Fibers are nonelastic polymers. They may be purely synthetic [polyamides (nylon [local]), polyesters (Dacron®), acrylics (Orlon)] or partly synthetic (like rayon [local], which is made from cellulose).

Fabrics are made from fibers and have an interesting history [local]. This history stems from the traditional use of natural polymers like silk, cotton, and wool, to man-made fabrics like nylon, rayon and spandex.

The application of polymer chemistry to the fabric industry has given consumers such products as denim [pdf] , velcro [local], and vinyl [local].