An extremely fine synthetic fiber, typically made from polyester or nylon, that is thinner than silk and creates fabrics with exceptional softness, water resistance, and breathability. Widely used in activewear and outerwear.
Compound word from Greek 'mikros' meaning 'small' and 'fiber,' coined in the 1970s when technology advanced enough to produce fibers finer than 1 denier. The term emphasizes the microscopic diameter of these manufactured filaments.
Microfiber is so fine that it can be woven into fabrics that feel like natural silk or suede while being completely synthetic and often more durable. A single microfiber strand is 100 times finer than human hair, which explains why microfiber towels can hold so much water and why microfiber clothing feels incredibly smooth against the skin.
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