Fashion Fabrics and Textiles Are Engineered to Improve Performance

Fabrics and textiles are sensual to eye and touch.

Glorious colors and tactile sensations of rough and smooth, mohair to silk, weave their own special spell.

Some engineered fabrics and textiles did not exist even a decade ago.

Nano-Fibers Promise Germ-Fighting Fabrics

Here are some of the benefits of 21st century engineered fibers:

Some keep us warmer but are lighter in weight.

Flame-resistant fabrics protect our children.

Anti-microbial fabrics resist odor-causing germs.

Fabric of the future may kill viruses before they have a chance to infect us.

Olivia Ong, a senior design major at Cornell University in 2006, debuted a two-tone gold dress. Popular Science magazine reported that the metallic sheen was the result of anti-microbial nano technology (Oct. 2007) .

Nano, in case you are wondering, means very, very small.

Kimbrough explains that nano technology "permanently attaches nano-scale molecules to individual fabric fibers engineering lasting performance into the garment” (Uniforms magazine, July/Aug. 2007).

Luxurious Silk Spans the Seasons

Contemporary women's silk clothing makes this sought-after luxury fabric more affordable than ever.

The sensual feel of this fabric is so unique that its name defines a tactile quality: silky.

Upper-class Europeans even outlawed silk clothing for lesser people during the 1500s-1600s.

Womens silk clothing has offered luxury and refinement for centuries.

Satin, a heavier form of silk now recreated synthetically, is ideal for a satin blouse to spruce up a professional suit.

Cotton Becomes Wrinkle Resistant

Cotton was king of the economy in the antebellum south, and it remains the most beloved among fabrics and textiles.

A little bit of Dacron or Spandex in a cotton garment makes it wrinkle resistant and garments better-fitting than ever before.

Organic cotton and eco-blend cottons are growing in importance.

Organic cotton fabric is more expensive because the plant is attacked by so many insects and diseases who seem to love the soft cotton boll as much as us humans.

Seersucker cotton clothing has a surprisingly long history and has been prized as a summer-fashion fabric since the 14th century.

The natural wrinkles that are woven into seersucker fabric feel cooler against the skin.

The popularity of women's cotton clothing suggests that cotton will be king of fabrics and textiles forever.

Khaki Is Both Type of Fabric and A Color

Historical sources agree that khaki fabric originated when British soldiers, colonizing India, started dying white uniforms a more durable dusty color.

Khaki became so popular that the word is used for both a color (or a range of colors) and a type of fabric -- cotton twill.

Today's best khaki clothing be cotton or a fancy blend, such as silk-linen, in one of a range of beige colors that are popularly called khaki.

Bamboo Fabric Is Cashmere-Soft, But Is It Eco-Friendly?

Bamboo fabric is giving organic cotton as run for its money.

This fabric is made from an easily renewable resource -- the bamboo plant.

It's hard to believe that the same stuff that makes hard wood floors can be processed into a fabric as soft as cashmere wool, fabled for its luxurious feel.

If you pride yourself on being a green shopper, you will want to read about how bamboo fiber is processed into cloth.

Tropical, Leopard, and Animal Prints Are Chic Fabric Trends

Tropical print dresses and shirts are colorful and playful resort wear.

The history of how Hawaiian-type prints became a part of the history of fabrics and textiles is a story in itself. Bird print fabric dresses and casual outfits are a fresh spin on this classic.

Leopard print clothing and faux animal prints are fun, chic, and trendy.

Snakeskin is emerging as a current favorite, after several years of leopards, tigers, zebras and even giraffe prints.

Animal skins have been stylish for at least a hundred years. Early slaughter took a toll on our environment.

Today, faux prints is a great way to have fun with fashion without endangering wildlife.

Where to Find Sun-Shield, Insect-Repellent and Other Innovative Outdoors Wear

ExOfficio features many soy-fiber and organic blends. Some fibers are anti-microbial and sun-protectants. Also find Insect Shileld Clothing at ExOfficio.com

You also may find this kind of specialized clothing on sale. Save on Outdoor Gear at Sierra Trading Post!

You never know what you'll find at discounter Buy.com Home Page. I've seen more silk and satin women's clothing than outdoor wear there.

Related Stories

History of Wool from Stone Age Origins to Modern Technology

Womens Silk Clothing Has Meant Luxury for Centuries

Bamboo Fabric: Cashmere Soft -- But Is It Eco-Friendly?

Ragg Wool Gloves Are Soft, Warm, and Durable For Eco-Conscious Consumer

Organic Cotton Fabric Is Eco-Conscious Alternative That Adapts to All Seasons

Womens Cotton Clothing Proves that Cotton Is King Forever

Leopard Print Clothing and Faux Animal Prints Are Fun, Chic, Glamorous, and Very Trendy