What is Microfibre: Properties, Development and Applications

What is Microfibre?

A microfibre is a fiber that has a denier count of less than one. Microfibre is a type of synthetic fiber that is exceptionally fine—finer than one denier or decitex per thread, with a diameter of less than ten micrometers, making it much thinner than a human hair or even a strand of silk. In case of microfibre, the holes in the spinneret are so fine that they produce a fiber that is less than one denier. Microfibre provides fabric with breathable, quick-drying, softer, lightweight and better draping properties. These fibers are typically made from materials such as polyester, polyamide (nylon), or a blend of both, and sometimes include polypropylene or other synthetics.

Properties of Microfibres:

Microfibres are ultra-fine synthetic fibers, finer than silk, offering exceptional softness, strength, and durability. Common properties of microfibres are point out below.

Lightweight
Strong
Softness of handle
Crease resistant
Breathable
Excellent draping
Easy care – low temperature washing with little or no ironing
Maintain body temperature
Windproof and water resistant if the fabric is tightly woven

Development of Microfibres:

Microfibres play an important part in the development of new textiles. They were developed by a group of textile professionals who investigated the microstructures of nature. Using technological advances, molecular structures have been developed and modified to create fabrics that have distinctive aesthetic and performance qualities.

Originally, they were developed for functional fabrics used in leisure pursuits and industry. Now, however, they are used widely in the fashion industry – mainly with woven fabrics called high-density woven fabrics. Increasingly, they are being used in knitted fabrics. As the microfibres are extremely fine, the specific qualities and functions are engineered. Usually, the finer the fibre, the greater possibilities to produce a unique look or specific property; lightweight, strong, crease resistant, soft and sheer in appearance, delicate to touch and/or have excellent draping qualities. However, if the denier is too fine, the fabric will be limp instead of soft.

Microfibres are easy to take care of. They can be machine washed at low temperatures and require little or no ironing. Plus, they are durable and will not lose their shape. As the fibres are so fine, they can be woven very tightly to produce fabrics that are windproof and breathable. In fact, these fabrics can prevent the tiniest drop of water from entering the fabric whilst allowing perspiration to pass to the outside. A microfibre helps one maintain an even body temperature in both hot and cold conditions, which increases the comfort of the wearer.

Synthetics have garnered substantial interest on the part of textile scientists, but the most popular fibres are polyester, polyamide, viscose and acrylic. Polyester is used more frequently than anything else because it is cheaper to manufacture as a microfibre and it produces smoother and finer fibres. When microfibres were originally introduced in the textile market, both warp and weft yarns were made of microfibres, but this decision made the fabric expensive and, therefore, not cost effective. Today, standard filaments are used on the warp and microfibres are used on the weft, though there are a few exceptions determined by the end product; lightweight fabrics may have a microfibre warp whereas as heavyweight fabric would have it in the weft. Combinations of microfibres with regenerated cellulosics and natural yarns such as cotton, linen and silk are used to produce fabrics with unique looks, handle and performance qualities.

Microfibre fabrics can have a variety of finishing treatments. They can be crushed and/or wrinkled by taking advantage of their thermoplastic properties. These finishes can then be enhanced so that the materials become thermochromic, antibacterial, lightsensitive, odour-resistant or UV-resistant. Microfibres can be altered dramatically at any manufacturing stage, from the fibre to the finished fabric, making them the future of the textile industry.

Applications of Microfibres and Micro-Filaments

Most microfibres were developed for sportswear initially because they performed well in all weather conditions. To ensure the wearer would be protected from the elements, the fabric could be coated or replaced with a microfibre. A coating adds weight to the garment and eventually wears away. Plus, a coating alters the fabric’s ability to breathe and drape. Using a microfibre enhances performance qualities such as draping and weight, and it also ensures that the user will be kept dry. For outdoor wear, microfibres are often combined with natural yarns, such as cotton, to enhance a fabric’s appearance and absorbency. Blending a fibre can solve many problems to produce a high performance yarn and is used for the middle to top end of the fashion market.

General uses of microfibre in dresses, sportswear, gloves, coats, leggings, swimwear, underwear, shirts, tights, trousers and tops. It is also used for soft furnishings, such as towels, table linen, mats, cushions, curtains, dusters and mops. It is also used for bags, nappies, tapes for computer printers, artificial blood vessels and filters.

The introduction of microfibres into the fashion industry has led to a rise in creativity in that world. Having a high-performance quality is not as essential because garments can be lined or laminated so that the special quality of the microfibre is not altered. Microfibres are used not only for fashion wear, but also for lingerie, leisurewear, interior fabrics and technical textiles. Microfibre garments are labelled to indicate that they have been tested and meet a company’s strict standard.

Microfibres are characterized by advantageous properties such as pleasant softness of handle, good draping qualities, lustre, bulk and outstanding surface properties. At the start of development, the researchers searched for suitable fields of application for their microfibres, since they had properties which had not yet existed in previous clothing and technical textile concepts.

Synthetic game leather and imitation leather:

When it was proved that natural game leather collagen fibers have diameters within the range of 4 μm, imitation game leather and artificial leather could be developed with great success, since the new microfibres equated with this level in dimensional terms.

Synthetic game leather and leather products are today produced industrially in Japan by impregnating nonwovens produced from PET, PA or PAN microfibres with polyurethane (PU). These products offer outstanding advantages compared to natural leather and game leather in terms of uniformity, dimensional stability, ease of care, color fastness and low mass.

Fashion clothing textiles:

Microfibres in fashion clothing offer softness, durability, and moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for activewear, outerwear, and everyday garments. They resist stains, dry quickly, and retain color, providing comfort and easy care while maintaining a high-quality appearance over time.

High-performance filter fabrics:

Microfibres are widely used in high-performance filter fabrics due to their fine fiber diameter and electrostatic properties, which enable efficient capture of fine particles and contaminants. They are employed in industrial filtration systems such as baghouse filters for coal-fired boilers, waste incinerators, and chemical plants, achieving up to 99.9% particulate removal efficiency. Microfibre filter fabrics are also used in wastewater treatment, air filtration in HVAC systems, spray booths, and paint lines, where their high fiber density and durability improve filtration performance and longevity. Their ability to trap submicron particles makes them essential in controlling emissions and maintaining clean air in various industrial processes.

Many potential applications exist where synthetic splittable fibers can be used to add value, and create marketing advantages and a head start onto the market for innovative filter suppliers. The addition of a small amount of splittable fibre should increase the dust spot efficiency of filter materials significantly due to its low fiber diameter, in relation to the other fiber diameters currently being incorporated into the filter medium.

In pulsing applications where the filter medium is continuously flexed but also requires stiffness, splittable synthetic fibers add a high degree of reinforcement to the filter medium because the number is at least 16 times the number of fibers available for reinforcement when they are spilt for segmented fibers or more than 33 times for the islands-in-the-sea type fibers.

Protection against the weather:

Microfibres are widely used for weather protection due to their fine, dense structure. In clothing, they offer water resistance, windproofing, and thermal insulation while remaining lightweight and breathable. Outdoor gear like tents, sleeping bags, and towels use microfibres for quick-drying, warmth, and weather shielding. Footwear benefits from microfibre linings for waterproof, breathable comfort. In home and automotive uses, microfibre curtains, covers, and umbrellas block UV rays, rain, and dust. Their versatility, durability, and easy maintenance make microfibres ideal for all-weather protection applications, combining comfort and functionality in both personal and outdoor protective gear.

Uses of microfibres for cleaning:

Microfibres are extensively used for cleaning due to their ultra-fine, dense structure. Their split fibers create a large surface area that traps dust, dirt, and liquids effectively without chemicals. Microfibre cloths clean glass, mirrors, and electronics streak-free. In household use, they wipe surfaces, mop floors, and polish furniture. Automotive care benefits from microfibre towels for scratch-free washing and drying. Industrial and medical settings use microfibre for hygienic, lint-free cleaning. They’re also reusable, durable, and quick-drying, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional cleaning materials.

Microfibres are the well-kept secret of professional housekeepers, custodians and car retailers. They are perfect for asthma and allergy sufferers, as they remove dust and dust mites without chemicals. They are also excellent at removing fingerprints from any surface. Grease, tar, splattered bugs come off with the cleaning cloth. They change the static charge on the surface, so it will stay cleaner longer which is important for TV screens, computer monitors and mirrors.

Energy conservation:

Microfibres play a role in energy conservation through their excellent insulation and reflective properties. In clothing and home textiles, microfibre fabrics trap air, reducing heat loss and lowering energy needed for heating. Microfibre curtains and blinds block sunlight and UV rays, minimizing cooling demands in hot weather. In industrial applications, microfibre insulation materials help maintain desired temperatures in pipes and equipment, reducing energy waste. Additionally, microfibre air filters improve HVAC system efficiency by capturing fine particles without restricting airflow. Their lightweight, durable, and thermal properties make microfibres valuable for various energy-saving applications.

Medical applications of microfibre:

Both manufacturers and consumers are already aware of the many benefits microfibre nonwovens offer to the medical market. When compared the common textiles to microfibre non wovens, they are lower in cost, easier to use, more versatile, safer and features of better disposability. With this in mind, it is no wonder that microfibre nonwovens are found in hospital surgical drapes and gowns, protective face masks, gloves, surgical packs and bedding and linens.

On the other hand, nano-fibres help stimulate living tissues to repair themselves in various parts of the human body, such as cartilage, blood vessels, bones and so forth, due to diseases or wear and tear. Nanofibers are about 10,000 times smaller in diameter than the width of a human hair, but of greater dimensions than a typical cell, which is of the order of 1 μm depending on the type of cell. Nano-fibers have a large surface area in comparison to their size. Smaller than usual fibers, they allow cells to adhere to them better, speeding up the healing process.

Another advantage of using nano fibers to grow tissue stem cells from the fact that natural scaffolds themselves are of fibers in the nanometre-size range. In another words, nano fibers are closer replicas of the natural environment of the cells than micron-range fibers.

Applications of microfibres in construction:

Composites are multilayer materials consisting of different layers with distinct properties in each layer. The composite is constructed in order to utilize a better combination of properties from different layers. Polypropylene and bi- component microfibres can be very important components of fibre-reinforced composites, as they function not only as a reinforcing element, but also as a binder fiber between the individual layers. Polypropylene and bi-component microfibres are used in many different composite products: Microfibre reinforced concrete (to reinforce and prevent cracks), insulation material (to avoid the use of chemical binders), multi-functional liquid transport media (acquisition and distribution layers), woven fabrics (as a dimensional stability network) and laminated products (lamination between textiles and boards). Polypropylene and bi-component (PP/PE) microfibres have the ability to add structural performance and functionality to the composite materials.

Polypropylene and bi-component (PP/PE) microfibres provide the following advantages in fiber-reinforced composites:

They enable lightweight constructions (PP fibers have the lowest specific gravity of all fibres).
Easy to process and environmentally friendly thermoplastics.
Good mechanical properties, toughness and impact strength.
Stability in rigid environments (resistant to deterioration from chemicals, mildew, perspiration, rot and weather).
Ability to add bulkiness and softness to the composite.

Some examples of general and spectacular applications of Microfibres:

Automotive application to improve air oil filtration, allowing improved engine performance and extended life.
Perfect for asthma and allergy sufferers, removing dust mites without chemicals.
Used extensively for hair transplantation, this works to conceal thinning hair.
Microfibres are also used in sports applications such as sportswear, sports materials, etc.
Microfibres are extensively used as a luxurious apparel wear.
Microfibres as swing threads.
Microfibres for production of synthetic leather.
Use in the technical textile sector, as well as outside the clothing industry.
Computer mouse pads, along which the mouse can slide easily, keeping the mouse ball clean at the same time.
Polishing clothes for wafers and hard disks, acoustic insulation, high performance sound absorption panels and concert hall seat covers, among other products.

Fabrics Using Microfibres

Micromattique is DuPont’s microfibre made from polyester. It is forty times smaller than a human hair, and it has softness, lustre and great strength. It is used in fashion and soft furnishings, and it is blended successfully.

Tactel is a DuPont fibre (created in partnership with Sans Fibres). It was launched in 1983, and it is a form of polyamide 6.6. As the name implies, it emphasizes the importance of touch. Originally, it was used as a performance fibre for skiwear, but it was later developed into a range of new yarns suitable for durable outerwear or soft, luxurious hosiery and underwear. There are five main categories of Tactel, all with different aesthetics and handling qualities:

Tactel Textural is mainly used for sportswear, and has a matt, rugged look. It is 30% lighter than cotton and protects from the elements without possessing much bulk or weight. It is used for rugged fashion wear to some degree, but it is used mainly for adventure sports such as mountaineering and camping.

Tactel Aquator is a double-knit fabric with very fine, trilobal filaments of Tactel on the inside and cotton on the outside. The Tactel surface wicks moisture away from the body to the outer cotton layer, which absorbs it and spreads it over a wide surface area so that it can evaporate to give a dry fabric and a consistent body temperature. This ability to manage moisture makes it very suitable for sportswear and underwear.

Tactel Diabolo has a special, cross-sectional form to the fibre, which has excellent light transmission that produces a sensuous lustre. Plus, it has fluid draping qualities that make it ideal for sophisticated evening wear, lingerie, hosiery, fashion knitwear and swimwear.

Tactel Multisoft has a range of multifilament and fine decitex polyamide yarns, which combine to create fabrics and garments that are robust and strong, yet soft, light, comfortable and lustrous. Colours can be quite vibrant, especially in lightweight fabrics. The lustre ranges from extra bright to ultra matt. Ideally, Multisoft should be used for fluid fashion knits and lustre contrasts in swimwear, lingerie and body wear. In addition, it can be used for woven fabrics and garments with structured and surface effects, or it can be used for rainwear because it is water-repellent and breathable.

Tactel Micro has a filament of less than one decitex per filament. Tactel micro is weather resistant, breathable, soft to handle and has excellent performance due to increased strength, abrasion resistance and excellent drying properties for easy care. Therefore, it is excellent for luxurious rainwear, street fashion, casual wear, active sportswear, hosiery and lace.

Economics Aspects of Microfibre Processing and Future Prospects for Microfibres:

The microfibre processing results in:

5–10% higher price than conventional fibers.
Pushing up yarn prices by 4%.
Reduction in twist by 5–10%.
2% net increase in yarn cost.

The microfibres command 5–10% high prices than conventional prices. Microfibres cannot substitute conventional products without significant changes and adjustments to processing methods. This is likely to inhibit the development of microfibres in many textile and industrial applications. In the use of microfibre, the target concept has so far been ‘luxury’ rather than ‘utility’, and so the question of costs is perhaps of lesser importance. However, the size of the luxury market is not very large, and with so many companies rushing into the field of microfibre manufacturing, an inevitable price war may bring down the prices of new fibers, obliterating those that are unable to compete effectively. There is also an emphasis on blends, which may have advantages. The question is what ratio of microfibres is required in blends to qualify the product for the microfibre level, and how the proportion of microfibres will cause to pay a premium on price. The industry will have to do the policy in this case.

Microfibres are a completely new generation of ultra-fine synthetic yarns, which have not yet reached their peak of development. There are still a wide range of possibilities to be explored in the design, production, processing and use of this type of fiber. In addition to the common raw materials, PES, PA and PAC, this specialty range will in future include other raw materials such as cellulose.

‘Micro denier’ yarns have a wider horizon of applications in India due to the traditional dress material designed and made by using natural fibres like cotton and silk. ‘Micro denier’ yarns have varied simulations of natural fibers, especially silk. We can foresee a brighter future in the Indian market due to the aesthetic properties of the fabrics made out of the yarns. However, the industry has to gear up to handle these delicate yarns in the downstream processes, such as twisting, sizing, warping, weaving, dyeing and finishing.

Conclusion

Microfibre is a versatile, high-performance synthetic fiber that combines exceptional softness, durability, and functional properties. Its development over the past decades has revolutionized textiles across fashion, cleaning, filtration, and technical applications, making it a staple material in modern industry and everyday life.

Jahanara Rony

Editor of Fashion2Apparel. She is a fashion designer and ex-lecturer in Fashion Designing. She wants to spread fashion knowledge throughout the world.