Synthetic Fiber

Definition and Overview

Synthetic fiber is a type of chemical fiber made by chemically synthesizing raw materials. Typical types include polyester, nylon, acrylic, polyurethane, and polypropylene, and they are used widely from apparel to industrial materials.

“Sengo” is an abbreviation for synthetic fiber. However, in textile trading and planning, it may simply be described as synthetic material or a synthetic look, and the specific fiber type and blend ratio need to be checked in the care tag or specifications.

Characteristics and Hand

Synthetic fibers make it easy to design strength, lightness, dimensional stability, dyeability, and more, and performance and appearance can be adjusted by the fiber type, yarn thickness, cross-sectional shape, and processing. Fine fibers may be used to create softness, while modified cross-sections may be used to achieve a subdued luster or functional performance.

In general, the hand varies by material, with effects such as a crisp, dry touch, firmness, fluid drape, and sheen. The characteristic sheen or gloss of synthetic fibers can also be reduced through yarn, weave or knit structure, brushed finishes, or surface processing to create a natural-fiber-like appearance.

Main Applications

They are used for shirts, blouses, dresses, suits, pants, outerwear, linings, sportswear, and more. For applications that require light weight, durability, quick drying, or stretch, they are selected on their own or blended with other materials.

They can be designed in a wide range from lightweight to heavyweight fabrics, and are suitable for any season. In hot weather, fabrics with moisture-wicking quick-dry finishes or breathability are used; in cold weather, fabrics that make use of brushed surfaces or hollow structures are used. However, performance depends not only on the fiber name but also on the fabric structure and processing.

• Polyester is used for apparel in general, uniforms, linings, and more.
• Nylon is used for outerwear, bags, and sports applications that take advantage of its light weight and strength.
• Acrylic is used for applications that require bulk, such as wool yarn and knitwear.
• Polyurethane is used as a blending material to add stretch.

Selection and Handling Notes

When selecting materials, do not judge by fiber name alone; check the blend ratio, fabric weight, structure, stretchability, moisture absorption, breathability, colorfastness, and care instructions. For the required end-use performance, it is important to evaluate the hand, sheerness, sheen, and ease of sewing with a fabric swatch.

Some synthetic fibers have relatively low shrinkage, but that does not mean they will not shrink. Dimensional change varies depending on heat, processing, and blended fibers. Before mass production, perform checks including washing tests and steam finishing, and reflect shrinkage and twisting in the pattern and specifications.

For heat-sensitive types, if the iron or press temperature is too high, glossing, shrinkage, distortion, or melting may occur. In sewing, check fabric slippage, stretch, needle holes, and puckering, and adjust the needle, thread, feed conditions, and presser foot pressure to match the fabric.

Differences from Similar Terms

Synthetic fiber is one category of chemical fiber. Regenerated fibers such as rayon, cupro, and lyocell are fibers made by chemically processing and regenerating cellulose derived from natural sources, and they are distinct from synthetic fibers. Acetate is treated as a semi-synthetic fiber.

Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polyurethane are all individual fiber names included in synthetic fiber. “Shin-gosen” refers to a group of materials developed mainly around polyester to achieve a hand and appearance different from conventional synthetic fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions