Clothing Fabric & Fiber Codes Meaning
Checking a clothing label before buying? Decode what Modal, Viscose, Polyester, Elastane, and Linen actually mean: will it shrink, breathe, or make you sweat?
Modal
Semi-Synthetic (Cellulose)A premium semi-synthetic rayon fiber spun from sustainably harvested beech tree pulp. It is twice as soft as cotton, drapes like silk, and resists pilling and fading over dozens of washes.
Viscose (Rayon)
Semi-Synthetic (Cellulose)A semi-synthetic plant-based fiber made from wood pulp. Incredibly lightweight, breathable, and silky with beautiful movement, but structurally weak when wet.
Polyester
Fully SyntheticA durable petroleum-derived polymer fiber. Virtually indestructible, highly wrinkle-resistant, dries within minutes, but can trap body odor and sweat if not specifically woven into athletic moisture-wicking meshes.
Elastane (Spandex / Lycra)
Fully SyntheticAn ultra-stretchy synthetic polyurethane fiber that can expand up to 500% of its original length and snap right back into shape. Even a 2% to 4% blend gives jeans and shirts comfortable flex.
Linen
Natural PlantA natural plant fiber woven from the stalks of flax plants. Stronger than cotton, naturally hypoallergenic, and the most breathable fabric on Earth for tropical summer heat. Wrinkles effortlessly as a natural style characteristic.
Cashmere
Natural AnimalUltra-luxurious, fine undercoat hair combed from Cashmere goats in the high plateaus of Mongolia. Provides 3 times the insulation of sheep wool with zero scratchiness or bulk.
Cotton
Natural PlantThe king of natural staple fibers harvested from cotton bolls. Highly absorbent, breathable, soft against sensitive skin, and easy to wash. 100% cotton can shrink 3-5% on its first hot wash cycle.
Polyamide (Nylon)
Fully SyntheticAn exceptionally tough synthetic fiber originally developed by DuPont as a silk replacement for parachutes. Highly abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and tear-proof.