The table given below shows the comparison of only the characteristics of few fabrics. For example, water retention is very high in cotton and the lowest in polypropylene. Same with the drying time taken, very long in cotton and vice versa in polypropylene. Cotton and wool shrinks more than polyester and nylon.
Cotton
Wool
Polyester
Polypropylene
Nylon
Water Retention
High
High
Low
Lowest
Medium
Drying Time
Long
Long
Short
Shortest
Short
Heat Conduction (Wet)
High
Low
Low
Low
Medium
Comfort Level (Dry)
High
Medium
High
Medium
Medium
Shrinkage
High
High
Low
High
Low
Durability
Medium
Medium
High
Medium
High
Colour Choice
High
High
High
Low
High
Paddling Suitability
Low
Low
High
Medium
Medium
Camping Suitability
Medium
High
High
Medium
Medium
Fabric Storage Tips
· The storage area should be clean, cool, dry, and dark. If possible free it from drastic changes in temperature and humidity.
· Fabric should be stored as clean as possible because dust particles cut fibers through friction and abrasion.
· Fabrics that cannot be cleaned should be vacuumed. However, samplers, painted and embroidered pictures, and beaded work should not be vacuumed.
· Try to store flat. If folding is necessary, avoid sharp folds by padding at the points of the folds.
· Cottons and linens should not have any direct contact with wood, blue tissue, regular tissue, or other wrapping paper.
· Fragile fabrics should be rolled over cloth-covered cardboard tubes.
· Should not be exposed to the light.
· Fabrics should be removed from storage periodically and it should be aired.
· Avoid folding tapestries and rugs. If necessary, it should be in the direction that is natural for it, usually parallel to the weft.
· Costume items should be stored flat and should not be crushed by heavier textiles stored on top of them.