"Classifying Textile Fibres: What Every Textile Learner Should Know"

Have you ever wondered what makes cotton different from nylon, or why silk shines while wool keeps you warm?

Understanding the classification of textile fibres is a foundation for anyone entering the world of textiles—whether you're a student, fashion enthusiast, industry professional, or preparing for competitive exams like GATE or Textile Committee recruitment.

This post breaks down the fibre world for you—**natural or synthetic, plant or animal, seed or stem—**so you can grasp it all at a glance, with examples!

1. Natural Fibres

These fibres are obtained directly from natural sources such as plants, animals, or minerals. They are biodegradable, renewable, and have been used in textiles for thousands of years.

A. Plant-Based Fibres (Cellulose Fibres)

Derived from the cellulose found in plant structures.

Source         Examples          Notes
Seed         Cotton,
Kapok		Cotton is a primary textile fibre.
Kapok is hollow and lightweight
but too weak to spin into yarn.
Stem      Flax, Jute,
Hemp, Ramie		Known as bast fibres;
used in ropes, bags, home textiles.
LeafSisal, Abaca,
Pineapple		Coarse fibres mainly used
in mats and brushes.
FruitCoir (from
coconut husk)		Coarse and stiff;
suitable for brushes, mats,
and ropes.

B. Animal-Based Fibres (Protein Fibres)

Composed of proteins like keratin and fibroin.

Source                      Examples    Notes
Hair          
fibres                   		Wool (sheep), 
Alpaca, Camel,
Cashmere		Warm and resilient, with
natural crimp.
Secretions        Silk       The only natural
 filament fibre. Soft,
 strong, and lustrous.

C. Mineral Fibres

SourceExample       Notes
    Mineral             
        Asbestos                 		Heat-resistant, but
hazardous to health;
no longer used in textiles.

2. Manufactured Fibres

These fibres are made through industrial processes using natural polymers or fully synthetic materials. They can be tailored for specific performance characteristics.

A. Regenerated Fibres (From Natural Polymers)

These are derived from natural sources like cellulose but processed chemically.

Type ExamplesNotes
Cellulosics    Viscose Rayon     Mimics silk; breathable and soft.
Modified Cellulosics   Acetate, Triacetate Crisp, shiny appearance; used in linings,
 formalwear.

B. Synthetic Fibres (From Chemical Polymers)

Fully synthetic, derived mainly from petrochemicals.

Polymer Type  ExamplesNotes                                   
Polyamides         Nylon 6, Nylon 66,
Kevlar™		High strength, used in
ropes, seatbelts.
Polyesters     PET, PBTPET is widely used in
apparel and bottles.
Poly-
acrylonitrile                		Acrylic   Often used as a wool substitute.
PolyolefinsPoly
-propylene,
Polyethylene		Lightweight, water-repellent.
Poly
-urethanes		SpandexHigh elasticity; used
in sportswear.
Vinyl-basedPolyvinyl
 Alcohol		Limited textile use; more
common in films and packaging.

C. Inorganic Fibres

These fibres are non-organic and are used for technical applications.

TypeExamplesNotes
GlassGlass fibre Used in composites and
filtration fabrics.
CeramicCeramic fibres      High-temperature resistance.
Metallic      Lurex, Metal  
fibres   		Used for decorative or
conductive textiles.
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India