Did you know that the first woven fabric was made in Egypt around 5,000 years ago?
Fashion has been a staple of human life, dictating what we wear and how we look to other people. It’s been a driving factor for innovation and technology. Not only do we use it to decide how we look, but how it will be under extreme wear and tear.
Today we want to showcase a few types of fabrics and their advantages to your workspace. Keep reading to find great fabrics and how you can incorporate them into your workspace!
How Are the Types of Fabric Classified?
The types of fabric are mainly classified by their fibers, weave, and finish.
Fibers are the basic yarns or threads that are used to weave a fabric. The type of fiber used will determine the properties of the fabric, such as how strong it is, how stretchy it is, how wrinkly-resistant it is, and how it will feel against your skin.
The weave is the way the fibers are interlaced to create the fabric. The most common types of weaves are plain weave, twill, and satin.
The type of finish on the fabric also affects its appearance and gives it certain properties, such as water resistance, flame resistance, or wrinkle resistance. The most common types of finishes are mercerizing, singeing, and glazing.
Common Types of Fabric For Everyday Use
The textile industry has conserved and reinvented fabrics to fit production and consumer needs. Depending on the purpose of the fabric, some are used for clothing. While others are used for upholstery, sportswear, or for specialized industries.
The secret to the best fabrics lies in fiber and the weave. And to further determine how these factors work together, we can easily gauge how a certain fabric is good for everyday use.
Here are some of the common fabrics we use:
- Cotton is a natural fiber that is grown in warm climates. It is very strong and durable, making it a popular choice for casual wear.
- Linen is another type of fabric that is made from flax plants. It is very absorbent and cool to the touch- being often used in summer clothing because it is comfortable to wear in hot weather. Linen is also used in home furnishings, such as curtains and towels.
- Silk is a luxurious fabric that is made from the cocoons of silkworms. It is very strong and has a beautiful shine. It is often used for formalwear or eveningwear.
- Wool is a fabric that is made from the hair of sheep It is used for winterwear and has a natural ability to repel water. There are many different types of wool fabric, including cashmere, merino, and lambswool.
Other Fabric Types For Commercial and Industrial Use
At present, there are also fabric alternatives in the market for specialized use. These are synthetic and blended fabrics.
Synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum-based products and offer a number of advantages over natural fibers. These are often used for outdoor gear and clothing because they are very durable. They are also less expensive to produce.
However, synthetic fabrics are also less breathable, which can cause discomfort in hot weather. They also release harmful chemicals into the environment when they are produced and disposed of.
The three main types of synthetic fabrics are polyester, nylon, and acrylic. There are other synthetic fibers that serve as natural alternatives such as faux fur, polar fleece, and a lot more.
Polyester is the most common type of synthetic fabric. It is made from petroleum and is very strong and durable. Nylon is also made from petroleum, but it is less durable than polyester. Acrylic is made from coal and is the least durable of the three.
Blended fabrics are made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. These fabrics are usually more durable and wrinkle-resistant than pure natural fibers. These are often less expensive than pure natural ones, making them a popular choice for many people.
Some common examples of blended fabrics are polyester/cotton, polyester/wool, and nylon/wool.
What Fabrics are Good for Jobsite Safety?
In terms of jobsite safety, it is important to choose a fabric that will protect the wearer from certain conditions. There are even curtains, drapings, and fabrics that protect us from EMF radiation! Click for more information on how fabrics could protect you from unwanted radiation exposure at work or home.
For instance, Kevlar is often used in bulletproof vests because of its high tensile strength and elasticity. Conversely, softer materials like cotton are often used in clothing because of their comfort and absorbency. Its synthetic counterparts are polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These are used in jeans, office attire, and dresses.
Fabrics like Nomex and Gore-Tex are often used in protective clothing because they are effective at resisting heat and repelling water.
Other common fabrics include nylon, polyester, and spandex. These are often used in athletic wear, as they are stretchy and moisture-wicking. These protective fabrics are also added to personal protective gear for police and military uniforms.
For protection from hazardous chemicals, polypropylene is a good choice. It is a synthetic fabric that is resistant to chemicals and does not absorb water.
There are a variety of different types of fabrics that can be used for job site safety. The most important factor to consider when choosing a fabric is its ability to protect the wearer from hazardous materials and conditions.
Each type of fabric has its own unique properties. If you are looking for a specific type of fabric, be sure to do your research to find the one that is best for you.
Importance of Considering Water-vapor Resistance When Selecting Fabric
Water-vapor resistance is an important factor to consider when selecting a fabric. This refers to a clothing’s ability to resist the passage of water vapor, which is a measure of how easily moisture can penetrate the clothing. In certain environments and applications, such as outdoor clothing, tents, or bedding, the water-vapor resistance of a material is a crucial factor that can impact comfort and overall performance. For more information, you can do some textile tests and record the related information.
For outdoor clothing, it is important to choose a material with good resistance. This helps to prevent sweat from building up inside the clothing, which can cause discomfort and make it difficult to regulate body temperature. High-performance outdoor clothing often uses materials with high water-vapor resistance, such as Gore-Tex, to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
In bedding, this resistance of a material can impact the breathability and overall comfort of the bedding. High-quality bedding should have good water-vapor resistance to prevent the buildup of sweat and heat, ensuring a comfortable and cool night’s sleep.
In addition to comfort, water-vapor resistance is also important for safety. Tents, for example, should be made from a fabric with good water-vapor resistance to prevent condensation buildup inside the tent, which can cause mold and mildew to grow. This is particularly important in humid environments where moisture can be a problem.
Better Fabric Equals Better Performance in The Workspace
The textile industry has greatly improved in creating protective fabrics, uniforms, and personal protective gear. There are a lot of different types of fabric used for jobsite safety, so knowing the best fabrics used for workspaces will keep you safe any time of the day.
If you’re looking for advice on any range of lifestyle topics, feel free to check out some of our other articles today!