Fabrics Made In Australia

Here is a list of the properties of fabics commonly used in Australia.

Cotton

Natural fibre from plants. A strong to very strong fibre, it’s strength increases when wet. Cotton is inelastic. This is responsible for the wrinkling and the creasing of cotton garments. This inelasticity also prevents fibres from returning to their original position, sometimes resulting in ‘bagginess’. Cotton has good moisture absorbency, so is a comfortable fibre to wear. Cotton garments are dry-cleanable and machine washable.

Wool

Natural fibre from sheep. Is a warm fibre to wear but can cause “prickly” skin due to the shape of the fibre, the more fine the wool the less prickle. Wool is a weak fibre, becoming weaker when wet and more easily distorted, so wash and dry with care. The elasticity of wool is very good, therefore good wrinkle recovery. Wool is the most absorbent fibre in common use, however causes woollen articles to dry slowly. Follow washing instructions on wool as it is prone to shrinking. Wool is a poor conductor of heat and a good insulator so is regarded as a warm fibre.

Silk

Natural fibre from silk worms. Handle of silk is smooth to very smooth. Silk is a strong fibre but looses strength when wet, so must be laundered delicately. Only wash in cold or warm water as higher temperatures will yellow or dull silk garments. Silk garments are dry-cleanable. Silk is cool to wear.

Linen

Natural fibre from flax plant. Flax is a very strong fibre. It’s strength increases when wet. The inelasticity of flax is responsible for the wrinkling of linen fabrics. When wet, flax becomes even more inelastic and wrinkles more readily, a point to be watched during laundering.

Ramie

Natural fibre from a plant. Ramie comes from a plant with very similar qualities to the flax plant from which linen is produced. Ramie has a very similar appearance to that of linen, however it’s a much coarser and stiffer fibre, therefore ramie is usually found in heavier, stiffer types of clothes while linen can be produced in softer and drapier fabrics. Ramie is dry-cleanable.

Modal

Modal is a bio-based fibre made from beech trees. It is 50% more water absorbent than cotton and just like cotton is designed to be dyed. Modal is essentially a variety of rayon and is resistant to shrinkage and fading. Although modal is a very durable fabric it does not lose any of its hand feel quality making it very smooth and soft to touch. Like cotton, modal should ideally be ironed after washing.

Polyester

Man made fibre from by-products of petrol manufacturing. Polyester is the most common man made fibre. It can be a cheap fibre to produce and readily available therefore used often in cheaper garments. Polyester is a strong to very strong fibre, when wet fibres do not alter in strength. The elasticity of polyester fibres is good therefore making it very wrinkle resistant. Polyester may be regarded as non-absorbent, so is not considered a comfortable fibre to wear in warm weather. Polyester is a poor conductor of heat, so garments may be hot and clammy to wear and its non-absorbency can cause static electricity. Polyester is dry cleanable.

Nylon

Man made fibre from by-products of coal/gas manufacture. Nylon is a strong to very strong fibre, which when wet loses strength. The elasticity of nylon is very good so has good wrinkle recovery. Nylon is not very absorbent so is essentially an uncomfortable fibre to wear and feel hot and clammy to wear, however is quick drying. Nylon is dry cleanable.

Viscose

Man made regenerated cellulose fibre made from trees. Viscose can crease easily but is another cool fibre to wear. Viscose generally has a smooth, lustrous handle and quite good drape. Viscose has a fair strength but loses strength when wet, so care must be taken in laundering. Severe wringing should be avoided. It is a very absorbent fibre making it comfortable to wear. Viscose is dry cleanable.
NB: Viscose is also known as rayon. In Australia the correct name for this fibre is Viscose.