Material science for clothing: Everything you need to know!

Cotton

Cotton is one of the best known and most widely used natural fibres in the world. It is obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant, which is mainly grown in warm regions such as the USA, India, China and Africa. Cotton has been used in textile production for thousands of years - historical finds prove that it was already being used in ancient times. Production begins with the harvesting of the cotton bolls, followed by the separation of the fibres from the seeds and further processing into yarn and fabric.Cotten, Image: cottonbro studio 
Due to its softness and breathability, cotton is often used in everyday clothing such as T-shirts, shirts, underwear and jeans. Bed linen and towels are also often made from cotton.

The advantages of cotton include its skin-friendliness and high absorbency, which makes it ideal for warm temperatures. It is also easy to care for and can be washed at high temperatures. However, cotton tends to shrink with frequent washing and can wear out quickly if used too intensively. In addition, the cultivation of cotton requires large amounts of water and pesticides, which is questionable from an ecological point of view. When caring for cotton garments, they should be dried and ironed on a medium heat if possible to minimise shrinkage.

Wool

Wool is a natural animal fibre that is mainly obtained from sheep, but also comes from goats (cashmere and mohair), rabbits (angora) and alpacas. The extraction of wool is an ancient process that dates back to prehistoric times. The fibres are obtained by shearing the animals, cleaned and spun. The main producers of wool are countries such as Australia, New Zealand and China.

Wool is often used for winter clothing such as jumpers, coats, scarves and hats due to its warming properties. Blankets and carpets are also often made from wool.

The advantages of wool lie in its excellent thermal insulation, its ability to absorb moisture without feeling wet and its natural elasticity. Wool is also naturally dirt-repellent and crease-resistant. However, wool can become matted and shrink if not cared for properly, which is why it should often be washed by hand or only washed cold in the wool cycle of the washing machine. Wool also tends to attract moths, which is why it should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fibre that was developed in the 1940s and has been widely used in the textile industry ever since. It is produced by polymerisation, in which plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are converted into fibres. Polyester can be produced worldwide, with large quantities being manufactured in China and the USA.

Due to its versatility, polyester is used in a wide range of garments, including sportswear, rain jackets, blouses, dresses and suits. Polyester is also often used as a blended fibre to enhance the properties of other fabrics.

Polyester is extremely hard-wearing, retains its shape and dries quickly. It is easy to care for, hardly creases and retains its shape even after many washes. One disadvantage of polyester is that it is less breathable and tends to retain odours, making it less comfortable to wear. Polyester can be washed in the washing machine, but should be dried at a low temperature and ironed so as not to damage the fibres.

Silk

Silk is a luxurious natural fibre that is obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm, usually of the Bombyx mori species. Its production is a complex process that was perfected in China over 5000 years ago. The silkworms feed exclusively on mulberry leaves and the cocoons are unwound after harvesting to obtain the fine silk threads. China and India are the largest producers of silk.Silk in different colors, Image:  Digital Buggu 


Due to its soft, smooth texture and shimmering lustre, silk is often used for fine garments such as evening dresses, blouses, scarves and underwear. Ties and luxurious bed linen are also often made from silk.

Silk has the advantage that it is comfortable against the skin, regulates the temperature and is both cooling in summer and warming in winter. However, it is sensitive to light, perspiration and chemicals and can be easily damaged if not cared for properly. Ideally, silk should be washed by hand or dry-cleaned. If it is machine washed, then only on a gentle cycle and in a laundry bag to protect the delicate fibres. Silk should be ironed at a low temperature and preferably from the reverse side.

Linen

Linen is one of the oldest textile fibres and is obtained from the stalks of the flax plant. Even in ancient times, linen was valued for its durability and cooling properties. The production of linen is complex: After harvesting, the flax stalks are roasted, the fibres extracted and spun into yarn. Large producers of linen are countries such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Linen is favoured for summer clothing such as shirts, trousers, skirts and dresses, as it is pleasantly cool on the skin. Home textiles such as tablecloths, napkins and curtains are also often made from linen.

The advantages of linen include its high tear resistance, its natural breathability and its absorbency. Linen fabrics are biodegradable and ecologically favourable as they require little water and no pesticides in cultivation. However, linen creases very easily and can become somewhat stiff with frequent washing. Linen should be washed at low temperatures and preferably air-dried to preserve its structure. When ironing, it is advisable to treat the material while it is still slightly damp to smooth out creases.

Viscose

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fibre that was developed at the end of the 19th century. It is obtained from cellulose, usually from wood or cotton fibres, through chemical processes. Due to its natural base and soft drape, viscose is often seen as an alternative to silk, as it has similar properties but is cheaper to produce. The main producers are countries such as China and India.

Viscose is often used for flowing dresses, blouses, scarves and linings. It is favoured for its soft texture and silky sheen, which adds an elegant touch to garments.

The advantages of viscose are its comfortable feel, versatility and good moisture absorption. However, it is less dimensionally stable and can easily shrink or lose its shape when washed. Viscose is also sensitive to moisture and can lose its strength when wet. Viscose garments should therefore be washed at low temperatures and on a gentle cycle and preferably dried flat to prevent stretching.

Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic fibre that was first developed in 1935 by chemists at DuPont. It was the first completely synthetic fibre made from petroleum and marked a breakthrough in the textile industry. Nylon is extremely robust and is produced using a melt spinning process in which the material is formed into fibres and then processed into fabrics.

Nylon is often used in sports and outdoor clothing, tights, swimwear and underwear. Tents, rucksacks and other items of equipment also benefit from the water-repellent and tear-resistant properties of nylon.

The advantages of nylon include its high durability, elasticity and resistance to abrasion and mould. It is easy to care for, dries quickly and hardly creases. A disadvantage of nylon is that it is not very breathable and can tend to generate static electricity. Nylon can be machine washed at low temperatures and dried on low heat. However, it should not be bleached or ironed at high temperatures as this could damage the fibres.

Cashmere

Cashmere is a luxurious natural fibre obtained from the fine undercoat of the cashmere goat, which lives in the high mountain regions of China, Mongolia, India and Iran. Cashmere has been prized for centuries for its exceptional softness and warmth and is one of the most expensive textile fibres in the world. Extracting the wool is time-consuming and is usually done by combing out the undercoat during the moulting season in spring.

Cashmere is mainly used for high-quality jumpers, scarves, hats and blankets. The fibres are extremely fine and light, which is why cashmere clothing feels particularly comfortable and luxurious.

The advantages of cashmere include its excellent thermal insulation, softness and lightness. However, it is also very delicate and can easily become matted or pilling if not cared for properly. Ideally, cashmere should be washed by hand or professionally cleaned. It is important to dry cashmere clothing flat and not to wring it out so as not to damage the fibres. It is best stored in an airtight container to prevent moth infestation.

Spandex

Elastane, also known by the brand names Lycra or Spandex, is a synthetic fibre that was developed in the 1950s. It is made from polyurethane and is characterised by its exceptional elasticity - elastane fibres can be stretched many times their original length without losing their shape. The main producers of elastane are the USA, China and Germany.

Elastane is often used as an additive to other textile fibres to improve their stretchability and fit. Typical areas of application are sports and functional clothing, swimwear, underwear, stretch jeans and leggings.

The advantages of elastane lie in its high elasticity, which ensures optimum freedom of movement, and in its dimensional stability, which is retained even after many wears and washes. However, elastane is sensitive to heat and chemicals, which is why it should not be washed or dried at high temperatures. In addition, garments with a high elastane content tend to lose their elasticity over time, especially if not cared for properly.

Lyocell

Lyocell is a modern, environmentally friendly fibre made from cellulose - usually from eucalyptus wood. It was developed in the 1990s and is known under the brand name Tencel. Lyocell is produced in a closed cycle in which the solvent used is almost completely recovered, making it a sustainable alternative to other cellulose fibres such as viscose.

Lyocell is often used for soft, flowing fabrics that are used in garments such as blouses, dresses, shirts and bed linen. It is also ideal for sportswear and underwear as it is moisture-regulating.

The advantages of Lyocell include its high breathability, moisture regulation and skin-friendliness. It is also very hardwearing and easy to care for, can be machine washed at low temperatures and tumble dried. However, Lyocell is sensitive to high temperatures and should therefore be ironed gently. Another advantage is that Lyocell is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Down

Down is a soft, fine feather that comes mainly from waterfowl such as geese and ducks. These natural materials have been valued for centuries for their excellent insulating properties and are used particularly in cold climates. Down is mainly sourced from Europe, Canada and China, with ethical concerns regarding its extraction playing an increasing role - sustainable and animal-friendly sourcing is therefore an important issue.

Down is often used in winter jackets, coats, sleeping bags and duvets as it offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and is extremely lightweight.

The advantages of down include its excellent thermal insulation and lightness. Down is compressible and can therefore be easily stowed away. One disadvantage is that down can lose its insulating properties if it gets wet and requires special care. Down products should ideally be professionally cleaned or washed on a gentle cycle with special down detergents. When drying, it is important to fluff down regularly in order to maintain its fluffiness.

Leather

Leather is a natural material that is obtained by processing animal skins, usually from cattle, goats or sheep. The history of leather production goes back thousands of years and the material is valued for its durability and versatility. Leather is made durable by tanning, using a variety of methods including vegetable tanning and chrome tanning, which is faster and cheaper.Leather is particularly durable and resistant, Image: Gül Işık 


Leather is often used for shoes, jackets, bags, belts and furniture. Gloves, hats and accessories are also often made from leather.

The benefits of leather include its durability, natural breathability and resilience. It develops a characteristic patina over time, which makes it unique. However, leather requires special care to maintain its quality. It should be treated regularly with leather care products to keep it supple and protect it from drying out. In addition, leather should not be exposed to too much moisture, otherwise it can become stained or hard.

Fleece

Fleece is a synthetic material that was developed in the 1970s as a light and warm alternative to wool. It is usually made from polyester by roughening the material to create a soft, fluffy surface. Fleece is mainly produced in countries such as China and the USA and is now widely used in outdoor and leisure wear.

Fleece is often used for jackets, jumpers, blankets and scarves. It is particularly popular for sports and outdoor activities as it is light, warm and quick-drying.

The advantages of fleece include its excellent thermal insulation despite its light weight, its breathability and the fact that it dries quickly and is easy to care for. One disadvantage, however, is that fleece is prone to pilling, i.e. the formation of small fluffs on the surface. Fleece can be machine washed without any problems, but should not be dried too hot so as not to damage the material. As fleece is made of polyester, it is not biodegradable, which is questionable from an ecological point of view.

Hemp

Hemp is one of mankind's oldest cultivated plants and has been used to produce textiles for thousands of years. The fibre is obtained from the stalks of the hemp plant, which is undemanding to grow and requires no pesticides or herbicides. Hemp textiles are particularly environmentally friendly and have recently become increasingly popular as sustainability gains importance in the fashion industry.Hemp is a versatile material, Image: Sohan Rahat


Hemp is used for various garments, including shirts, trousers, dresses and bags. Due to its robust structure, hemp is also used in the production of ropes, carpets and canvas.

The advantages of hemp lie in its high durability, natural breathability and the UV protection that the fibre offers. Hemp fabrics are biodegradable and have an antibacterial effect, which makes them ideal for summer clothing. One disadvantage of hemp is that it can be a little stiff, especially at first, and softens over time. Hemp textiles should be washed at low temperatures and air-dried to ensure their longevity.

Polyamide

Polyamide, often known by the brand name nylon, is a synthetic fibre that was developed in the 1930s. Polyamide is produced by polycondensation of chemical monomers and is known for its high tensile strength and elasticity. Polyamide is widely used and produced worldwide, with major manufacturers in the USA, China and Europe.

Polyamide is used in a variety of garments, including sportswear, tights, swimwear and underwear. It is also often used as a blended fibre to improve the durability of other textiles.

The benefits of polyamide include its high durability, elasticity and resistance to abrasion and mould. It is easy to care for, dries quickly and hardly creases. A disadvantage of polyamide is that it is not very breathable and can have a tendency to generate static electricity. Polyamide can be machine washed at low temperatures and dried at low heat. However, it should not be bleached or ironed at high temperatures as this could damage the fibres.

Polyacrylic

Polyacrylic is a synthetic fibre that was developed in the 1940s and is often used as a cost-effective substitute for wool. It is produced by polymerising acrylic acid derivatives and is characterised by its softness and warmth. Polyacrylic is produced worldwide, with major producers in countries such as China and India.

Polyacrylic is often used for knitwear such as jumpers, scarves, hats and blankets. It can also be found in sportswear and leisurewear.

The advantages of acrylic include its softness, warmth and colour fastness. It is light, easy to care for and dries quickly. A disadvantage of acrylic is that it is prone to pilling and is less breathable than natural fibres. It can be washed in the washing machine, but should be dried at low temperatures to minimise the risk of deformation. Polyacrylic tends to generate electrostatic charge, which can be uncomfortable to wear.

---

Choosing the right material for your clothing is crucial for the comfort, care and longevity of your garments. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. While natural fibres such as cotton, wool and cashmere score points for their natural properties and comfort, synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon and viscose often offer greater durability and ease of care. 

When selecting materials, it is worth keeping an eye on the wear properties as well as the ecological impact and care requirements. In this way, you can find the best fabrics for your individual needs and at the same time contribute to a more conscious use of textiles.