Fashion Fabrics and Textiles Are Engineered to Improve Performance

Fabric is sensual to eye and touch. The glorious colors and the tactile sensations of rough and smooth, mohair to silk, weave their own special spell.

Some engineered fabrics did not even exist 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-wearing by lesser people fduring the 1500s-1600s. [Read More about Women's Silk Clothing]

Cotton Becomes Wrinkle Resistant

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

Organic and eco-blend cottons are growing in importance.

Cotton seersucker fabric has a surprisingly long history and has been prized as a summer-fashion fabric since the 14th century. [Read more about cotton clothing.]

Popular Prints with Enduring Fashion Appeal

Many tropical print dresses are made of cotton, with silk, rayon, and blended fibers increasingly popular. A bit of Dacron or Spandex keeps cotton looking fresh all day.

Leopard-print-clothing comes in many fabrics, including silk, cotton, fleece, jerseys, and rayon.

Animal skins have been stylish for at least a hundred years. Today, faux prints is a great way to have fun with fashion without endangering wildlife. [Read more about cotton clothing.]

Bamboo Fabric Is Cashmere-Soft

It’s hard to believe that the same stuff that makes hard wood floors can be processed into a fiber that’s as soft as cashmere wool, fabled for its luxurious feel. Bamboo, a renewable wood, is a darling of the green movement. [Read More about bamboo fabric clothing.]

If you are interested in clothing that uses innovations in fabrics and textiles, please subscribe to the available feeds or check back later.

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

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ExOfficio: Clothing for the Adventurous Spirit

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