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Clothing Tag & Textile Fiber Decoder

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?

Fiber Origin:
Showing 8 fabric and textile materials

Modal

Semi-Synthetic (Cellulose)
High Airflow

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.

Shrink Risk:Low / Shrink Resistant
Wrinkling:Low / Wrinkle-Free
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:Wash in cold or warm water on gentle cycle; tumble dry on low heat. Doesnโ€™t shrink like traditional viscose.
Commonly Found In:Luxury underwear, loungewear, pajama sets, premium T-shirts.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard

Viscose (Rayon)

Semi-Synthetic (Cellulose)
High Airflow

A semi-synthetic plant-based fiber made from wood pulp. Incredibly lightweight, breathable, and silky with beautiful movement, but structurally weak when wet.

Shrink Risk:High (Cold Wash Only)
Wrinkling:High (Ironing Needed)
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:CRITICAL: Viscose can shrink up to 10-15% if washed in hot water or placed in a heated tumble dryer! Hand-wash cold and line-dry flat.
Commonly Found In:Flowy summer dresses, blouses, lightweight Hawaiian shirts, lining.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard

Polyester

Fully Synthetic
Low Airflow

A 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.

Shrink Risk:Low / Shrink Resistant
Wrinkling:Low / Wrinkle-Free
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:Machine washable in warm water; avoid extremely high iron heat which can melt synthetic fibers.
Commonly Found In:Athletic sportswear, outdoor jackets, backpacks, affordable blended everyday clothing.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard

Elastane (Spandex / Lycra)

Fully Synthetic
Moderate Airflow

An 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.

Shrink Risk:Low / Shrink Resistant
Wrinkling:Low / Wrinkle-Free
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:Never use fabric softener or high heat dryers on spandex! Heat breaks down the elastic polymer cores over time, causing "bacon collar" rippling.
Commonly Found In:Yoga leggings, stretch denim jeans, swimwear, compression activewear.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard

Linen

Natural Plant
High Airflow

A 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.

Shrink Risk:Moderate
Wrinkling:High (Ironing Needed)
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:Wash gently in cool water; iron while still slightly damp using steam for crispness, or embrace the relaxed natural wrinkle look.
Commonly Found In:Summer button-down shirts, Mediterranean trousers, luxury bed sheets.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard

Cashmere

Natural Animal
High Airflow

Ultra-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.

Shrink Risk:High (Cold Wash Only)
Wrinkling:Low / Wrinkle-Free
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:Never machine wash or hang on wire hangers (shoulders will stretch!). Hand wash with baby shampoo in lukewarm water or dry clean.
Commonly Found In:Luxury winter sweaters, scarves, overcoats.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard

Cotton

Natural Plant
High Airflow

The 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.

Shrink Risk:Moderate
Wrinkling:Moderate
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:Wash in cold water to prevent shrinking and color fading; can withstand hot steam irons.
Commonly Found In:Everyday T-shirts, classic denim jeans, towels, bed linens.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard

Polyamide (Nylon)

Fully Synthetic
Low Airflow

An exceptionally tough synthetic fiber originally developed by DuPont as a silk replacement for parachutes. Highly abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and tear-proof.

Shrink Risk:Low / Shrink Resistant
Wrinkling:Low / Wrinkle-Free
๐Ÿงบ Washing & Care Tip:Dries very fast. Keep away from direct iron contact.
Commonly Found In:Raincoats, winter puffer jackets, tights/stockings, luggage.
Textile Fiber LabelApparel Standard