1. Clothing Fibers The Naturals

2. Cotton

3. Source of Cotton The cotton plant –Fibers are formed in the seed pods as the plant ripens

4. Characteristics of Cotton Strong Durable Absorbs moisture Supports mildew growth Does not spring back into shape

5. Cotton is used in: Blouses Dresses Skirts Underwear Socks Sportswear Housecoats Shirts Jeans

6. How Cotton Affects Clothing Characteristics An all-cotton garment will: Be comfortable in warm weather Wrinkle easily Wash easily Need ironing at high temperature Be durable Withstand wear Burn readily Mildew if stored damp or in a damp place

7. Linen

8. Source of Linen The Flax plant –Fibers are formed in the stalk of the flax plant.

9. Characteristics of Linen Strong Durable Supports mildew growth Absorbs moisture

10. Linen is Used in: Blouses Dresses Skirts Suits Table linens Household linens

11. How Linen Affects Clothing Characteristics An all-linen garment will: Be comfortable in warm weather Wrinkle easily Wash easily Need to be ironed at high temperature Be very durable Withstand wear Burn readily Mildew if stored damp or in a damp place

12. Ramie

13. Sources of Ramie The ramie plant –AKA: Chinese grass

14. Characteristics of Ramie High luster Unusual resistance to molds & bacteria Extremely absorbent Dries quickly One of the strongest natural fibers Stronger when wet Durable Wrinkles easily Often blended (typically: 55% ramie/45% cotton) Similar to linen (often mistaken for linen)

15. Ramie is used in: Sweaters Shirts Shorts Tablecloths, napkins Handkerchiefs Fishing nets Canvas Sewing threads Fire hoses

16. How Ramie affects clothing characteristics Keeps it shape and does not shrink Can be laundered or dry cleaned Smooth lustrous appearance improves with washing

17. Wool

18. Sources of Wool Sheep –The hair/fur of a sheep

19. Characteristics of wool Warm Durable Returns to original shape quickly Absorbs moisture

20. Wool is used in: Knit garments Sweaters Gloves Skirts Coats Sportswear Socks Suits Slacks

21. How Wool affects Clothing Characteristics An all-wool garment will: Be warmer than cotton, linen, or silk Resist wrinkling Absorb odors Be durable Withstand wear Need protection against insects (moths) Need careful handling if washed Need to be pressed at low temperature

22. Silk

23. Sources of Silk Silkworm - The cocoons of the silkworms

24. Characteristics of Silk Smooth Lustrous Strong

25. Silk is used in: Skirts Blouses Dresses Neckties Scarves

26. How Silk affects clothing characteristics An all-silk garment will: Feel luxurious Need ironing at low temperatures Show water spots Need to be dry cleaned, unless carefully handled in washing