What is Synthetic Fabric? 5 Differences Between Natural and Synthetic Fibers

Have you ever wondered what your clothes are really made of? Synthetic fabrics have become a major part of our everyday wardrobes, but what exactly are they? In this article, we'll explore synthetic fabrics in detail and compare them with natural fibers. Let’s learn more!

Read more: What is Natural Fabric? 5 Most Common Natural Fiber Types and Textiles
 

What is synthetic fabric?

Synthetic fabrics are textiles made from human-created fibers, typically using petroleum-based chemicals. Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, synthetic fibers are engineered in labs to have specific properties. The process starts with raw materials like petroleum, which are transformed into polymers—long chains of molecules. These polymers are then spun into fibers using various methods, depending on the qualities we want in the final fabric.
 

Some common synthetic fabrics include:

• Polyester: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying. It's everywhere, from clothes to furniture.

• Nylon: Strong and elastic, great for activewear and outdoor gear.

• Acrylic: Mimics wool's warmth and softness, often used in sweaters and blankets.

• Spandex: Super stretchy, perfect for sportswear and swimsuits.
   

These fabrics have revolutionized the textile industry, offering solutions that natural fibers can't always provide. They're in our everyday clothes and specialized products alike. However, there's a downside - synthetic fabrics can be harsh on the environment, especially when it comes to disposal and microplastic pollution. As we continue to use these materials, finding ways to make them more sustainable is a key challenge for the industry.
 

Characteristics of synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics possess several distinct characteristics that contribute to their widespread popularity in a variety of applications. These characteristics are the result of meticulous engineering and chemical processes that tailor the fibers to meet specific needs. Here’s a detailed look at the key attributes of synthetic fabrics:
 

1. Strength

One of the most notable characteristics of synthetic fabrics is their strength. Unlike natural fibers, which can vary in strength depending on their source, synthetic fibers are engineered to be consistently strong. This high strength translates into fabrics that can withstand significant stress and strain without breaking, making them ideal for applications that demand durability, such as activewear, outdoor gear, and industrial textiles.
 

2. Durability

Synthetic fabrics are renowned for their durability. They resist wear and tear much better than many natural fibers, which tend to degrade over time. This durability makes synthetic fabrics particularly suitable for high-stress environments where longevity is crucial. For instance, nylon is often used in products like parachutes, ropes, and high-performance sports equipment because of its exceptional durability.
 

3. Wrinkle resistance

Another advantageous property of synthetic fabrics is their wrinkle resistance. Unlike natural fibers like cotton or linen, which can wrinkle easily and require frequent ironing, synthetic fabrics are designed to maintain a smooth, neat appearance. This wrinkle resistance is particularly beneficial for clothing and home textiles, offering a polished look with minimal maintenance.
 

4. Weather resistance

Synthetic fabrics are less susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as mold, mildew, and moisture. This weather resistance makes them ideal for outdoor applications where exposure to the elements is a concern. For example, polyester is commonly used in outdoor furniture, awnings, and tents due to its ability to withstand moisture and resist mildew growth.
 

5. Colorfastness

Synthetic fabrics are known for their excellent colorfastness, meaning they retain their color well even after repeated washing and exposure to sunlight. This is a significant advantage over natural fibers, which can fade over time. The vibrant and long-lasting colors of synthetic fabrics make them a popular choice for fashion and home décor items that require consistent aesthetic appeal.
 

6. Easy maintenance

One of the most consumer-friendly characteristics of synthetic fabrics is their ease of maintenance. These fabrics are often machine washable and dry quickly, reducing the time and effort needed for care. Additionally, many synthetic fabrics are resistant to shrinking and stretching, maintaining their shape and size after washing. This easy maintenance makes synthetic fabrics a convenient option for busy individuals who prefer low-maintenance clothing and textiles.

 

Natural vs. synthetic fibers

Both types of fibers have unique attributes, advantages, and disadvantages that influence their applications and sustainability. We’ve created a table for you below to understand it better.

 

Feature	Natural Fibers	Synthetic Fibers
Source	Plants or animals	Petroleum-based chemicals
Strength	Variable, generally lower	High
Durability	Prone to wear and tear	Excellent
Wrinkle Resistance	Low, wrinkles easily	High, resists wrinkles
Moisture Absorption	High, breathable	Low, less breathable
Environmental Impact	Renewable, biodegradable	Non-renewable, not biodegradable
Comfort	High, soft and breathable	Lower, less breathable
Cost	Higher, especially for premium fibers	Lower, more cost-effective

 

 

Natural fibers vs. synthetic fibers: pros and cons

 

Aspect	Natural Fibers	Synthetic Fibers
Pros	Renewable and biodegradable Breathable and comfortable Hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin	Durable and resistant to wear and tear Wrinkle-resistant and low-maintenance Cost-effective and customizable for specific properties
Cons	Less durable, prone to wear and tear Higher cost due to labor-intensive production Requires more maintenance (e.g., ironing, special cleaning) Some farming practices (e.g., cotton) can harm the environment	Made from non-renewable resources Not biodegradable, contributes to landfill waste Less breathable, can be uncomfortable in warm climates Energy-intensive production and microplastic pollution

 

The classification of synthetic fibers

Synthetic fibers can be classified into several types based on their chemical structure and properties:
 

1. Polyamide

Polyamide fibers, such as nylon, polester, elastane, are known for their strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion. They are commonly used in hosiery, swimwear, and activewear.
 

2. Poly-Vinyl

Poly-vinyl fibers such as acrylic and modacrylic, are used for their water-resistant properties. They are often found in raincoats, shower curtains, and upholstery.
 

3. Chlorofibre

Chlorofibre fibers are made from polyvinyl chloride and are resistant to chemicals and weathering. They are used in industrial applications and protective clothing.
 

4. Fluorofibre

Fluorofibre fibers, such as Teflon, are resistant to heat and chemicals. They are used in high-performance applications like aerospace and protective gear.
 

5. Aramid

Aramid fibers, including Kevlar and Nomex, are known for their exceptional strength and heat resistance. They are used in bulletproof vests, firefighting gear, and aerospace components.
 

How are synthetic fibers made?

 

Synthetic fibers are man-made materials produced through chemical processes that transform raw materials into fibers suitable for textiles. These fibers are derived primarily from petrochemicals, including crude oil, natural gas, and coal, and are engineered to offer specific properties such as strength, elasticity, and moisture resistance. The production process typically involves several stages:
 

1. Sourcing Raw Materials

The process begins with the extraction of raw materials, mainly hydrocarbons from crude oil, natural gas, or coal. These materials are processed into monomers, which serve as the building blocks for creating polymers.
 

2. Polymerization

In this stage, the monomers undergo a chemical reaction called polymerization. This process bonds the monomers into long chains of polymers, forming the base material for synthetic fibers. Depending on the desired fiber, different polymerization methods are used:
 

• Addition Polymerization: Used for fibers like polypropylene and polyethylene.
• Condensation Polymerization: Common for fibers like nylon and polyester.

 

3. Melting or Dissolving the Polymer

Once the polymer is formed, it is either melted or dissolved to prepare it for fiber production. For example:

• Polyester and nylon are melted into a liquid state.
• Acrylic is dissolved using solvents.

 

4. Spinning the Fibers

The prepared polymer solution or melt is extruded through a device called a spinneret, which has tiny holes resembling a showerhead. The size and shape of these holes determine the thickness and texture of the resulting fibers. There are three main spinning methods:

• Melt Spinning: Used for polyester and nylon, where the melted polymer hardens as it cools.
• Dry Spinning: Used for acetate and acrylic fibers, where the solvent evaporates, leaving solid fibers behind.
• Wet Spinning: Used for fibers like rayon, where the polymer is solidified in a chemical bath.

 

5. Drawing and Stretching

The newly formed fibers are then drawn or stretched to align the polymer chains, increasing their strength and elasticity. This process also ensures uniformity in fiber diameter.
 

6. Texturizing and Finishing

The fibers are texturized to enhance their properties, such as making them softer, bulkier, or more elastic. Various finishes, such as dyes, water repellents, or flame retardants, can also be applied during this stage to prepare the fibers for specific applications.

 

7. Weaving or Knitting into Fabrics

Once the fibers are spun into yarns, they are woven or knitted into fabrics. These fabrics can then be used for clothing, upholstery, industrial products, or other applications.

 

What Fabrics Are Synthetic?

 

Below are some of the most common types of synthetic fabrics:

 

1. Polyester

Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fabrics. Made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), it is highly durable, resistant to wrinkles, and easy to care for. Polyester is commonly used in clothing, upholstery, home furnishings, and industrial applications.

Is polyester a synthetic fiber?

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Yes, polyester is definitely a synthetic fiber! It’s one of the most commonly used materials in the textile industry, and it’s made through a chemical process that uses petroleum-based products. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
 

Why Polyester is Considered a Synthetic Fiber?

 

• Chemical Composition: Polyester is made from polymers, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which comes from petroleum. The whole production process involves chemical reactions, including polymerization, to create long chains of synthetic molecules.

 

• Man-Made Process: Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, which come from plants or animals, polyester is completely man-made. It’s created in labs or factories, so it’s the perfect example of a synthetic fiber.

 

2. Nylon

Nylon, known for its strength and elasticity, was the first fully synthetic fiber introduced in the 1930s. It is often used in activewear, hosiery, swimwear, ropes, and parachutes. Nylon fabrics are lightweight, smooth, and resistant to wear and tear.

 

3. Acrylic

Acrylic fabric is designed to mimic wool, offering a lightweight and warm alternative. It is commonly used in sweaters, blankets, and outdoor furniture. Acrylic is resistant to sunlight and mildew, making it ideal for outdoor applications.

 

4. Spandex (Lycra or Elastane)

Spandex, also known by brand names like Lycra, is highly elastic and is often blended with other fibers to add stretch to garments. It is widely used in activewear, swimwear, and form-fitting clothing.

 

5. Rayon (Viscose)

Although derived from natural cellulose, rayon is considered semi-synthetic due to its chemical processing. It mimics the softness and drape of natural fibers like silk and cotton and is used in clothing, upholstery, and industrial products.

 

Is rayon a synthetic fiber?

 

Rayon is technically considered a semi-synthetic fiber, not a fully synthetic one. While it comes from natural materials like wood pulp or plant-based cellulose, the process used to turn those materials into rayon involves a fair amount of chemical treatment, which is why it’s classified as semi-synthetic.

 

Why Rayon is Semi-Synthetic:

 

• Natural Origins: Rayon starts with cellulose, which is a natural substance found in plants like wood, cotton, or bamboo. So, it has a natural base.

• Chemical Processing: To make rayon, the cellulose undergoes a chemical process where it’s dissolved in chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. This sets rayon apart from fibers like cotton or linen, which don’t require as much chemical intervention.​​

 

So, rayon is in a unique category as a fiber that’s both plant-based and chemically processed, earning it the classification of semi-synthetic.

 

6. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a synthetic fabric made from thermoplastic polymer. It is lightweight, water-resistant, and often used in activewear, reusable shopping bags, and upholstery.
 

7. Acetate

Acetate is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from cellulose acetate. It is commonly used in linings, formal wear, and home furnishings due to its silk-like appearance and smooth texture.
 

8. Kevlar and Nomex

These high-performance synthetic fabrics are designed for industrial and protective applications. Kevlar is used in bulletproof vests and ropes, while Nomex is utilized in fire-resistant clothing.
 

9. Microfiber

Microfiber is made from extremely fine synthetic fibers, typically polyester or nylon. It is widely used in cleaning products, upholstery, and sportswear due to its absorbent and durable properties.
 

Is linen a natural or synthetic fiber?

Linen is a natural fiber made from the stalks of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It’s been around for centuries and has earned its reputation for being durable, breathable, and eco-friendly. Let’s break down why linen is considered a natural fiber and what makes it so special:
 

What Makes Linen a Natural Fiber?

 

1. Plant-Based Origin

Linen comes from the flax plant, which is a renewable resource that’s surprisingly low-maintenance. It needs less water and fewer pesticides to grow compared to something like cotton, making it a more sustainable option.
 

2. Biodegradability

Being a natural fiber means linen is biodegradable. That’s a win for the environment—it breaks down naturally without leaving behind any nasty chemicals.
 

3. Eco-Friendly Processing

The process of extracting linen fibers, known as retting, is done using water or mechanical methods, which means hardly any chemicals are involved. That’s a huge plus compared to synthetic fibers, which require a lot of chemical processing.
 

4. Breathable and Lightweight

Linen is super breathable and does an amazing job at wicking away moisture. That’s why you’ll see it all over summer wardrobes—it keeps you cool without feeling heavy.
 

5. Durability

Here’s the best part: linen is one of the strongest natural fibers out there. It lasts forever, and actually gets softer and more comfortable the more you wash it.
 

Why Linen Isn’t Synthetic

Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are man-made, created through chemical processes using petroleum-based materials. Linen is the opposite. It’s a plant-based fiber that’s processed naturally, with minimal intervention, which is why it’s firmly in the "natural fiber" camp.

If you’re looking for something that’s sustainable, versatile, and just downright classy, linen is where it’s at. It’s perfect for anyone who cares about comfort and the environment—and who doesn’t?

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Are recycled synthetic fibers really sustainable?

Recycled synthetic fibers, like those made from recycled polyester (rPET) or nylon, are definitely a step up in sustainability compared to their virgin versions, but they come with their own set of challenges. On the bright side, recycling these fibers helps cut down on waste by repurposing things like plastic bottles and old textiles that might otherwise end up in landfills or floating around in our oceans. The process also uses less energy and water than creating new synthetic fibers from scratch, plus it lowers the demand for fossil fuels.

But let’s be real—recycled synthetic fibers aren’t perfect. They still shed microplastics when washed, which can end up polluting our waterways. And even though recycling gives plastic a longer life, these fibers still don’t break down naturally, meaning they stick around in the environment for a really long time. So, while recycled synthetics are definitely better than the alternative, they’re not entirely guilt-free, and we’ve still got work to do to make them truly eco-friendly.

Read more: Sustainable Fabrics: How Eco-Friendly Are They Really?

 

How to dye synthetic fabric?

Dyeing synthetic fabric requires specific dyes and techniques due to their chemical composition. Disperse dyes are commonly used for synthetic fibers. The process involves:
 

1. Preparation

Clean the fabric to remove any finishes or impurities.
 

2. Dye Bath

Prepare a dye bath with water and disperse dye, following the manufacturer's instructions.
 

3. Heat

Different fabrics require different levels of heat for dyeing. For instance, when you’re dyeing nylon, you’ll need to heat the dye bath to around 140-194°F. But if you’re working with polyester fabrics, you’ll need to crank up the heat to somewhere between 248-284°F.
 

4. Immersion

Submerge the fabric in the dye bath, stirring continuously to ensure even dyeing.
 

5. Rinse and Dry

Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove excess dye and allow it to dry.
 

Brief History of Synthetic Fabrics

The history of synthetic fabrics dates back to the early 20th century, marked by groundbreaking innovations:
 

1935: Invention of Nylon

Wallace Carothers and his team at DuPont invented nylon, the first fully synthetic fiber. Known for its strength and elasticity, nylon quickly found applications in products ranging from women's stockings to military gear during World War II.
 

1940s: Commercial Production of Polyester

The 1940s saw the commercial production of polyester, another milestone in synthetic fabrics. Polyester's durability, wrinkle resistance, and low maintenance made it a popular choice for clothing and home textiles.
 

1950s: Introduction of Acrylic and Spandex Fibers

The 1950s introduced acrylic and spandex fibers. Acrylic mimicked the properties of wool, providing warmth and softness, while spandex revolutionized the fashion industry with its exceptional stretch and recovery, becoming essential in sportswear and form-fitting clothing.
 

1960s: Development of High-Performance Fibers

The 1960s brought the development of high-performance fibers like Kevlar and Nomex. Kevlar, known for its incredible strength, is used in bulletproof vests and industrial applications. Nomex offers excellent heat resistance, making it ideal for protective clothing for firefighters and industrial workers.
 

Recent Developments: Innovations in Sustainability

Recent years have seen significant advancements in sustainable synthetic fibers, including the use of recycled materials and the development of bio-based fibers. These innovations aim to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic fabric production and disposal, promoting a more sustainable textile industry.
 

FAQs

1. What are 5 synthetic fibers?

Polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, and rayon.

 

2. What is the most popular synthetic material?

Polyester, due to its durability and versatility.
 

3. How can you tell if a material is synthetic?

Synthetic materials are usually smoother, less breathable, and have a uniform appearance compared to natural fibers.
 

4. Is denim natural or synthetic?

Traditional denim is made from cotton, a natural fiber, but can be blended with synthetic fibers for added stretch.
 

5. Is polyester synthetic?

Yes, polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based chemicals.
 

6. What is the best dye for synthetic fabric?

Synthetic fibers require different dyes depending on the type of fabric. Disperse dyes are mainly used for polyester, but they are not necessarily the best choice for all synthetic fibers.

For specific synthetic fibers:

• Polyester: Disperse dye is the go-to choice, often used in high-temperature dye baths.
• Nylon: Acid dyes are commonly used for nylon, as they bond well with the amine groups in the fiber.
• Acrylic: Basic dyes (also known as cationic dyes) are typically used for dyeing acrylic fibers, as they provide good color fastness and bright hues.

 

7. What are the 4 synthetic dyes? 

The four main types of synthetic dyes are:

1. Disperse Dyes: Primarily used for dyeing synthetic fibers like polyester, acetate, and nylon. These dyes are water-insoluble and are finely dispersed in the dye bath, where they attach to the fibers through heat.

2. Acid Dyes: Water-soluble dyes that are typically used on synthetic fibers like nylon and some types of acrylics. They are also used for dyeing natural fibers like wool and silk.

3. Basic (Cationic) Dyes: These dyes carry a positive charge and are mainly used for dyeing acrylic fibers, as well as other synthetic fibers that have anionic (negative) groups.

4. Reactive Dyes: While commonly used for natural fibers like cotton, reactive dyes can also be used on certain synthetic fibers like nylon. They form a covalent bond with the fiber, making the dye very wash-fast and durable.

 

8. Is synthetic fabric good?

Synthetic fabrics offer durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost-effectiveness but have environmental drawbacks.
 

9. Which is better cotton or synthetic?

It depends on the application. Cotton is more comfortable and eco-friendly, while synthetic fibers offer durability and performance benefits.
 

10. What are the disadvantages of synthetic fabric?

Non-biodegradable, less breathable, and potential environmental impact from production and disposal.