Omar Khalid
Plastic-covered fabric is commonly known as PVC clothing, short for polyvinyl chloride. PVC clothing is made from a fabric layer covered with a plastic layer, usually consisting of a backing woven from polyester fibres with a surface coating of shiny plastic. The fabric is susceptible to damage from ironing and stretching, and it is also difficult to dye and shape. PVC clothing is popular for its moisture transfer abilities, making it a common fabric for clothing worn close to the skin, such as underwear and activewear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | PVC clothing, vinyl clothing, polypropylene fabric, synthetic fabric |
| Composition | Fabric layer covered with a plastic layer |
| Fabric used for backing | Polyester |
| Plastic layer composition | Blend of PVC and polyurethane (PU) |
| Plastic type | Thermoplastic polymer |
| Plasticising process | Mixed with plasticizers, stabilizers, and fillers |
| Texture | Smooth |
| Shine | Glossy |
| Stretching | Should not be over-stretched to avoid damage to the plastic layer |
| Washing | Can be hand washed with warm water and liquid detergent |
| Ironing | Should not be ironed as it is made of heat-sensitive plastics |
| Storage | Hanging in a garment bag away from other clothing |
| Environmental impact | Negative |
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What You'll Learn
Polypropylene fabric
However, polypropylene fabric has some drawbacks. It is susceptible to UV damage and does not adhere well to latex or epoxies. It also tends to absorb and retain body odours when used for undergarments, and it melts at relatively low temperatures. Despite these limitations, polypropylene fabric is widely used in various applications, including upholstery, industrial, and manufacturing contexts. It is often used for protective clothing due to its chemical resistance and is commonly found in luggage due to its abrasion resistance.
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PVC clothing
Plastic-covered fabric is called PVC or vinyl. PVC clothing is made from a fabric base with a polyvinyl chloride coating, which gives it a distinctive shine. The fabric used for backing PVC clothing is typically polyester, which is more resistant to wear and tear than rubber.
In the mid-to-late 1990s, PVC clothing re-emerged as a trend, with celebrities and models sporting the material. It has been featured in the collections of renowned fashion designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, and André Courrèges. Since 2010, PVC has been utilised in both male and female fashion.
Caring for PVC clothing requires attention due to its heat-sensitive nature. It should be stored separately in a garment bag and washed by hand with warm water and liquid detergent. Ironing, high temperatures, and flames can damage the material.
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Nylon
Today, nylon is often used in hosiery, activewear, swimwear, and various types of outdoor gear due to its abrasion resistance. It can also be blended with other fabrics such as polyester, spandex, or cotton to retain its desirable attributes while eliminating some of its undesirable qualities.
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Polyester
While polyester has many advantageous characteristics, it has been criticised for its environmental impact. Polyester is not biodegradable, and its production and use contribute to pollution worldwide. Additionally, polyester sheds microplastics when washed, which enter waterways and harm aquatic life. However, advancements in sustainable production methods are helping to mitigate these concerns.
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Plastic pollution
Plastic-covered fabric is commonly referred to as plastic clothing or synthetic fabric. It is made from flexible sheets of plastics such as PVC, polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, and rayon. While these fabrics have various performance capabilities and are cheaper than natural fabrics, they contribute significantly to plastic pollution.
The primary source of plastic pollution is the improper disposal of single-use plastic products and packaging materials, which account for approximately 50% of all plastics produced. These plastics are often not deposited in designated containers for landfills, recycling centres, or incinerators but are instead littered at or near the location where they are used. This improper disposal leads to plastic waste entering our oceans, rivers, and lakes, causing environmental pollution.
Additionally, the microplastics shed from synthetic fabrics during washing further contribute to plastic pollution in waterways, harming aquatic life. The manufacturing of synthetic fabrics also involves toxic chemicals, endangering workers and ecosystems.
To combat plastic pollution, it is crucial to improve waste management strategies, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries where most ocean plastics originate due to poorer waste management infrastructure. Consumers can also play a role by reducing their use of single-use plastics, opting for reusable alternatives, and ensuring effective recycling practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic-covered fabric is called PVC or vinyl. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride.
PVC fabric is made from a fabric layer, typically polyester, covered with a plastic layer. The plastic layer is typically a blend of PVC and polyurethane (PU).
PVC clothing is commonly used for rainwear as it is waterproof. It is also cheaper and lighter than other materials used for rainwear, such as rubber.
PVC fabric is heat-sensitive and can melt under high temperatures, such as from an iron or clothes dryer. It is also susceptible to UV damage and can be damaged by cigarette smoke.
Polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, and rayon are all synthetic fabrics made from plastic.
