Textile: Natural Fibers

Cotton

Most widely used plant fiber and is one of the most versatile and durable plant fibers. Known for comfort, it is used more in apparel than in interiors.

Shiny cotton

This is an end type of cotton which is a processed verion of the fabric made into cloth that resembles satin. It has a hydrophobic nature which makes it unfit for towels.

Organic cotton

A type of cotton grown with no synthetic or chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Green cotton

Cotton fabric that has been washed with mild natural-based soap but has not been bleached or treated with other chemicals, except possibly natural dyes.

Carded cotton

Cotton that has undergone carding.

Carding

A mechanical process that disentangles, cleans and intermixes fibers to produce a continuous sliver for processing. It breaks up locks and unorganized clumps of fiber.

Combed cotton

Smoother and stronger cotton which has finer yarns that are produced by combing cotton fiber; a higher form of carded cotton.

Combing

This is a process for further refinement of the fibers which have already undergone carding. It separates the longer and desirable fibers from the shorter ones and straightens the crimps in the fiber; creates finer yarn.

Upland cotton

A type of cotton which is the most widely planted species of cotton in the world. Known to have short to medium staple fibers and is said to be the 3rd best quality cotton in the market.

Long staple cotton

A kind of cotton product known to be superior to other cotton products. It has fine and long fibers that are spun to create softer, silkier and more durable cotton. Supima and Egyptian cotton are examples.

Pima cotton

It originated in Peru; it is said to be the 2nd best quality cotton in the world. It is often compared to Egyptian cotton. Supima is a trademarked brand of this type of cotton.

Egyptian cotton

Established reputation of being the best cotton in the world. One of its known characteristics is its ability to easily absorb liquids and its softness, fineness, and durability. It is intended for the luxury and upmarket.

Kapok

Like cotton, it is derived from a seed. It is too brittle to be spun into fibers but soft enough to be used as cushioning. Lightweight, nonabsorbent, and can support about 30 times its weight in water. Known as "poor man's cotton."

Flax

The oldest fiber ever woven into fabric. The natural and untreated fiber does not support flame. Better colorfastness and has a crisp and cool hand perfect for table linens, draperies, etc.

Linen

A fabric made from flax; less soft and absorbent than cotton but more resistant to mildew. Known as gusot-mayaman.

Jute

Fiber which resembles flax but is made from the stem and stalk of the jute plant. It is commonly used as backing for carpets and linoleum due to its brittle and harsh properties.

Burlap

A fabric that is often made from jute. It has excellent resistance to microorganisms and insects making it a popular material for potato sacks, etc.

Hemp

It is a coarse fiber used in ropes and sacks but is now used in clothing. It is taken from the Cannabis Sativa plant.

Manila Hemp

It is also known as abaca, derived from the Musa textilis plant. It is a chief export product of the Philippines. It is very strong with great luster and is very resistant to damage from saltwater.

Ramie

An inexpensive fiber from an East Asian plant, often used as a substitute for flax; exceptionally strong, natural luster like that of silk. It is similar to linen and is usually blended with softer fibers like cotton or rayon.

Natural Rubber

Highly elastic, flexible, and impermeable to water and air. It tends to lose its strength through age and deteriorates in sunlight.

Jusi

Originally made from abaca and even banana fibers. Modern ones are made from silk and pina fibers. It is texture-less and translucent usually ecru in color. Commonly used in formal settings.

Piña

Made from the leaves of the pineapple plant, this fabric is commonly used locally. The end fabric is lightweight, easy to care for and has an elegant appearance.

Wool

This fiber is sheared from sheep; its color varies from pale neutral to dark brown. It burns very slowly and is self-extinguishing; wrinkle resistant and has exceptional resiliency.

Merino Wool

Type of wool mostly found in Australia and New Zealand which has superior shine, incredible softness, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, nearly pure white, and is of a greater quality than Shetland wool.

Shetland Wool

A very fine, lustrous, warm, lightweight wool produced from the soft undercoat of a Scottish breed of sheep. More expensive although it is not the best quality.

Lambswool

The finest and softest fleece and it comes from a lamb's first sheering usually when it is six to seven months old. It is smooth, flexible, strong and is excellent for bed covers as it is hypoallergenic.

Virgin Wool

This term is used for wool that has not yet been previously processed.

Ordinary Wool

Regular type of wool and may include reclaimed scraps from knits, broken threads and other sources.

Recycled Wool

New wool or felted fabric scraps that are shredded and reused.

Worsted Wool

A high quality type of wool yarn named after an English village. It is a stronger, smoother, and finer type of wool but is not as warm. More expensive than other grades of wool due to the process it undergoes.

Hair

Fiber from camel, mohair, alpaca, llama, the vicuna, and horsehair.

Cashmere

A fiber obtained from the soft undercoats of the Kashmiri goat. It is finer, stronger, and lighter and 3 times more insulating that sheep's wool which makes it more expensive.

Pashmina

It is a type of Cashmere and is shorn from the undercoat of the Himalayan Mountain Goats. It has thinner and finer fibers than Cashmere making it ideal for scarves.

Shahtoosh

Shorn from the fur of Chiru (Tibetan Antelope). it is more luxurious than Pashmina, called the "king of wools", from Persian word meaning "pleasure of kings".

Mohair

A luxury fiber produced by the Angora goat. It is a sild-like fabric or yarn; durable, resilient and has high luster and sheen. Remains warm in winter but cool enough to wear in summer because of its moisture-wicking properties.

Silk

This is considered the most beautiful of all fibers due to its marvelous, natural luster. It comes from the cocoons of the silkworm. It is the strongest natural fiber.

Sericulture

The production of raw silk by raising silkworms.

Organzine

Also known as "Thrown Silk", this grade of silk is the finest cultured silk yarn and is made from the longest filaments.

Tram, Spunsilk or Bourette

Grade of silk which uses shorter strands (or broken strands) and have less luster and sheen.

Tussah

Silk fabric woven from silk made by wild, uncultivated silkworms. Naturally tan in color, cannot be bleached and has rougher texture than cultivated silk.

Duppion

Silk made silkworms that spin the cocoon together in an interlocking manner. It appears irregular and uneven like linen.

Thai Silk

It is produced from the cocoons of Thai silkworms; considered one of the finest fabrics in the world and is made through a unique manufacturing process.

Asbestos

A mineral fiber used until 1978 in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. It can get dislodged in the lungs when inhaled and could not be coughed out.

Metal fibers

Threads of gold, silver, or copper woven into filmy casements or wall hangings. These do not tarnish and may be a manufactured fiber composed of metal or plastic-coated metal.