A textile is any material made from woven or knitted fibers. It includes fabric, but also rope, nets, and felt. The term comes from the Latin texere, meaning to weave. Textiles are one of humanity's oldest technologies. Fragments of woven cloth date back over 10,000 years. The basic principle has not changed: fibers are interlaced to create a flexible, strong sheet.

Textiles are classified by structure and fiber. Woven textiles interlace warp and weft threads. Knitted textiles loop yarns together. Non-woven textiles bond fibers with heat, chemicals, or pressure. Felt, for example, is matted wool. Fibers may be natural, like cotton, wool, silk, and linen, or synthetic, like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Blends combine the properties of different fibers. The choice affects strength, stretch, breathability, and care.

Textiles are used far beyond clothing. They appear in furniture, bedding, car interiors, medical implants, and industrial filters. Technical textiles are engineered for specific functions: fire resistance, waterproofing, or antibacterial properties. Smart textiles incorporate electronics for sensing or heating. The industry is global and massive. It also has a significant environmental footprint. Producing and dyeing textiles uses large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. Recycling and fiber innovation are growing responses to that problem.

Common types

• Woven
• Knitted
• Non-woven
• Natural fibers
• Synthetic and technical textiles