Case Study Part 1
Setting Standards: Cotton
Many people associate polyester with fashion and fabrics of the 1960s and 1970s. At
that time, the use of new synthetic textiles, such as polyester and acetate, affected the cotton
industry. In 1960, cotton made up 78 percent of the textile products sold at retail stores.
However, by 1975, that share fell to an all-time low of 34 percent. In response, Congress
passed the Cotton Research and Promotion Act in 1966, granting cotton growers money and
resources for research and promotion. By 1970, Cotton Incorporated was formed with
government support to formalize research and the marketing of cotton. This was a unique
partnership between government and industry—but did it succeed in increasing consumer
demand for cotton?
ANALYZE and WRITE
1.
How did the fashion market affect the cotton fabric industry in the 1970s? Write a
paragraph explaining your answer.
2.
Why do you think continued research into fabric uses is important to marketing fabrics?
Write a paragraph explaining your answer.
CHAPTER 6:
TEXTILES AND PRODUCTION
6.1 Textiles and Fashion
What Will YOU Learn???




To discuss the fiber properties that determine
appropriate use and quality of fabrics
To identify the main natural fibers
To identify the main manufactured fibers
To explain the importance of fabric in fashion
Fabric and Fibers

Fabrics are ling pieces of cloth.

Characteristics of Fibers:

Fibers are thin, hair-like strands that are the basic units used to make
fabrics and textile products.

Different fibers have specific properties that affect the characteristics of
fabric, such as:






Appearance
Strength
Absorbency
Warmth
Shrinkage
Price
Types of Fibers and Yarns

Fibers are spun into yarn, and the yarn is used the make fabrics.


Yarn uninterrupted threads of textile fibers that are ready to be turned into
fabrics.
Different fibers can all be categorized as either natural or manufactured
fibers.

Leathers and furs are not fibers, but they are used I the apparel industry.

Natural fibers can be plant or animal fibers.

Manufactured fibers are either synthetic or cellulosic fibers.


Synthetic fibers are composed of chemical compounds derived from petroleum or
natural gas.
Cellulosic fibers are made from plants combined with chemicals.
Natural Fibers


Natural Fibers are textile fibers made from plants
or animals.
Characteristics of Natural Fibers:
 Cotton
 Linen
 Wool
 Silk
 Leather/Suede
and Fur
Manufactured Fibers


Manufactured fibers are fibers created by a manufacturing
process of any substance that is not a fiber.
Characteristics of Manufactured Fibers:








Rayon
Acetate
Nylon
Acrylic
Polyester
Spandex
Microfibers
Lyocell
Fiber Trade Associations




Cotton Incorporated – marketing and research organization
National Cotton Council – the central organization of the
cotton industry
Woolmark Americans, Inc.—the U.S. subsidiary of The
Woolmark Company Pty. Ltd., which promotes wool and
wool blend products as well as licensing the Woolmark
trademarks
Mohair Council of America – the promotional organization
for U.S. mohair producers
Quiz
1.
2.
3.
What are the four main natural fibers?
What are the primary advantaged and
disadvantages of leather/suede?
What are three manufactured fibers that are
cellulosic?