When Fiber Selection Matters: Complete Fiber Guide for Every Wazoodle Fabric

Why Fiber Selection is Crucial

Fiber selection is the single most consequential decision in any textile product build. The fiber you choose determines absorbency, breathability, durability, stretch, care requirements, certifications available, and the sustainability story you can tell your customers. Every other decision — construction, finish, layering — builds on the fiber foundation.

This guide compares all major fiber families available through Wazoodle Fabrics across all brands, helping you match fiber properties to your product's functional requirements. Whether you're building cloth diapers, performance activewear, reusable consumer goods, or sensitive-skin garments, start here. If you already know which brand you need, go directly to the Brand Discovery article for that line.

Natural and Bio-Based Fibers

Natural fibers are derived from plant or animal sources and processed through mechanical or chemical methods. They anchor the ProECO® brand line and dominate applications requiring skin contact, breathability, and biodegradability.

Organic Cotton

Fiber profile: 90% cellulose, 7–8% moisture regain, gains approximately 30% strength when wet (maintaining full wet strength — significantly stronger wet than bamboo viscose), withstands 400°F. The National Eczema Society recommends cotton for sensitive skin due to its softness, moisture absorption, and easy-care properties
Moisture management: Absorbs and retains — breathes well, resilient through hot wash and commercial laundry cycles. Slower to dry than polyester; not ideal as a standalone stay-dry layer
Key advantage: Most versatile natural fiber. Hypoallergenic, suitable for newborn-contact products. Biodegradable
Supply chain: Cotton is sourced through Cotton Inc. and the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol — article-level traceability from farm to fabric with verified sustainability metrics across water use, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. AKAS Tex does not carry GOTS or OEKO-TEX — USA manufacturing under EPA/OSHA/CPSC meets or exceeds these standards
Key limitation: Zero elasticity, wrinkles easily, 3–5% shrinkage on first wash (mitigated by Ready-AbZORB™ processing)
Best for: Baby products, sensitive-skin applications, absorbent cores, certified organic product lines, skin-contact layers in hygiene and medical products

Cotton (Conventional)

Fiber profile: Same core properties as organic cotton — 90% cellulose, 7–8% moisture regain, 30% stronger wet, 400°F heat tolerance
Moisture management: Hollow ribbon fiber structure absorbs and holds moisture effectively. Zero elasticity
Key difference from organic: Farming method, not fiber performance. Conventional cotton uses synthetic pesticides and fertilizers; organic does not. At the fabric level, the fibers perform identically
Key limitation: Wrinkles, shrinks 3–5% first wash, no natural stretch. Represents 25% of global fiber production
Best for: General-purpose applications where organic certification is not required but natural fiber properties are needed

Supima Cotton (Extra-Long Staple)

Fiber profile: ELS fiber at 34–36mm+ (vs 22–28mm regular cotton), 45% stronger than conventional cotton, superior dye uptake and color retention
Key advantage: Longer fibers produce smoother, softer, more durable fabric with less pilling. Grown exclusively in CA, AZ, NM, and TX
Key limitation: Less than 1% of global cotton production. 2–3x cost premium over conventional cotton
Best for: Premium products where fabric longevity, softness, and color vibrancy justify the cost — luxury baby goods, high-end reusable products, performance base layers

Bamboo (Viscose)

Fiber profile: Regenerated cellulose fiber made from bamboo pulp through chemical extraction (sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid), 50–60% more absorbent than cotton, softest hand feel of any natural-origin fiber
Moisture management: Superior moisture absorption and breathability due to micro-gaps in the fiber's cross-section. Naturally cool against skin, making it comfortable in warm conditions
Chemical processing: While bamboo grows rapidly and requires less water as a plant, the chemical processing required to convert bamboo into usable textile fiber is significantly more intensive than cotton's purely mechanical processing. For customers prioritizing environmental impact across the full production lifecycle, consider organic cotton as an alternative
Common blend ratio: 70% bamboo / 30% cotton balances bamboo's softness and absorbency with cotton's wet strength and structural integrity
Key limitation: Loses 30–50% strength wet — must be blended with cotton or polyester for durability in products that will be washed repeatedly. Max 104°F wash
Best for: Products where tactile comfort drives the purchase — loungewear, reusable wipes, facial products, premium baby items, feminine hygiene products

Important: Contrary to popular belief, bamboo viscose fibers and fabrics are NOT antimicrobial. While the bamboo plant has antimicrobial properties, these do not survive the chemically intensive viscose fiber production process. Wazoodle does not make antimicrobial claims for bamboo viscose fabrics. Do not market bamboo as inherently antimicrobial.

Hemp

Fiber profile: Cannabis sativa bast fiber (<0.3% THC), 3–4x stronger than cotton, strengthens 20% when wet
Moisture management: Absorbs 20% of its weight while feeling dry at the surface.
Sustainability: Requires 50% less water than cotton to cultivate. Fully biodegradable
Key limitation: Initially stiff hand feel — softens progressively with washing over time
Best for: Durable reusable goods, eco-focused product lines, applications where strength and longevity outweigh initial softness

Merino Wool (Chargeurs Partnership)

Fiber profile: 15–24 microns, absorbs 30–35% of its weight while maintaining dry surface feel — a property no plant fiber matches. 30–50% natural stretch. Naturally flame-resistant without chemical treatments
Moisture management: Bidirectional temperature regulation (insulates in cold, breathes in warmth). Absorbs moisture without feeling wet, then releases it gradually. Keratin structure provides natural odor resistance, reducing wash frequency
Supply chain: Domestically sourced from U.S. sheep farms in partnership with Chargeurs USA — raw wool sourced primarily from Midwest and Rocky Mountain states (Montana, North/South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah) and manufactured entirely in the USA
ProECO® Merino Promise: All ProECO Merino Wool fabrics use only mulesing-free merino wool from ethical U.S. sheep farms adhering to the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. NATIVA™-verified and produced under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), guaranteeing environmental and animal welfare compliance from farm to fabric
Key limitation: Loses 25–30% strength wet — lay flat to dry, cool water only below 105°F. Premium cost tier. Felting risk from high heat or agitation
Best for: Performance apparel, outdoor accessories, year-round base layers, odor-resistant products, premium baby and children's products

Modal

Fiber profile: Regenerated cellulose from beech tree pulp, 50% more moisture absorption than cotton (11–13% regain), retains 50–60% dry strength when wet (vs rayon's 30–40%)
Sustainability: 95% chemical and water recovery in manufacturing process. Biodegradable
Key advantage: Superior color vibrancy and retention compared to cotton. Less than 2–3% shrinkage. Softer hand feel than cotton with better drape
Key limitation: Only 2–3% elongation — requires blending with stretch fibers for fitted applications
Best for: Underwear, loungewear, products where color vibrancy, softness, and moisture management combine — often blended with cotton or spandex

Recycled Cotton

Fiber profile: Pre/post-consumer textile waste via mechanical shredding or chemical processing, 7–8% moisture regain retained from source fiber
Sustainability: Uses 20% of the water required for virgin cotton. Diverts textile waste from landfill
Key limitation: 30–50% lower strength than virgin (staple length 10–25mm vs 25–40mm virgin). Requires blending with 20–50% virgin fiber for structural integrity. Color inconsistency from residual dyes. 3–5 recycling cycles before fibers become too short to use
Best for: Products where sustainability story is the primary selling point and maximum strength is not critical — blended fabrics, mid-weight textiles, eco-positioned consumer goods

Synthetic and Performance Fibers

Synthetic fibers are engineered from petroleum-derived or chemically-produced polymers. They deliver properties natural fibers cannot — extreme durability, zero absorbency, controlled stretch, and thermal stability. These fibers anchor the ProCool® and ProSoft® brand lines. Unlike natural fibers, synthetic performance properties — wicking, shape retention, stretch, and quick drying — are engineered into the fiber structure itself and remain permanent through the garment's lifespan, not applied as chemical treatments that wash out over time.

Polyester (Virgin PET)

Fiber profile: PET from petroleum, 4.0–9.5 g/d strength, maintains 100% dry strength when wet, melts at 500°F
Moisture management: Hydrophobic (0.4–0.8% moisture regain) — refuses to absorb water, forcing moisture to surface for evaporation. Foundation of moisture-wicking systems
Role in Wazoodle fabrics: Primary fiber in ProCool® performance fabrics (CoolMax®-certified wicking and cooling technology), ProSoft® PUL (polyester knit base with polyurethane laminate), and TransWICK® engineered one-way moisture transfer. Maintains shape through repeated washing and wearing, resisting sag and distortion
Key advantage: Resists shrinkage, wrinkling, and abrasion. Rapid drying. Over 50% of global textile production
Key limitation: Does not breathe as well as natural fibers — can feel warm in hot conditions without engineered wicking. Petroleum-derived, not biodegradable
Best for: Stay-dry surface layers, moisture-wicking layers, performance outerwear, waterproof barriers (PUL laminate base), durable construction where quick-dry matters, applications requiring durability through 300+ wash cycles

Recycled Polyester (rPET)

Fiber profile: Chemically identical to virgin polyester, 95–100% equivalent performance, 4–7 g/d strength
Sustainability: From post-consumer bottles or textile waste — reduces petroleum 75%, energy 30–50%, CO₂ 32% versus virgin. Mechanical or chemical recycling methods
Certification: Look for GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) verification
Key limitation:Non-biodegradable. Melts 480–520°F
Best for: Athletic and activewear where synthetic performance plus environmental credentials matter

Nylon (Polyamide)

Fiber profile: Polyamide from petroleum (developed 1938), strongest common textile fiber, maintains 85–90% strength wet, outlasts cotton 3–5x in abrasion resistance
Moisture management: 4–4.5% moisture regain — absorbs slightly more than polyester, giving a less plasticky hand feel. Excellent surface wicking, rapid drying
Key advantage: Superior abrasion resistance makes it the default for high-wear applications. Melts 415–500°F
Key limitation: Degrades with chlorine exposure and strong acids. Petroleum-derived, not biodegradable
Best for: High-wear zones, bags, outerwear reinforcement, activewear where abrasion resistance is the primary requirement

Polypropylene

Fiber profile: Lightest textile fiber (0.91 specific gravity — floats on water), zero moisture absorption (0% regain), melts 320–340°F
Moisture management: Exceptional capillary wicking — moves moisture through fiber structure without absorbing any. Chemically and bacterially resistant
Key advantage: Lightest weight of any textile fiber. Cannot be dyed conventionally — must be solution-dyed (color added during fiber extrusion)
Key limitation: UV degrades unless stabilized with additives. Cannot be hot-ironed. Limited color options due to solution-dyeing requirement
Best for: Diaper liners, moisture barriers, thermal underwear base layers, medical/industrial textiles where chemical resistance and zero absorption matter

Spandex / Lycra (Polyurethane)

Fiber profile: Polyurethane-polyurea copolymer (developed 1958), 500–700% stretch with complete recovery, typically blended at 2–20%
Key advantage: Irreplaceable for fitted garments requiring stretch and shape retention. Less than 1% moisture absorbency
Key limitation: Degrades above 150°F/65°C, vulnerable to chlorine and bleach, not biodegradable, difficult to recycle
Best for: Leggings, underwear, period panties, compression wear — any garment requiring body-conforming fit

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Fiber profile: Urethane linkage polymer, 500–800% stretch, thermoplastic (recyclable at 180–220°C), waterproof and hydrophobic
Key advantage: Dual role as stretch fiber and waterproof membrane. The polymer behind PUL laminate in ProSoft® fabrics. Resists oils, sunscreens, and chlorine — significantly more durable than spandex in demanding applications
Key limitation: Yellows with UV exposure. Wash below 104°F. Significantly higher cost than spandex
Best for: Waterproof barrier layers in cloth diapers, incontinence products, menstrual pads, any application requiring both stretch and waterproof function

Why We Blend Fibers

Fiber blending combines two or more fiber types to create fabrics that outperform any single fiber alone. Wazoodle blends fibers strategically — each component is selected for a specific performance contribution, not to reduce cost. Most finished textile products benefit from combining fibers to offset individual limitations while amplifying strengths.

Common Wazoodle Blends

Bamboo/Cotton (70/30): Bamboo's exceptional softness and moisture absorption combined with cotton's wet strength and durability — directly addresses bamboo's structural weakness when wet. The standard blend for premium absorbent products
Cotton/Polyester: Cotton's natural absorbency and skin comfort paired with polyester's shape retention and quick drying — balances comfort with durability and reduces shrinkage
Polyester/Spandex (Lycra): Polyester's structure, wicking, and durability combined with spandex's stretch and recovery — essential for fitted garments, compression applications, and ProCool® Stretch-FIT™ fabrics

Reading fiber content: Every Wazoodle product page lists complete fiber content on the Specs tab. Fiber percentages indicate the proportion by weight of each component in the fabric. Blends are listed in descending order — the first fiber listed is the dominant component. How a fabric's fiber content affects weight and performance depends on GSM — see Fabric Weight (GSM): What the Numbers Mean.

Fiber Comparison Matrix

The following table summarizes key performance dimensions across the primary fiber families used in Wazoodle products. No single fiber wins across all properties — every product requires trade-offs based on your primary performance requirement.

Among natural fibers, organic cotton is the most versatile with the unique advantage of gaining strength when wet, while bamboo delivers superior absorbency and softness but weakens significantly in water. Merino wool manages moisture better than any plant fiber while regulating temperature, but requires careful laundering. Hemp offers the highest natural strength, while modal provides superior color vibrancy and less shrinkage than cotton. Among synthetics, polyester and its recycled equivalent dominate durability and moisture wicking with no wet strength loss. Nylon offers the highest abrasion resistance. Polypropylene is the lightest fiber with zero absorption — pure wicking. Spandex is irreplaceable for stretch, and TPU adds waterproof barrier capability.

Property	Organic Cotton	Bamboo	Merino Wool	Hemp	Polyester	Nylon	Spandex
Softness	Good	Excellent	Very Good	Moderate (softens)	Moderate	Good	N/A (blend)
Breathability	Excellent	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate	Good	Low
Moisture Mgmt	Absorbs 7–8%	50–60% > cotton	Absorbs 30–35%	Absorbs 20%	Wicks (0.4%)	Wicks (4.5%)	Minimal
Wet Strength	+30% stronger	-30–50%	-25–30%	+20% stronger	No change	-10–15%	Maintains
Stretch	None	Minimal	30–50%	Minimal	Minimal	Moderate	500–700%
Biodegradable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Relative Cost	Moderate	Moderate	Premium	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Low (blend %)

Variation Note: All values represent typical ranges. Actual performance varies ±10% based on construction, finish, and fabric weight. Recycled polyester, recycled cotton, modal, polypropylene, Supima cotton, and TPU are not shown in this table to maintain readability — see the individual fiber sections above for their specific properties. All fiber-based specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards — see Specifications, Variation & Shrinkage.

Decision Paths: Which Fiber for Which Application

Use these application-driven paths to identify your starting fiber. Each path prioritizes the properties most critical to product success.

Application → Recommended Fiber

Baby products, maximum safety certification → Organic Cotton. CPSIA-certified through SustainSafe, traceable via US Cotton Trust Protocol, hypoallergenic, gains strength when wet. The standard for infant-contact commercial products
Softest possible hand feel → Bamboo. Superior softness and drape with excellent absorbency. Design for gentle-care washing. Best for loungewear, reusable wipes, facial products
Temperature regulation across conditions → Merino Wool. Bidirectional thermoregulation plus natural odor resistance. Premium positioning for performance apparel and outdoor accessories
Maximum natural strength and durability → Hemp. 3–4x stronger than cotton, strengthens when wet. Stiff initially but softens with use
Color vibrancy with natural softness → Modal. Superior dye uptake and retention, less shrinkage than cotton, excellent drape. Blend with spandex for stretch applications
Premium natural fiber, maximum longevity → Supima Cotton. 45% stronger than conventional cotton with superior softness and color retention. Justifies cost in premium product lines
Athletic performance + sustainability → Recycled Polyester. Full synthetic performance with verified environmental credentials. Quick-dry, zero absorbency, abrasion resistant. GRS-certified
Sensitive skin, hypoallergenic priority → Organic Cotton, processed chemical-free through SustainSafe. Cotton for wet strength.
Maximum durability and abrasion resistance → Nylon. Outlasts cotton 3–5x, maintains strength when wet. Bags, high-wear zones, outerwear reinforcement
Zero-absorption wicking base layer → ProCool. Wicking textile fiber, moves moisture without absorbing any. Diaper liners, thermal base layers, medical textiles
Fitted stretch garments → Spandex blend (2–20%). Essential for recovery and fit in leggings, underwear, period panties. Pair with the base fiber that matches your other priority
Waterproof barrier layer → TPU/PUL laminate. Waterproof membrane applied to base fabrics. ProSoft® brand. Required layer in cloth diapers, incontinence products, menstrual pads
Sustainability story on a budget → Recycled Cotton or Recycled Polyester fiber; compelling environmental narrative for eco-positioned goods

Most products combine fibers: A cloth diaper pairs a ProCool® wicking topsheet with a Zorb® absorbent core and ProSoft® PUL waterproof backing. Period underwear combines cotton stretch-fit shell, wicking liner, absorbent core, and waterproof barrier. Start with the fiber that serves your product's primary function, then layer in supporting fibers.

Which Wazoodle Brand for Which Fiber

Once you've identified your fiber, the Wazoodle brand follows directly:

Organic Cotton, Bamboo, Merino Wool, Hemp, Modal, Recycled Cotton, Recycled Polyester → ProECO® — sustainable, bio-based, and organic fabric line
Polyester performance, moisture-wicking, CoolMax, Polypropylene → ProCool® — synthetic performance and technical fabric line
Waterproof PUL, TPU laminates, barrier fabrics → ProSoft® — waterproof and water-resistant fabric line
Super-absorbent cores (multi-layer) → Zorb® — absorbent technology in multiple generations

Brand Routing: Most finished products require fabrics from multiple brands layered together. A cloth diaper combines ProCool® wicking (top), Zorb® absorbent (core), and ProSoft® PUL waterproof (outer) — or uses an all-in-one Zorb® 4D CORE PUL that integrates absorbent and waterproof layers.

For brand-specific product landscapes and detailed selection within each line, see the Brand Discovery articles: What is ProECO?, What is ProCool?, What is ProSoft?, What is Zorb?.