(Chemical fiber fabric) Advantages and disadvantages

Release time: 2025-09-23


(Chemical fiber fabric) Advantages and disadvantages

 

 

Polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, viscose... Can't tell them apart? This article thoroughly reveals the advantages and disadvantages, properties, and uses of the seven common chemical fiber fabrics. Whether it's for clothing material selection, procurement, or daily shopping, this article is all you need!
In the minds of many people, "chemical fiber" seems to be inferior to natural fabrics such as pure cotton and silk. But the truth is: over 70% of the clothes in your wardrobe contain chemical fiber! From astronauts' space suits to everyday yoga pants, chemical fiber is indispensable. It is not a synonym for "cheap", but rather the crystallization of wisdom in the modern textile industry. Choosing the right chemical fiber can make clothing more comfortable, durable, and functional

 

 

"Big Four" synthetic fibers: the king of performance

 

 

1. Polyester (polyester fiber) - "the model worker known for its wrinkle resistance and wear resistance"

Advantages: Durable, high strength, wear-resistant and resistant to damage, clothes are not prone to deformation. Excellent wrinkle resistance, they recover immediately after being rubbed and are easy to maintain. Poor moisture absorption, but also dry quickly after being wet, suitable for sports jackets. Disadvantages: Hot and stuffy, wearing pure polyester clothes in summer is like wearing a plastic bag, prone to sweat accumulation. Easy to generate static electricity and lint after friction, affecting aesthetics. Buying guide: Suitable for jackets, windbreakers, pants, tents, and throw pillows. Choosing styles blended with cotton (CVC) can enhance comfort

 

2. Nylon - "The Soft and Durable Expert for Mountaineering"

 

Advantages: Wear resistance is the highest among all fibers, far exceeding polyester. Lightweight, smooth to the touch, and highly comfortable to wear. Excellent elasticity, making the clothing more in line with the body shape. Disadvantages: Not sun resistant, long-term exposure can cause yellowing and a decrease in strength. The shape retention is not as good as polyester, and it is prone to wrinkling when used alone. Purchase guide: It is a material for down jackets, assault jackets, hiking bags, and high-end stockings. Be careful not to rub vigorously during washing.
 

 

3. Spandex (Lycra) - "Invincible Elastic Assistant" Advantages:

 

Ultimate elasticity, able to stretch the original length by 5-8 times and perfectly recover, is the core material that provides elasticity. Disadvantage: Not used alone, usually mixed with other fibers in a ratio of 5% -10%. Shopping guide: It is included in any clothing that requires elasticity, such as swimsuits, yoga clothes, sports bras, jeans. Seeing it in the ingredient list means that this garment is more comfortable to move around.
 

4. Acrylic fiber - "the affordable star in the imitation wool industry"

 

Advantages: Artificial wool, fluffy and soft, excellent warmth retention, bright color. The best light resistance, suitable for outdoor use. Disadvantages: poor wear resistance, easy pilling. Excessive washing water temperature can cause deformation. Purchase guide: The main components of cost-effective plush toys, carpets, blankets, and imitation wool sweaters. Suitable for people who are allergic to wool.

 

 

Three artificial fiber sisters: full of nature

 

 

Regenerated from natural plants (such as wood) with both natural and synthetic properties

 

Adhesive fiber (artificial cotton/modal)
Advantages: Excellent skin feel, smooth and cool hand feel, good drape, moisture absorption and breathability close to cotton, very comfortable to wear. Vibrant colors, easy to dye, and bright hues


Modal - "Upgraded Adhesive"
Advantages: softer and tougher than ordinary adhesive, with less shrinkage rate


Lyocell - "Eco friendly Tencel"
Advantages: Green and environmentally friendly, raw materials come from sustainable forests, and the production process is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Versatile performance, combining the comfort of cotton, the strength of polyester, and the smoothness of silk, with high dry and wet strength.