Animal-based fibres (protein fibres)[edit]Fibre Source Attribute

Byssus saltwater clam lightweightChiengora dog hair fluffy lightweightQiviut Muskoxen Softness, warmthYak Yak -Heavy, warmthRabbit Rabbits SoftnessWool Sheep Warmth

Lambswool Lambs Softness, elasticity, warmth

Cashmere wool Indian cashmere goat Softness

Mohair wool North African angora goat Warmth, holds dyes well, lightweight

Camel hair Arabian Dromedary and Northeast Asian Bactrian camels Warmth, lightweight

Alpaca / Vicuña / Guanaco / Llama wool South America camelid varieties Softness, warmth

Angora wool Angora rabbit Softness, blends well with other fibres

Silk Chinese mulberry silkworm Smooth fabric finish with high shine

Plant-based fibres (cellulosic fibres)[edit]

Fibre Source AttributeAbacá the abaca plant thin lightweightCoir Coconut Strength, durabilityCotton Shrub Lightweight, absorbent

Flax Herbaceous plant Lightweight, absorbent, used to make linen

Jute Vegetable plant in linden family Strength, durability

Kapok pentandra tree fluffyKenaf Hibiscus cannabinus roughRaffia Raffia palm carpet/roughBamboo Grass pulp Lightweight, pliable fibre

Hemp Cannabis Strength, durabilityModal Beech tree Softness, lightweightPiña Pineapple leaf soft,lightweight

Ramie Flowering plant in nettle family heavy,tough

Sisal Agave sisalana Strength, durabilitySoy protein Tofu-manufacturing waste wooly,lightweight

Mineral-based fibres[edit]

Fibre Source AttributeAsbestos Cloth asbestos Fire-resistance, light weightGlass, Fibreglass

Mixed silicates

Fire-resistance, futuristic appearance in some Foil, fibres, wire

Synthetic fibres[edit]

Fiber Source AttributeRayon(Viscose)

Regenerated cellulose, semisynthetic Lustrous appearance, absorbent

Acetate Cellulose, semisynthetic Lustrous appearance, pliable fabric

Polyester Polymer, polyethylene terephthalate Wrinkle-resistant, easy care

Aramid Aromatic polyamide Heat- and tear-resistantAcrylic Acrylonitrile Imitates wools and cashmeres due to softnessIngeo Polylactide Hydrophilic (Wicks away persperation)Luminex Fibre optics Light-emittingLurex Polyamide, polyester Metallic appearance, sheenLyocell Cellulose Strong, soft, absorbent, biodegradeableNylon Polyamide Silk-like appearanceSpandex(Lycra) Polyurethane Stretches easily

Olefin Polyethylene,polypropyleneWicks away persperation (hydrophilic), lightweight (olefin fibres have the lowest specific gravity of all fibres)

PLA fibre,Polylactid

Polymers, lactic acid Lightweight, wicks away perspiration (hydrophilic), UV light-resistant

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