Fashion Designer Textile Science & Fiber Properties

Question 1

What is the difference between a 'natural fiber' and a 'synthetic fiber' in textile science?

Accepted Answer

Natural fibers originate from plant, animal, or mineral sources; synthetic fibers are manufactured through chemical processes from petroleum or other chemical feedstocks

Answer

Natural fibers are always more expensive; synthetic fibers are always lower quality

Answer

Natural fibers cannot be dyed; synthetic fibers accept all dye types

Answer

Natural fibers are only used in luxury fashion; synthetic fibers in workwear

Question 2

What is the 'hand' of a fabric and how do designers evaluate it?

Accepted Answer

The tactile characteristics of a fabric: its softness, stiffness, smoothness, drape, and texture as assessed by physical handling

Answer

The direction in which fabric is cut

Answer

The measurement of fabric width

Answer

The brand's logo or label on a garment

Question 3

What is 'warp' and 'weft' in woven fabric construction?

Accepted Answer

Warp refers to the lengthwise yarns running parallel to the selvedge; weft refers to the crosswise yarns that interlace through the warp in weaving

Answer

Warp and weft are two names for the same yarn system in knit fabrics

Answer

Warp is the technical term for bias-cut fabric; weft for straight-grain fabric

Answer

Warp describes tight weaves; weft describes loose weaves

Question 4

What distinguishes a 'twill weave' from a 'plain weave' and what fabrics result from each?

Accepted Answer

Plain weave interlaces warp and weft over and under alternately (checkerboard), creating cotton muslin and linen; twill weave creates diagonal lines by offsetting interlacing, producing denim and gabardine

Answer

There is no difference: all woven fabrics use the same interlacing pattern

Answer

Twill weave uses finer yarns than plain weave

Answer

Plain weave is only used for silk fabrics; twill for cotton

Question 5

What is 'GSM' in textile specification and why does it matter in fashion design?

Accepted Answer

Grams per square meter: the weight of fabric, which determines its drape, warmth, durability, and appropriate application in garment design

Answer

Garment Seam Measurement: the standard for seam allowance

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Global Sizing Method: an international garment sizing standard

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Greige Stock Management: a fabric inventory system

Question 6

What property of spandex (elastane/Lycra) makes it essential in modern activewear and stretch fashion?

Accepted Answer

It can stretch to 4 to 7 times its original length and recover to its original dimensions without permanent deformation

Answer

It has the highest moisture absorption of any synthetic fiber

Answer

It provides exceptional UV protection in outdoor garments

Answer

It is the most environmentally sustainable synthetic fiber