Which fiber is a cellulose fiber noted for draping well and being soft and comfortable, but with poor shape retention and wrinkles?

Which fiber is a cellulose fiber noted for draping well and being soft and comfortable, but with poor shape retention and wrinkles?

• A. Rayon
• B. Polyester
• C. Nylon
• D. Cotton

Answer: (A)

Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber renowned for its luxurious drape and soft, comfortable hand. The way rayon’s fibers bend and flow gives fabrics a fluid fall that feels smooth against the skin, which is why it’s often used in dresses and drapey linings. However, rayon has relatively low elasticity and poor recovery after bending or laundering, so it tends to wrinkle and lose shape more easily than synthetics. That combination—great drape and softness but weak shape retention—fits the description. Polyester and nylon are strong, wrinkle-resistant synthetics that hold shape well but don’t offer the same soft, flowing drape. Cotton is comfortable and breathable but doesn’t drape as gracefully as rayon and also wrinkles, though its hand is crisper.

Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber renowned for its luxurious drape and soft, comfortable hand. The way rayon’s fibers bend and flow gives fabrics a fluid fall that feels smooth against the skin, which is why it’s often used in dresses and drapey linings. However, rayon has relatively low elasticity and poor recovery after bending or laundering, so it tends to wrinkle and lose shape more easily than synthetics. That combination—great drape and softness but weak shape retention—fits the description. Polyester and nylon are strong, wrinkle-resistant synthetics that hold shape well but don’t offer the same soft, flowing drape. Cotton is comfortable and breathable but doesn’t drape as gracefully as rayon and also wrinkles, though its hand is crisper.