Check your closet right now.
Chances are, most of your favorite workout gear, that cozy fleece jacket, and even your go-to dress pants are made from synthetic instead of natural fabric.
But here’s something most people don’t realize: synthetic clothing has completely changed how we dress, perform, and even impact the planet.
Knowing what these fabrics are, how they’re made, and what they mean for your wardrobe can help you choose better. You’ll know which pieces last longer, perform better, and fit your lifestyle.
Breaking down everything about synthetic fiber, synthetic fiber types, and its beginning.
What is Synthetic Fabric?
Synthetic fabric is a textile made from man-made fibers through chemical processes. These materials start as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, then become wearable fibers in laboratories.
Natural fabrics come from plants or animals. Synthetic materials are engineered for specific functions. Cotton breathes; polyester wicks moisture.
Wool insulates when wet; synthetic fleece dries faster.
Key Timeline
- 1884: Artificial silk appears
- 1935: Wallace Carothers invents nylon, the first fully synthetic fiber
- 1950s: Polyester debuts with wrinkle-free promises
- 1970s: Polyester dominates fashion
- 1980s: Performance fabrics for athletes emerge
Synthetic fibers make up 60% of global fabric production. They offer durability, moisture management, stretch, and performance features that natural materials can’t provide.
How is Synthetic Clothing Made?
Creating synthetic fabric changes raw chemicals into a wearable material through an industrial process.
Here’s how petroleum becomes clothing.
Step 1: Raw Material Processing
Petroleum, coal, or natural gas is refined into chemical compounds. These compounds form the building blocks for synthetic fibers. The refining process removes impurities and isolates specific chemicals needed.
Step 2: Polymerization
Heat and pressure combine small molecules into long chains called polymers. For polyester, this happens at around 280°C. The result is a thick, honey-like material.
Step 3: Spinning
Liquid polymer gets forced through a spinneret with hundreds of tiny holes. As it cools, it solidifies into continuous fibers. Different hole sizes create different fiber thicknesses.
Step 4: Drawing and Treating
Fibers stretch to three or four times their length to increase strength. Chemical treatments add properties like water resistance or softness.
Step 5: Spinning into Yarn
Individual fibers twist together mechanically to create usable yarn in different weights and textures.
Step 6: Weaving or Knitting
Yarn becomes fabric on industrial machines. Weaving creates structured fabrics; knitting produces stretchy materials.
Step 7: Finishing
Fabric gets dyed, printed, and treated with final coatings. After inspection, it’s cut and sewn into clothing.
Types of Synthetic Fiber
Synthetic fabrics aren’t just one thing. Each type has unique properties, uses, and benefits.
Polyester
The most widely used synthetic fiber, made from petroleum-based chemicals. Found in everything from workout clothes to bedsheets, it’s known for durability and easy care.
Key Properties:
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Affordable
- Retains shape well
Nylon
The first fully synthetic fiber, invented in 1935. Strong and elastic, it’s commonly used in activewear, hosiery, and outdoor gear.
Key Properties:
- Extremely strong
- Abrasion-resistant
- Lightweight
- Dries quickly
Acrylic
A synthetic fiber designed to mimic wool’s warmth and softness. Used primarily in sweaters, blankets, and cold-weather clothing.
Key Properties:
- Warm
- Lightweight
- Wool-like feel
- Holds dye well
Rayon (Semi-synthetic)
Made from natural cellulose but processed with chemicals, making it semi-synthetic. Drapes beautifully and feels soft like natural fibers.
Key Properties:
- Soft
- Breathable
- Drapes well
- Less durable when wet
Spandex/Lycra/Elastane
An extremely stretchy fiber that can expand up to 500% of its original size. Almost never used alone, typically blended with other fabrics for stretch.
Key Properties:
- Exceptional stretch
- Shape retention
- Comfortable fit
- Wrinkle-resistant
Olefin (Polypropylene & Polyethylene Fibers)
Lightweight synthetic fibers are used mainly in activewear, upholstery, and outdoor gear. Excellent at wicking moisture away from skin.
Key Properties:
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Stain-resistant
- Lightweight
Aramid Fibers (Kevlar, Nomex)
High-performance synthetic fibers known for extreme strength and heat resistance. Used in protective gear, military equipment, and industrial applications.
Key Properties:
- Heat-resistant
- Incredibly strong
- Flame-retardant
- Lightweight
Microfibers
Ultra-fine synthetic fibers (usually polyester or nylon) are thinner than human hair. Creates exceptionally soft, tightly woven fabrics used in athletic wear and cleaning cloths.
Key Properties:
- Soft texture
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight
- Tightly woven
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fabrics resist wear and tear. | Made from petroleum, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and high energy use. |
| Pulls moisture away and dries quickly, especially for athletic wear. | Generally, less breathable than natural fibers. |
| Resists wrinkles, shrinking, and fading. | Tends to hold onto body odor more than natural fabrics. |
| Holds dye exceptionally well, maintaining vibrant colors. | May cause irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. |
Tips for Choosing the Right Synthetic Clothing for You
- Choose moisture-wicking polyester for workouts and blends for everyday wear
- Avoid pure synthetics; look for mixes with cotton or natural fibers
- Better synthetics feel softer; check seams for tight stitching
- Choose lightweight technical fabrics for warm weather and exercise
- Machine wash gently; avoid high dryer heat that damages fibers
- Test comfort against your skin; some synthetics cause irritation
- Lower-quality synthetics develop these issues; check reviews first
Choosing the right synthetic means finding pieces that fit your lifestyle and comfort needs.
How to Take Care of Your Synthetic Clothes?
Synthetic fabrics need different care than natural fibers. The right approach keeps them performing well and lasting longer.
- Use cool or warm water to wash them, never hot: High temperatures can break down synthetic fibers, cause shrinking, or set stains permanently.
- Use a laundry bag for delicate synthetics: Mesh bags protect items like activewear, swimwear, and anything with spandex from snagging or stretching during the wash cycle.
- Air drying works best for most synthetics: This prevents heat damage and extends garment life significantly. If using a dryer, choose low heat. High heat melts, warps, or damages synthetic fibers.
- Synthetics can’t handle direct iron contact at all: Some tolerate low heat only. Use the lowest heat setting. Place a cloth between the iron and the fabric. A thin cotton cloth protects synthetic material from direct heat contact and prevents melting or shine marks.
- Wash synthetic athletic wear after each use: Bacteria thrive in the moisture trapped by synthetic fibers. Prompt washing prevents permanent odor buildup. Avoid leaving wet synthetic clothes in bags. Damp synthetic workout clothes develop a mildew smell quickly.
Synthetic vs. Natural Fabrics
| Category | Natural Fabrics | Synthetic Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Plants/Animals | Chemical/Polymer-based |
| Breathability | High | Varies |
| Moisture-Wicking | Low | Can be engineered |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Future Trends in Synthetic Clothing
The synthetic fabric industry is transforming rapidly.
Bio-based synthetics made from algae, corn, and sugarcane will replace petroleum-derived materials.
Recycling technology will create closed-loop systems where old garments become new ones without quality loss.
Smart fabrics will monitor health metrics, adjust temperature automatically, and even change color on demand. Biodegradable synthetics that decompose in months rather than centuries are already in development.
Lab-grown materials will eliminate environmental damage entirely.
Self-cleaning fabrics, odor-eating fibers, and pollution-filtering textiles will become mainstream. The future of clothing looks cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable.
Conclusion
Synthetic fabrics have changed how we dress, work out, and explore outdoors. These engineered materials solve problems that natural fibers can’t.
The future brings bio-based materials and sustainable options.
Until then, use synthetics where they perform better and natural fibers where they don’t.
Ready to build a better wardrobe? Check labels, feel fabrics, and invest in pieces that fit your lifestyle.
