Plastics Glossary

Acetate

A semi-synthetic fibre derived from cellulose that is chemically modified. It is used for linings, dresses, satin fabrics, and accessories because of its smooth texture and shine.

Acrylic

A synthetic fibre made from polyacrylonitrile. It is used as a wool alternative in sweaters, knitwear, scarves, hats, and blankets because it is lightweight, warm, and resistant to wrinkles.

Coolmax

A branded polyester fibre developed by The LYCRA Company. It is engineered to wick moisture away from the body and is commonly used in sportswear, activewear, socks, and performance clothing.

Cordura

A branded nylon-based fabric known for high durability and abrasion resistance. It is used in outdoor clothing, bags, footwear, protective garments, and technical apparel.

Econyl

A branded regenerated nylon fibre made from recycled waste including discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic. It is used in swimwear, activewear, hosiery, and accessories as a more sustainable alternative to virgin nylon, though it still sheds microplastics when washed.

Elastane

A highly elastic polyurethane-based synthetic fibre also known as spandex or Lycra. It is blended with fabrics to provide stretch and shape retention in activewear, swimwear, jeans, underwear, and fitted clothing.

Gore Tex

A waterproof and breathable membrane material made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). It is used in outdoor jackets, footwear, gloves, and performance clothing to provide weather protection.

Lycra

A brand name for elastane (spandex) developed by The LYCRA Company. It is a stretchy synthetic fibre used in sportswear, leggings, swimwear, underwear, and fitted garments.

Microfiber

A very fine synthetic fibre usually made from polyester, polyamide, or nylon. It is used in clothing, sportswear, cleaning textiles, and performance fabrics because it is soft, lightweight, and quick-drying.

Modacrylic

A modified acrylic synthetic fibre with improved flame resistance and durability. It is used in protective clothing, faux fur, wigs, and specialty textiles.

Neoprene

A synthetic rubber material made from polychloroprene. In fashion it is used in wetsuits, sportswear, bags, shoes, and structured garments because of its flexibility, insulation, and water resistance. It sheds microplastics during washing and at end of life.

Nylon

A synthetic polyamide fibre known for strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. It is used in hosiery, swimwear, sportswear, outerwear, bags, and technical fabrics.

Olefin

A synthetic fibre derived from polyolefin polymers, primarily polypropylene or polyethylene. It is used in activewear, sportswear, socks, and outdoor textiles because it is lightweight, moisture-resistant, and quick-drying. It is also one of the least recyclable synthetic fibres in fashion.

Polartec

A branded high-performance fabric made primarily from recycled polyester fleece. It is widely used in outdoor clothing, activewear, and base layers for thermal insulation and moisture management. Despite using recycled content, Polartec fabrics shed microplastic fibres during washing.

Polyamide

A family of synthetic polymers that includes nylon. Polyamide fibres are used for durable, lightweight, and quick-drying garments such as activewear, lingerie, and outdoor clothing.

Polyester

A petroleum-based synthetic fibre made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is one of the most widely used fashion plastics, found in everyday clothing, sportswear, outerwear, and recycled polyester fabrics.

Polyethylene

A lightweight plastic polymer used in fashion-related applications such as protective garments, shoe components, packaging, and some speciality fibres.

Polypropylene

A lightweight synthetic polymer used in thermal clothing, activewear, outdoor textiles, and non-woven fabrics because it resists moisture and dries quickly.

Polytetrafluoroethylene

A fluoropolymer commonly known as PTFE. In fashion it is used in technical membranes and coatings, including waterproof breathable materials such as Gore-Tex.

Polyurethane

A flexible synthetic polymer used in elastane fibres, synthetic leather alternatives, coatings, adhesives, and water-resistant finishes in fashion products.

Polyurethane Leather

Also called PU leather or vegan leather, this material uses polyurethane coatings applied to fabric to mimic animal leather in shoes, bags, jackets, and accessories.

Polyvinyl Alcohol

A synthetic polymer used in textile manufacturing, coatings, and specialty fibres. It is more commonly used during production than as a visible finished garment material.

Polyvinyl Chloride

Known as PVC, this plastic is used in synthetic leather, footwear, bags, accessories, and waterproof fashion items. It is durable but associated with environmental concerns due to additives and production processes.

Primaloft

A branded synthetic insulation material made from ultra-fine polyester microfibers. It is used in jackets, coats, gilets, gloves, and outdoor apparel as a lightweight, compressible, and water-resistant alternative to down insulation.

Repreve

A branded recycled polyester fibre made from post-consumer plastic bottles and other recycled materials. It is used in sportswear, outerwear, swimwear, and everyday clothing and is widely marketed as a sustainable alternative to virgin polyester, though it still contributes to microplastic pollution.

Spandex

A generic name for elastane, a polyurethane-based stretch fibre. It is used in garments requiring elasticity, including leggings, sportswear, swimwear, and compression clothing.

Tencel

A branded fibre made from regenerated cellulose. While the base material is plant-derived, some Tencel blends may include synthetic fibres or plastic-based components depending on the fabric composition.

Thermolite

A branded synthetic insulation fibre made primarily from polyester. It is used in winter clothing, jackets, gloves, and outdoor apparel for lightweight warmth.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane

A flexible and durable plastic used in footwear, waterproof coatings, performance textiles, accessories, and synthetic leather due to its elasticity and resistance.

X Static

A branded textile fibre containing silver-coated material, often combined with synthetic fibres. It is used in performance clothing, socks, and activewear for antimicrobial properties.