Science and fashion, what an unlikely combination! They have, however, made incredible strides by working together for years.

The new finishes that resist, guard against and eliminate stains and wrinkles are remarkable. They are also quickly becoming a familiar part of our daily lives. These are all lumped into one category commonly known as functional finishes. Within this category are: crease resistant finishes (CRF), which impart the fabric with a finish that retards the wrinkling process, and crease retention fabrics, which are permanently creased usually by a heat process.

There are also other categories, which are comprised of fabrics with qualities either by their construction or by combining different yarns. When we talk about wicking fabrics, we sometimes use the term “hydrophilic” to describe fibers that absorb liquid, and “hydrophobic” for those that resist it. When they are combined together to force moisture away from the body, we refer to that quality as moisture-wicking. Fabrics in the action-stretch category all retain the ability to stretch and recover in all directions. This property has made them indispensable in the manufacture of active wear.

We also hear a lot about micro fibers, which are new silk-like fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. Micro fiber fabrics are made with extremely fine micro fibers lower than 1 denier in width. Micro fibers have become so popular in all areas of fashion because they offer the softness of silk with the ease of care of synthetic fabrics.

Designers are looking to new fabrics and finishes to create garments that are more comfortable, durable and, most of all, easy to maintain. In addition to researching new fabrics, they are also adding design elements to increase the comfort of their garments. Inset panels of action-stretch fabrics and mesh make garments more comfortable to move in and cooler to wear. The science of comfort is just as important as aesthetic appeal in modern sportswear.

As the array of different fabrics grows and designers' attention to detail creates even more subtle changes, it is our responsibility to keep track of the new developments and to make sure that we are offering our customers the perfect product for their individual needs.
To learn more about waterproof fabrics got to http://www.bookrags.com/Waterproof_fabric