What are the two main groups of fibres?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Global fibre production has more than doubled in the last two decades, driven by a growing appetite for diverse textiles. Fundamentally, fibres are categorized into two main groups: natural and synthetic, each with distinct origins, properties, and applications that shape the modern textile landscape.

Quick Summary

Fibres are classified into natural, sourced from plants, animals, or minerals, and synthetic, which are man-made from chemicals. They differ in origin, durability, feel, and environmental impact, influencing their specific uses in everything from clothing to industrial products.

Key Points

Two Primary Groups: The two main fibre groups are natural fibres, from living organisms, and synthetic fibres, which are man-made through chemical processes.
Natural Sources: Natural fibres are sourced from plants (e.g., cotton, linen), animals (e.g., wool, silk), or minerals (e.g., asbestos).
Synthetic Origins: Synthetic fibres are produced from chemical compounds, often derived from petroleum, including types like polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
Key Differences: Natural fibres are typically more breathable and biodegradable, while synthetic fibres offer higher durability and low absorbency.
Versatile Applications: Both fibre types have specific advantages and are chosen for different applications based on desired properties, from comfortable clothing to rugged industrial products.
Environmental Trade-offs: Natural fibres can have significant resource demands, while synthetic fibres contribute to microplastic pollution and rely on non-renewable sources.
Regenerated Fibres: A sub-category of man-made fibres, like rayon, is derived from natural polymers but manufactured chemically.

Understanding the Fundamental Fibre Classification

To comprehend the vast world of textiles and materials, it's essential to understand the basic division of fibres. All fibres, regardless of their final use in apparel, ropes, or industrial applications, can be placed into one of two overarching categories based on their origin: natural or synthetic. This simple classification provides the basis for understanding everything from a cotton T-shirt's comfort to a polyester rope's durability. While natural fibres have been used for millennia, synthetic fibres are a more recent innovation, a result of modern chemical science, that has profoundly impacted industries globally.

Natural Fibres: Gifts from Nature

As their name suggests, natural fibres are derived from sources found directly in nature—namely plants, animals, and, less commonly, minerals. Their properties are determined by their biological origin and are often celebrated for their breathability, comfort, and biodegradability. Natural fibres are further subdivided based on their source.

Plant-Based (Cellulosic) Fibres

These fibres come from the cell walls of plants and are primarily composed of cellulose. They are a cornerstone of the textile industry due to their renewability and versatility. Examples include:

Cotton: A soft, fluffy staple fibre grown from cotton plants, used extensively for everything from casual clothing to home linens.
Linen: Produced from the stalk of the flax plant, known for its exceptional coolness and strength in hot weather.
Jute: A soft, shiny bast fibre spun into coarse, strong threads for sacks, ropes, and carpets.
Hemp: A strong, versatile bast fibre used for ropes, paper, and clothing.

Animal-Based (Protein) Fibres

These fibres are composed of proteins and are obtained from animals. They are known for their warmth, moisture-wicking properties, and luxurious feel. Examples include:

Wool: A fibre from the fleece of sheep, renowned for its excellent insulation and natural elasticity.
Silk: A fine, continuous filament fibre produced by silkworms, prized for its softness and lustrous appearance.
Cashmere: An ultra-soft, fine fibre obtained from cashmere goats, often used for premium knitwear.

Synthetic Fibres: The Product of Chemistry

Synthetic fibres are man-made materials created through chemical synthesis, primarily from petrochemicals. Their engineering allows for a wide range of specific, customizable properties, such as increased durability, low absorbency, and wrinkle resistance. Synthetic fibres can also be categorized into different types.

Fully Synthetic Polymers

These fibres are produced entirely from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum. They have revolutionized many industries due to their low cost and high performance.

Polyester: Exceptionally strong, resistant to shrinking and wrinkles, and is now the most used fibre globally.
Nylon: Developed as a replacement for silk, known for its strength, abrasion resistance, and versatility in applications from clothing to ropes.
Acrylic: A synthetic polymer fibre that closely mimics the feel and warmth of wool, used for sweaters, blankets, and carpets.
Spandex (Elastane): A highly elastic fibre made from polyurethane, valued for its stretch and recovery in athletic and form-fitting wear.

Regenerated (Semi-Synthetic) Fibres

This unique sub-group of man-made fibres is produced from natural polymers that are chemically processed and reformed into fibres. They offer a bridge between natural and synthetic materials.

Rayon (Viscose): Made from purified cellulose, often wood pulp, and valued for its silk-like drape and absorbency.
Lyocell: A regenerated cellulose fibre produced with a closed-loop solvent process, known for its strength and soft texture.

Natural vs. Synthetic Fibres: A Comparative Overview


Feature	Natural Fibres	Synthetic Fibres
Origin	Plants, animals, and minerals	Chemically synthesized from polymers (e.g., petrochemicals)
Durability	Generally less durable, prone to wear and tear	Highly durable and resistant to abrasion and stress
Breathability	Often highly breathable and moisture-wicking	Typically less breathable, can trap heat
Biodegradability	Most are biodegradable and decompose naturally	Non-biodegradable, contributing to plastic pollution
Cost	Can be more expensive, depending on the source	Often more cost-effective for mass production
Maintenance	May be more sensitive to shrinkage and specific care	Easy to care for; wrinkle and fade resistant
Moisture Absorption	Good moisture absorbency, making them comfortable	Low moisture absorption, dries quickly
Environmental Impact	Generally sustainable but can have high water/land use	Production uses non-renewable resources (petroleum) and releases microplastics

The Evolution and Modern Relevance

The distinction between natural and synthetic fibres became more significant with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, which mechanized textile production. The subsequent invention of manufactured fibres provided cheaper, faster alternatives to traditional natural materials. While synthetics initially challenged the dominance of natural fibres, the focus in the 21st century is increasingly on combining their best characteristics through blending, and on creating more sustainable options across the board. This has led to the development of new eco-friendly fibres, recycled synthetic materials, and enhanced versions of traditional fabrics.

Conclusion

In summary, the two main groups of fibres—natural and synthetic—form the foundation of the modern textile and materials industries. Natural fibres offer comfort, breathability, and biodegradability, with their qualities rooted in their plant or animal origins. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, provide superior durability, wrinkle resistance, and affordability through chemical engineering. Understanding these two main groups is crucial for appreciating the diversity of materials available and for making informed choices about textiles, whether for clothing, home goods, or industrial applications. The ongoing development of both fibre types will continue to shape our materials landscape, balancing tradition with innovation and sustainability with performance. For a broader overview of the properties of different types of textile fibres, a resource such as ScienceDirect can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in their origin. Natural fibres come from living organisms (plants and animals), while synthetic fibres are artificially created through chemical processes, usually from petrochemicals.

Examples of plant-based natural fibres include cotton, derived from the cotton plant's seeds; linen, from the flax plant stalk; and jute, from the stem of the jute plant.

Common examples of synthetic fibres are polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex, which are all created from synthesized polymers.

Not necessarily all, but many have significant environmental drawbacks. The production relies on fossil fuels, and they are non-biodegradable, contributing to microplastic pollution. However, advancements in recycled and more sustainable synthetic fibres are ongoing.

Regenerated fibres, such as rayon and lyocell, are a type of man-made fibre that uses natural materials (like wood pulp) as a base, which is then chemically processed to form the fibre.

Synthetic fibres generally have greater durability and higher tensile strength compared to natural fibres. They are engineered to be resistant to wear, tear, and abrasion.

One simple way is the burn test, as synthetic fibres typically melt and burn with a chemical smell, while natural fibres like cotton and wool will burn to ash and may smell like burnt hair or paper. Fabric tags also provide this information.