Textile design and production
The majority of clothing is made of textiles. One of the first successes of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century was the partial automation of the spinning and weaving of wool, cotton, and other natural fibres. These procedures are now carried out by computer-controlled, high-speed machinery that is highly automated. Fabrics for use in clothing are produced by a sizable portion of the textile industry. There is use of both synthetic (such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester) and natural (such as wool, cotton, silk, and linen) fibres. The use of environmentally friendly fibres like hemp has increased as a result of a growing interest in sustainable fashion, also known as “eco-fashion.”
High-tech synthetic fabrics can wick away moisture (like Coolmax), resist stains (like 303 High Tech Fabric Guard), retain or release body heat, and offer protection from fire, weapons (like Kevlar), cold (like Thinsulate), ultraviolet radiation (like Solarweave), and other dangers. Through the use of dyes, weaving, printing, and other manufacturing and finishing techniques, fabrics can be created with a wide variety of effects. To create fabrics with colours, textures, and other qualities that anticipate consumer demand, textile manufacturers collaborate with fashion forecasters well before the apparel production cycle.
