UPDATED on: December 15,2000  Since Feb 17, 1999 |
 Synthetic fibers are developed from coal and petroleum products. Because of the shortages caused by W.W.II, the production and consequent improvements of synthetic fibers became big business. Now there are all sorts of tr  ademarked brand names and all sorts of
synthetic fibers available on the market.Many people prefer the ease of care associated with synthetic fibers (most can be machine washed and dried), and appreciate the fact that they are impervious to mildew and moth larvae attacks. Synthetics are mostly very elastic and garments will tend to hold their shape. People with allergies appreciate synthetic fibers, as they can wear "woolly" garments without the dreaded reaction. Best of all, most synthetics are relatively inexpensive. On the other hand of the synthetic conundrum... Synthetics are non-biodegradable, and as they are derived from coal and petroleum products, they can't really be deemed "earth friendly". Besides these facts, synthetics do not "breathe", that is, they do not absorb moisture and can be uncomfortable to wear. They can make one feel sweaty and hot. Synthetics are known for "pilling" (those nasty little balls of fluff that collect on the surface of a knit) although there are now some higher grades of synthetic yarn that combat this tendency for fuzz. The rule of thumb there is that you generally get what you pay for. Synthetics tend to plague the wearer with static cling. Many synthetics are blended with natural fibers to achieve the best of both; the finer qualities of the natural fibers with the economy and durability of the synthetic. Modern technology is always improving upon synthetics. One example is "microfiber", spun so fine that it is finer than silk, lending breathability to fabrics made with  it. There have also been
countless fun, furry, sparkly, nubbly, puffy and whatever kinds of
novelty yarns that have been created, adding a trendy, unique,
fashionable air to classic knitwear. Who hasn't eyed a glossy "Cookie Monster"
fur sweater and wondered what it was made of, or seen some glittery, dramatic
wrap at an evening party, or a toddler's brightly colored sweater with puffy
flecks, or whatever? These weird and wonderful novelties are more often than
not carefully engineered synthetics. Acrylic: This fiber imitates wool, but it does not have the insulative properties of wool since it does not absorb moisture. It is often found blended with other fibers, and when blended with wool often produces a "moth proof" effect, depending on how much of each is used. It is easily cared for as it can be machine washed and dried without shrinking, but it does tend to pill. Higher quality acrylics can be obtained that combat pilling. Acrylic is often also referred to as Orlon and Dralon , which are brand names of acrylic. This fiber is heat sensitive (it melts) and care must be taken when pressing or steaming. Polyamide: Polyamide is better known by its Du Pont brand name, Nylon. It is a very durable and lightweight fiber, and is also considered the strongest. Nylon has been engineered into many different varieties with different properties, so it is not easy to generally describe as to its hand and look. All nylon is heat sensitive and can sag and lose its body when exposed to overheating. It tends towards the annoying problem of static cling. Nylon, because it is so strong, is often blended with other fibers to reinforce them. Polyester: Polyester. The very name conjures images of the Seventies, with its photo printed wide collar shirts and double stitched pantsuits. Many acquaintances of mine lovingly refer to it as "plastic" because of its tendency to melt under the iron, and also because of the stiff, warm hand that garments made of polyester tend to have. It is however, impossible to wrinkle, and very wash and wear. It provides strength and resilience when blended with other fibers, as well as lowers the cost. A lot of improvements have been made in polyester, however. For example, microfiber fabrics are made of polyester, and are much sought after due to its silky hand and ease of care. Polyester has returned to the world of high fashion. It still has the annoying tendency to produce static cling. One form of polyester is known as Mylar which is a metallic fiber. It is treated with vaporized metal, then bonded with a film on both sides (it is flat). Different metallic colors are achieved by adding coloring agents to the metallic foil or to the bonding film. It is often used in conjunction with other fibers to make them stronger, as this fine, glittery tape is very easily snapped. True to its polyester nature, it melts when exposed to high heat. Polypropylene: Produced from a petroleum base, polypropylene is a newer synthetic that has good insulating properties. It is light, and can be spun into wool type yarns. It is inexpensive, and develops less static cling than other synthetics. Like nylon, it has been engineered into many different varieties with many different properties.
©1999 Helen Ralph |
