Natural Fibres

Wool

Pros

Wool is a warm, absorbent, stretchy, crease resistant and has low flammability.

Cons

Although, when it is washed, wool is susceptible to shrinking and/or drying slowly. The way wool is put together, it feels itchy on skin.

Uses

Commonly woven into suits and knitted in to jumpers and dresses.

Linen

Pros

Linen is a very practical material in many ways, especially for summer clothing. It is strong, hard-wearing and absorbent, meaning that it is comfortable and good for keeping cool in hot weather.

Cons

Although linen is good for many reasons, it also has some down sides. These include high flammability, it creases easily and it is expensive.

Uses

Woven into trousers and summer suits.

Cotton

Pros

Cotton has the same good qualities as linen, but it is cheaper, therefore it is used more often than linen.

Cons

Just like wool, cotton is able to shrink and when washed, it dries slowly. Cotton also creases very easily and has high flammability.

Uses

Woven in jeans and knitted in t-shirts and socks.

Silk

Pros

Silk is: strong, smooth and absorbent. It is also comfortable and has low flammability.

Cons

Although, silk is expensive and it doesn't wash well. It also creases very easily, these factors make it moderately unreliable.

Uses

Woven in lingerie, ties and shirts.

Synthetic Fibres

Polyester

Pros

Polyester is strong, stretchy, hard wearing and has low flammability. Another good point of polyester is that it is cheap, meaning that it can be made efficiently, while being low on cost. It also dries quickly and doesn't crease much, meaning it washes well and can be worn again quickly.

Cons

There is only one bad thing about polyester and that is that it is not absorbent.

Uses

Knitted in sportswear and woven in bedsheets.

Nylon

Pros

Nylon is strong, but stretchy, warm and it is fairly cheap.

Cons

Although, it can be damaged by sunlight and it is not absorbent.

Uses

Knitted in sportswear and other clothing.

Acrylic

Pros

Strong, warm, good elasticity, crease resistant, lightweight, doesn't shrink and it is cheap.

Cons

It is not very absorbent and it has high flammability.

Uses

Knitted in jumpers and is also used to make fake fur.

Elastane

Pros

Elastane is extremely elastic, but strong, hardwearing and lightweight.

Cons

It is not absorbent and it has high flammability.

Uses

It is mixed with other yarns to give stretch.

Tactel (microfibre)

Pros

It is very lightweight, strong, water repellant and breathable.

Cons

Although, it is expensive.

Uses

Knitted into sportswear and woven into water-repellent outdoor wear.