Fiber and Fabric

Fibers and fabrics play a very vital role in the apparel industry. They must be researched extensively when producing a new product or line. The trends of fabric in 1990 closely relate to the fabric trends of today. Stretch fabric has become a staple fabrics used by many manufacturers today.

· Waterproof but breathable fabrics were used for running, biking, backpacking, camping and hiking.
· Ultra fine microfibers made of nylon and polyester were used to make high performance, water-resistant, soft fabrics for skiwear and other active outdoor sports.
· Stretch fabrics became a major factor in fashion.
· Garments made from Tencel and other trademarked lyocell fibers became widely available.
· High tech and manufactured fabrics contributed to new fashion ideas in fashion, but it was a natural fiber that was one of the most important fashions in 1990: cashmere.
· The cashmere pashmina had an elite status.


The advancements made in 1990 have brought us to the level that we are at today. All of the fabrics we see previously listed are fabrics we still see a lot of in 2008. Some have been altered or change but they are still closely related.

Citation: Survey of Historic Costume: A History Of Western Dress by Phyllis G. Tortora and Keith Eubank

Spider Silk Discovery

In early 1990 the Army unraveled a secret about spider silk stronger than steel. A scientist successfully engineered a gene for spider silk into a bacterium that produces fiber stronger than a silkworm's silk, far stronger than steel. The military hoped to use the new fabric for bulletproof vests, helmets, parachute cords and other strong, light equipment.

Citation: ASSOCIATED PRESS Published on February 27, 1990, Page 3A, Miami Herald, The (FL)


The U.S. Industrial Fabrics Market: Nonwovens And Conventional Textiles Combine For $4 Billion Business

Civil engineering fabrics are forecasted to lead growth in what has become a significant textile segment; nonwovens will continue to play a vital role through a combination of engineering, performance and cost benefits Civil engineering applications will lead the healthy industrial fabrics market to steady growth through the middle of the 1990's. Volume for the market as a whole is forecasted to rise 41%, from 1.42 billion sq. yards in 1988 to two billion sq. yards in 1993. In value terms, the increase will be 45%, from $2.79 billion to $4.06 billion.

Citation: Nonwovens’ Industry Magazine, May 1, 1990