Microfiber Fabrics

Microfiber or microfibre refers to synthetic fibers (fiber) that measure less than one denier. The most common types of microfibers are made frompolyesters, polyamides (e.g., nylon, kevlar, nomex, trogamide), and or a conjugation of polyester and polyamide and of polypropylene prolen.

Microfiber is used to make non-woven, woven and knitted textiles. The shape, size and combinations of synthetic fibers are selected for specific characteristics, including: softness, durability, absorption, wicking abilities, water repellency, electrodynamics, and filtering capabilities.

Microfiber is commonly used for apparel, upholstery, industrial filters and cleaning products.


Microfiber is a fiber with less than 1 Decitex per filament (Source: Textile Terms and Definitions, 11th Edition, published The Textile Institute). Decitex is a measure of linear density and is commonly used to describe the size of a fiber or filament. Ten thousand meters of a 1-decitex fiber weighs one gram. Some commercial producers may use a value of less than 1.3 Decitex to define microfibers. Fibers are combined to create yarns which are knitted or woven in a variety of constructions. While many microfibers are made of polyester, they can also be composed of polyamide or other polymers polypropylene.


Production of ultra-fine fibers (less than 0.7 denier) dates back to the late 1950s, using melt-blown spinning and flash spinning techniques. However, only fine staples of random length could be manufactured and very few applications could be found.[1] Experiments to produce ultra-fine fibers of a continuous filament type were made subsequently, the most promising of which were run in Japan during the 1960s by Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto.[2] Okamoto’s discoveries, together with those of Dr. Toyohiko Hikota, resulted in many industrial applications. Among these was Ultrasuede, one of the first successful synthetic microfibers, which found its way onto the market in the 1970s. Microfiber use in the textile industry then expanded.[3] Microfibers were first publicized in the early 1990s in Sweden and saw success as a product in Europe over the course of the decade.[4] In 2007, Rubbermaid began a line of microfiber products for American markets, the first major company to do so.[4]

Functional uses

Microfiber apparel is often used for athletic wear, such as cycling jerseys, because the microfiber material wicks moisture (sweat) away from the body, keeping the wearer cool and dry. Microfiber is also very elastic, making it suitable for undergarments. Microfibers were used by the US military and many federal agencies, such as in the Future Force Warrior Program in the United States[citation needed] as they dried rapidly and caused less skin irritation due to moisture[citation needed], but the U.S. military has since banned the wearing of most synthetic clothing due to melting and burn risk.[5]

Microfiber is also used to make tough, very soft-to-the-touch materials for general clothing use, often used in skirts and jackets. Microfiber can be made into Ultrasuede, an animal-product-free imitation suede that is cheaper and easier to clean and sew than real suede.



(Top image is microfiber, bottom is a cotton fiber) Cross section of microfiber and cotton threads. Principle of action, illustrated with the movement to the right. Microfiber leaves little or no residue, contrary to cotton.






