For my next project, I’m going to make new stockings. My previous pair were made of cotton and stayed wet on rainy days. So I’m doing some research on fabric properties to compare the best possibilities for my new stockings. Below are short summaries of a few types of fabrics, both natural and man made.
Cotton is a natural plant fiber that is strong wet and dry. Cotton absorbs moisture.
Wool is a natural fiber from sheep that is warm and insulating but weak. Wool is elastic and highly absorbent, which causes it to dry slowly.
Silk is a natural fiber from silk worms that is strong dry and weak wet.
Linen is a natural plant fiber that is strong wet and dry. It is highly absorbent and dries quickly. Air is able to pass through linen fabric making it cool and comfortable.
Polyester is a man made fiber that is strong wet and dry. It is non-absorbent but dries quickly and may feel hot and clammy.
Nylon is a man made fiber that is strong dry but weaker wet. It is not very absorbent and may feel hot and clammy, but it is quick drying.
Rayon is a man made fiber from trees that is moderately strong, but weaker wet. It is very absorbent.
Tyvek/Olefin is a man made fiber used in activewear, linings and wicks water away, drying quickly.
Ingeo is a man made fiber that is typically blended with cotton or wool. It is water resistant and wicks away water.
Bamboo is a natural fiber that is light and strong with moisture wicking abilities.
Acrylic is a man made fiber that is light weight and warm. It is moisture wicking and quick drying.