Textiles and Apparel
Textiles and Apparel
This domain tests fiber properties, fabric construction, care, fit, design, and consumer selection. Expect questions that ask why a garment performs a certain way or which fabric suits a specific use.
Core rules and concepts
- Fibers are natural (cotton, linen, wool, silk) or manufactured (polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex). Properties include absorbency, strength, elasticity, insulation, and flammability.
- Fabric construction changes performance: woven fabrics are stable and fray; knits stretch and run; nonwovens are bonded rather than interlaced.
- Care labels are legal disclosures in the U.S.; follow them to preserve appearance and avoid liability. Dry cleaning, bleach, and ironing instructions matter.
- Fit depends on ease, grainline, and pattern adjustment. Woven garments need more ease; knits rely on stretch.
- Sustainability considers fiber production, dyeing, durability, laundering, and disposal. “Natural” is not automatically lower impact.
Worked example
A student designs athletic leggings and chooses 100% cotton woven fabric because it is natural. Why is this weak? Leggings need stretch, recovery, and moisture management. Cotton is absorbent and holds moisture; a woven structure restricts stretch. A better choice is a knit with spandex and a polyester or nylon blend for recovery and wicking, plus flat seams to reduce chafing. The reasoning ties end use to fiber and construction, not to a “natural” label.
Traps
Do not assume natural fibers are always better; wool can be itchy, cotton dries slowly, and silk needs care. Do not confuse weave with knit. Do not ignore care labels when recommending a purchase. Do not treat “waterproof” and “water-resistant” as synonyms. Do not evaluate fit without considering ease and body movement.