Glossary of Textile Terms (Fibre Types)

Clear names = faster matches. This glossary explains the fibre types you’ll see on Eslando and how we group them, so non-technical sellers and busy traders can pick the right category in seconds. It covers our four families—Natural Fibres, Synthetic Fibres, Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCFs), and Technical Fibres—and all terms available in the marketplace taxonomy.

How our naming works

Common name vs chemical name: Some fibres have two everyday names. We show both so you can recognise them.
- Nylon / Polyamide → the same thing. “Nylon” is the generic name; polyamide is the chemical family.
- Polyester / PES / PET / rPET → all point to the polyester family. “PET” is the polymer (polyethylene terephthalate), rPET means recycled PET, and PES is a common abbreviation in specs.
- Elastane / Lycra / Spandex → the same elastic fibre family (brand vs generic names).
- Viscose / Rayon → essentially the same fibre (regional naming), both are MMCFs; Lyocell (brand example Tencel) and Modal are also MMCFs.
Pick the most specific option you know.
- Know it’s nylon but not the type? Select Nylon / Polyamide.
- Know the exact type? Choose Nylon 6, Nylon 66, or Nylon Bio.
- Know it’s recycled polyester? Choose Polyester / PES / PET / rPET and add “rPET” in the description (or select the “rPET” sub-option if your form supports it).
When in doubt: choose the master category and explain what you do know (e.g., colour mix, presence of elastane, coatings, or hardware).

Blends, finishes and “unknowns”

Blends: Use two or more materials in the composition and include percentages (if known) (e.g., 95% cotton / 5% elastane)—even small elastane content matters.
Finishes & coatings: Mention these in description, PU/PVC coatings, FR finishes, water repellents, prints—these affect recyclability.
Hardware & inserts: mention these in description, Zips, buttons, foams, interlinings—state if removed or present.
Unknown? Choose the unknown in the material dropdown.

Why we list this way

Consistent naming helps buyers match feedstock to specific recycling routes (mechanical vs chemical), reduces back-and-forth, and improves pricing accuracy. If a term sounds technical, check the cheat sheet above or pick the master category and we’ll guide you during verification.

Examples (what to select)

“I have nylon offcuts but not sure if 6 or 66” → Nylon / Polyamide (add “grade unknown” in the description).
“Recycled PET staple fibre, white” → Polyester / PES / PET / rPET (leave a note rPET staple in description).
“T-shirts, cotton with 5% stretch” → Cotton (add both material in the composition: 95% cotton / 5% elastane; textile type: Knit).
“Synthetic leather roll ends, PU-coated” → Leather – Synthetic / Faux (note PU coating in description).
“Lyocell fabric (Tencel brand)” → Lyocell (mention Tencel brand in description).

Still in doubt? Or have feedback to share? contact us on info@eslando.com

Glossary of Textile Terms – A–Z Fibre List

Alphabetical fibre terms grouped by family. Use search or the helper chips to quickly find the right term. No need to be technical—pick the closest match and add notes in your listing.

Nylon vs Polyamide (same family)

Nylon is the generic name; Polyamide (PA) is the chemical family. If you know the grade, be specific. If not, choose the umbrella.

Polyester, PET, PES & rPET

All belong to the polyester family. PET is the polymer; PES is a common abbreviation; rPET means recycled PET.

Natural Fibres

Abaca: Banana-plant fibre; strong/coarse. Uses: ropes, specialty papers, technical.
Alpaca: Soft camelid fibre; knitwear; warm, lightweight, premium.
Angora: Fine rabbit hair; fluffy; sheds easily.
Bamboo fibre: Usually regenerated; treat as MMCF unless explicitly mechanical.
Cashmere: Fine goat fibre; luxury scarves/knitwear.
Coir: Coconut husk fibre; mats, brushes, geotextiles.
Cotton: Ubiquitous natural staple; declare elastane % in blends.
Feather / Down: Fill for bedding/outerwear; needs clean handling.
Flax (Linen): Bast fibre; breathable; fabric is called linen.
Fur (Animal): Pelts/hair; regulated; special handling.
Hemp: Strong bast fibre; often blended with cotton.
Jute: Coarse bast fibre; sacks, rope, carpet backing.
Kapok: Light, buoyant floss; stuffing; hydrophobic.
Leather: Tanned hide; includes full-grain, split, bonded.
Linen: Fabric from flax; crisp hand.
Mohair: Angora goat fibre; lustrous and durable.
Ramie: Bast fibre similar to linen; crisp/strong.
Silk: Filament from silkworm cocoons; smooth/strong.
Sisal: Agave leaf fibre; twine, rope, composites.
Vicuña: Rare camelid fibre; ultra-fine luxury.
Wool: Sheep fibre; wide grade range (merino→coarse); felts with heat/motion.

Synthetic Fibres

Acrylic: Lightweight, wool-like; sweaters, blankets.
Elastane / Lycra / Spandex: Elastic filament; even 2–8% affects recycling—declare it.
Leather – Synthetic / Faux: PU/PVC-coated textiles; specify coating and base.
Nylon / Polyamide: Umbrella family; use specific grades if known (PA6, PA66, bio).
Nylon 6 / Polyamide 6: Caprolactam-based; common in textiles; mech/chem recycling routes exist.
Nylon 66 / Polyamide 66: Higher melting point than PA6; technical textiles/hosiery/airbags.
Nylon Bio / Polyamide Bio: Bio-based polyamides; part-renewable feedstocks.
Olefin (Polyolefin): Umbrella for PP/PE; pick the exact polymer if known.
Polyethylene / PE: Polyolefin in films and some fibres; note HDPE/LDPE if relevant.
Polyester / PES / PET / rPET: Polyester family; PET is the polymer; rPET means recycled PET—note recycled content.
Polyester Hollow Fibre: Polyester staple with hollow core; fills/insulation.
Polypropylene / PP: Light, hydrophobic; non-wovens, ropes, activewear fibres.
Polyurethane (PU): Foams and coatings; e.g., synthetic leather films.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Vinyl coatings/films; manage chlorine in recycling streams.

Man‑Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF)

Acetate: Cellulose acetate; often used for linings; thermoplastic behaviour.
Cupro: Regenerated cellulose from cotton linters; silky drape.
Lyocell: Solvent-spun MMCF (e.g., Tencel brand); strong, low pilling.
Modal: High-wet-modulus viscose variant; soft hand.
Rayon: Regional name for viscose-type regenerated cellulose.
Viscose: Regenerated cellulose fibre; widely used; often blended.

Technical Fibres

Aramid / Meta‑aramid: Heat‑resistant fibres (Nomex‑type); PPE/industrial.
Aramid / Para‑aramid: Very high strength (Kevlar‑type); cut‑resistant/composites.
Carbon Fibre: High‑modulus reinforcement for composites; different recycling routes.
Glass Fibre: Filament or chopped strand; insulation/composites; handle with care.