What Is A Textile – The Benefits of Different Textiles 

Here at M & P Trikam, we would be delighted to tell you ‘what is a textile’ and what are the benefits of different types of textiles. We are, after all, the fabric specialist.

The Different Types of Textiles (the following was adapted from library.thinkquest.org/textiles):

First of all: What is a textile? A textile is a cloth, which is either woven by hand or machine. ‘Textile’ has traditionally meant ‘a woven fabric’. The term comes from the Latin word ‘texere’, meaning ‘to weave’. The most common types of textiles are cotton, wool, silk, nylon and polyester.

• Cotton: Cotton is used to make blouses, shirts, singlets, shorts, jackets, jeans and other pants. It can also be made into bedspreads, pillowcases, carpets and curtains. The main benefits of cotton include its durability and the fact that it is breathable.
• Wool: Wool is used to make sweaters, dresses, coats, suits, jackets, pants and the lining of boots. It can also be made into blankets and carpets. The main benefit of wool is, of course, the fact that it is warm. As a textile fabric, it is also quite stretchable.
• Silk: Silk is used to make blouses, dresses, scarves, pants and ties. It can also be made into curtains, draperies, cushion covers and sofa covers. The main benefit of silk is its lustre, making it the perfect material fabric to make garments with. Indeed, the use of silk is quite popular for clothes in South Africa.
• Nylon: Nylon is popular for hosiery and is used to make track pants, shorts, swimwear, active wear, windbreakers, bedspread and draperies. It can also be made into parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and life vests, or used as the netting of bridal veils, umbrellas and luggage. Nylon is incredibly strong and durable.
• Polyester: Polyester is used to make most forms of clothing like shirts, running shorts, track pants, windbreakers, and lingerie. It can also be made into curtains and draperies. Its resistance to wrinkling and the fact that it is easy to launder, makes it perfect for such as school wear. For more about school uniforms and suitable fabrics and textiles for school uniforms, you can of course ask us.

Our knowledge and expertise on ‘what is a textile’ and ‘what is fabric’ make us the textile and fabric gurus you can trust.