and synthetic materials.

Synthetic Fibers Tutorial

What are Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers that have been produced using chemical compounds and petroleum substances. They have different qualities to natural fibers including greater durability, and are sought after by manufacturers for these qualities. The synthetic fibers create smooth, lightweight, stain-resistant, quick-drying, strong, and, more importantly, inexpensive fabrics. 

What are Synthetic Fabrics?

Synthetic fabrics are those created from synthetic fibers made from chemicals. These fabrics are used in a wide range of applications, from clothing and accessories to home furnishings and industrial products.

The most common synthetic fabrics include:

1. Nylon
2. Polyester
3. Acrylic
4. Vis ose
5. Cellulose Acetate
6. Spandex

Synthetic fabrics offer several advantages, such as durability, resistance to environmental conditions, and cost-effectiveness. However, they also have environmental drawbacks, including their non-biodegradable nature and the pollution associated with their production and disposal.

Synthetic vs Natural Fibers

In simple terms, synthetic fibers are created from chemicals, and natural fibers are created from natural products such as cotton, hemp, and wool.

Here is a table to give a general overview of the differences between synthetic and natural fibers. Depending on the manufacturing process, some properties can vary within each category. Fabrics created with natural materials and synthetic blends may have both properties.

Property	Synthetic Fibers	Natural Fabrics
Origin	Synthesized polymers or small molecules.	Plant-based, animals, or mineral sources.
Examples	Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Spandex, Rayon (semi-synthetic)	Cotton, Wool, Silk, Linen, Hemp, Jute, Cashmere.
Durability	Generally more durable and strong.	Varies; some (like hemp) are very durable, others less so.
Elasticity	High elasticity; can retain shape well.	Generally lower elasticity compared to synthetics.
Moisture Absorption	Low moisture absorption; quick drying.	Higher moisture absorption; slower to dry.
Breathability	More breathable and good for comfort.	Heat-sensitive may melt or deform.
Thermal Properties	Heat-sensitive, may melt or deform.	Generally more heat-resistant and flame-retardant.
Environmental Impact	Often petrochemicals; non-biodegradable.	Biodegradable; usually more eco-friendly but varies.
Maintenance	Easy to care for, resistant to shrinkage and wrinkles.	May require special care, prone to wrinkles and shrinkage.
Cost	Generally less expensive.	Can vary; some expensive, others affordable.

Types of Synthetic Fibers

1. Nylon Synthetic Fibers

Nylon is a strong, water-resistant synthetic fiber made from petrochemicals. It is known as a thermoplastic fiber. Nylon is used for many items, from bag linings to invisible thread and fishing nets.  It is strong and fast drying, but it melts in high temperatures.

Because nylon is made of man-made fibers, it should be washed in cold water and mild detergents. Never use chemicals like bleach, which can destroy the fibers. For delicates made of nylon, a mesh bag can be used in a washing machine. Otherwise, hand washing is often recommended.

It is best not to put nylon fabric in the dryer but rather to drip dry on a line in the shade. A major advantage of using nylon is that it is fast drying, and often, when it comes out of a washing spin cycle, it feels dry already.

Always check the tag and care instructions before you wash nylon items, as incorrect washing can lead to pilling of the fabric, resulting in a reduction in its life.

2. Polyester

This type of synthetic fiber, also made from petrochemicals, is processed from a polymer substance. Polyester is comprised of man-made fibers and has the advantage of being able to blend with other fibers. 

Poly-cotton is a blend of polyester and cotton and is extremely common and reasonably priced. It is a strong fiber, but with its ability to blend, it can produce fabrics ideal for dressmaking.  The strong fiber of polyester is used to manufacture sports clothing.

Most polyester man-made fibers and fabrics and poly blends can be washed in a machine with a gentle detergent. If the fabric is stretched, turn it inside out to prevent it from catching on other items.

Some polyester fabrics can be mildly bleached, but do a test first and check the label. Polyester blends can often be put in a dryer, provided it is on a low setting and you do not overdry. 100% polyester should not be ironed but poly blends may be ironed on low settings.

Always check the tag and care instructions of polyester fabrics as there may be considerable differences depending on the fibers they are blended with. 100% polyester is much more delicate than a poly-cotton blend.

3. Acrylic

Acrylics are synthetic fibers used to make cheap wool substitutes. This fiber is crease-resistant and easy to care for. Moths and insects are not attracted to acrylics like their wool counterparts.

Unlike wool, clothing made from acrylic may be machine washable and is easier to care for. Acrylic fabrics are less likely than wool to shrink and may be washed in a washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle with a gentle detergent. Care must be taken with wool-acrylic blends as the wool component may mean that the garment is sensitive to shrinking if exposed to hot water or a dryer.

Always check the tag and care instructions, particularly when acrylic is blended with wool. The higher the percentage of wool, the more delicate the fabric must be considered.

4. Viscose or Rayon

Rayon and viscose are the same fiber. They are known as regenerated or semi-synthetic fibers because they are made of chemical and plant material from wood pulp.

Viscose or rayon imitates the texture and feel of cotton, linen, or wool fibers.  It can blend well with cotton, wool, and linen. This makes rayon a very versatile fiber for fabric production.

Rayon is prone to considerable shrinkage so care must be taken when washing. It is best to hand wash in cold water and then drip dry on a line inside. Due to the short fiber lengths, it tends to wrinkle easily. Using a steamer can be much easier than ironing rayon.

Always check the tag and care instructions, as the washing and care may vary according to the other fibers the rayon is blended with.

5. Cellulose Acetate

This synthetic fiber is a combination of cellulose and acetic acid. Like rayon, it is considered a semi-synthetic man-made fiber as the cellulose is obtained from wood pulp. It can be considered a natural plastic. Acetic acid is a dry, granular substance that can be spun when dissolved in acetone. Cellulose acetate makes up a smooth soft fabric often known as ‘cheap silk.’

Many cellulose acetate fabrics are dry clean only, so always check the tag first. This fabric is sensitive to heat, so if the tag specifies to hand wash, it will likely be in cold water and not to be put in the dryer.

6. Spandex

Spandex is also known as Lycra or Elastane. It is renowned for its high stretch factor and is often mixed with other fibers such as polyester or cotton. Spandex is used extensively used in sportswear, activewear, leggings, and undergarments.

More Synthetic Fibers

Many other examples of synthetic fabrics are blended with natural fibers; these include fleece and microfiber.

Synthetic Fibers – In Conclusion

These six synthetic fibers are used to manufacture many fabric options. The fiber content and blending of the fabric will determine how you care for the fabric. Clothing labels should display fiber content, so check the manufacturer’s labels. If the label says 60% polyester and 40% cotton, it is semi-synthetic and not a natural fiber but a blend of fibers. Every label should have this information to show what man-made fibers have been used to manufacture the fabric.