Acrylic Fabric – Versatile, Durable, and Stylish

Acrylic fabric has become a staple in the textile industry, widely known for its durability, lightweight nature, and versatility in women's fashion.

While it’s a synthetic fiber, it closely resembles wool in its texture and appearance, making it an excellent alternative for various fashion applications. Jinfeng Apparel incorporates acrylic fabric into our collections to deliver garments that are both stylish and practical, perfect for the modern woman.

This blog explores the unique characteristics of acrylic fabric, its production process, its role in women’s fashion, and its impact on sustainability.

What is Acrylic Fabric?

Acrylic fabric is a synthetic textile made from polymer fibers derived from acrylonitrile, a type of plastic. Known for its versatility, lightweight feel, and durability, acrylic fabric is widely used in women’s fashion, often as a substitute for wool due to its similar soft texture and warmth. One of its most notable characteristics is its ability to mimic the appearance and feel of natural fibers, making it a popular choice for knitwear, outerwear, and accessories.

Origin and Source of Acrylic Fibers

Acrylic fibers are man-made, originating from petroleum-based chemicals. These fibers are produced through a process called polymerization, where acrylonitrile molecules are combined to form long-chain polymers. The result is a durable fiber that is resistant to wear and tear, with excellent color retention. Acrylic fibers are then spun into yarns and woven or knitted into fabric, creating textiles that are soft, warm, and easy to care for.

Acrylic fabric was first developed in the mid-20th century as a cost-effective alternative to wool, providing similar insulating properties without the itchiness often associated with natural wool fibers. It has since become a staple in the fashion industry, appreciated for its affordability and performance characteristics.

Historical Significance and Modern Usage

Historically, acrylic fabric gained popularity as a low-cost, synthetic alternative to wool, offering comparable warmth and softness. It was quickly adopted for winter apparel, knitwear, and casual garments due to its lightweight warmth and durability. Over the years, advancements in textile technology have improved the feel and performance of acrylic, making it more versatile for a broader range of fashion applications.

Today, acrylic fabric is commonly used in women’s fashion for sweaters, scarves, coats, and activewear, providing both style and function. Its resistance to wrinkles, fading, and shrinkage makes it a practical choice for modern garments, while its softness and vibrant color retention appeal to fashion-conscious consumers.

Acrylic Fabric Today

In contemporary fashion, acrylic fabric remains a popular choice for designers due to its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. It can be crafted to look like wool, cotton, or even silk, offering a flexible option for creating various styles and textures in women’s clothing. At Jinfeng Apparel, we utilize high-quality acrylic fabrics to design stylish, comfortable, and durable garments, aligning with our commitment to creating fashion-forward pieces that are both practical and on-trend.

By selecting acrylic fabric, Jinfeng Apparel is able to offer fashionable garments that are easy to maintain, long-lasting, and suitable for diverse climates, making it an essential component in our women’s fashion collections.

What Makes Acrylic Fabric Unique?

Acrylic fabric stands out in the fashion industry due to its versatility, durability, and affordability, making it a go-to material for creating stylish yet practical garments.

For women’s fashion, acrylic fabric offers key advantages that make it suitable for various apparel needs, from casual wear to outerwear.

Key Characteristics and Qualities

• Softness and Lightweight: Acrylic fabric is designed to mimic the softness of natural fibers like wool, but without the heaviness. This makes it a popular choice for knitwear, sweaters, and scarves, offering the warmth and comfort of wool with a lighter feel. Its soft texture ensures comfort against the skin, making it ideal for winter garments or cozy loungewear.
• Durability: One of the primary reasons for acrylic's popularity is its durability. Acrylic fibers are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that garments maintain their shape and appearance over time. This resilience makes acrylic fabric an excellent choice for garments that need to withstand frequent use, such as jackets, coats, and everyday knitwear.
• Color Retention: Acrylic fabric is known for its vibrant color retention. It holds dye exceptionally well, allowing for bright and bold colors that do not easily fade. This makes it a favorite for fashion-forward collections that emphasize bold hues, patterns, and designs in women's fashion.
• Moisture-Wicking and Quick-Drying: Acrylic has moisture-wicking properties, allowing it to draw sweat away from the body, making it perfect for activewear and casual wear. Its quick-drying nature means that garments dry faster than natural fibers, adding convenience for those on the go.
• Wrinkle and Shrink Resistance: Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, acrylic fabric is naturally resistant to wrinkles and shrinking. This makes it a low-maintenance option for women’s fashion, as garments can be worn repeatedly without the need for frequent ironing or special care.

Comparison with Other Fabrics

• Acrylic vs. Wool: While wool offers natural warmth, acrylic provides a similar soft texture without the itchiness often associated with wool. It is also lighter and easier to care for, making it ideal for those seeking warmth with convenience.
• Acrylic vs. Polyester: Acrylic and polyester are both synthetic fibers, but acrylic feels softer and warmer than polyester. Acrylic is often chosen for its ability to mimic natural fibers like wool, while polyester is known for its strength and affordability.
• Acrylic vs. Cotton: Cotton is breathable and natural, but acrylic offers better moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities. Acrylic also provides better insulation, making it more suitable for colder weather garments.

Acrylic fabric’s unique combination of softness, durability, and vibrant color retention makes it a popular choice in women’s fashion. At Jinfeng Apparel, we leverage these qualities to design high-quality, comfortable garments that meet the needs of both style-conscious and practical consumers.

How is Acrylic Fabric Made?

The production of acrylic fabric involves several stages that transform synthetic materials into a textile widely used in women’s fashion for its versatility and affordability.

Each step in the manufacturing process is essential for achieving the fabric’s softness, durability, and vibrant color retention.

Production Process

• Polymerization: Acrylic fabric is made from a synthetic polymer called polyacrylonitrile, which is derived from petroleum-based compounds. The process begins with the polymerization of acrylonitrile, converting the chemical compound into long polymer chains. This forms the base material for the acrylic fibers, known for their strength and resilience.
• Extrusion: The polymer is then melted and forced through a spinneret, a device with small holes, to create thin fibers. These fibers solidify upon cooling, forming the foundation of the fabric. The extrusion process allows for control over the thickness of the fibers, depending on their intended use, whether for lightweight garments or thicker outerwear.
• Spinning: Once the fibers are formed, they are spun into yarn. The spinning process can vary depending on the desired texture and weight of the fabric. Finer yarns are used for creating soft, lightweight textiles suitable for women’s knitwear, while thicker yarns are chosen for more structured garments like coats and jackets.
• Weaving or Knitting: After spinning, the yarn is either woven or knitted into fabric. Woven acrylic fabric tends to have a more rigid and durable structure, ideal for items like blazers and outerwear. Knitted acrylic fabric is softer and stretchier, making it perfect for casual clothing such as sweaters and cardigans.
• Finishing: The final stage of production involves finishing treatments to enhance the fabric’s qualities. Acrylic fabric is often dyed in bright, vibrant colors due to its excellent dye retention. It is also treated to improve softness, reduce shrinkage, and ensure wrinkle resistance, making it low-maintenance and long-lasting in everyday wear.

Regions Known for Acrylic Fabric Production

• China: As one of the largest global producers, China manufactures vast amounts of acrylic fabric for both fashion and industrial applications. The country’s large-scale production capabilities make acrylic fabrics affordable while maintaining a range of quality standards.
• India: India is another key producer of acrylic fabric, offering diverse options for both domestic use and export. Indian manufacturers focus on cost-effective production while maintaining versatility in fabric design and applications.
• United States: Though not as prominent in volume, the U.S. focuses on producing specialized acrylic fabrics, particularly for outdoor wear and high-performance garments. This often includes advanced treatments to enhance the fabric’s moisture-wicking and insulating properties.

Acrylic fabric’s synthetic origin and efficient production process make it an affordable yet versatile material, widely used in women’s fashion for its softness, color retention, and ability to mimic the qualities of natural fibers like wool.

What Are the Types of Acrylic Fabric?

Acrylic fabric comes in various types, each designed to cater to different fashion and functional needs. These variations in acrylic fiber production and processing result in fabrics that are used in a wide range of women’s fashion items.

• Basic Acrylic Fabric: This is the most common type of acrylic fabric, known for its wool-like texture and affordability. It’s widely used in knitwear like sweaters, cardigans, and scarves due to its softness and ability to retain warmth.
• Modacrylic: A modified version of acrylic, modacrylic fabric is known for its flame-retardant properties, making it suitable for outerwear and certain performance-driven garments. Its softness and ability to mimic fur also make it popular in faux fur garments and accessories.
• Acrylic Blends: Acrylic is often blended with other fibers such as wool, polyester, or cotton to enhance specific characteristics. Blending acrylic with wool, for example, combines the warmth of wool with the durability and color retention of acrylic, making it ideal for long-lasting knitwear.
• Textured Acrylic: Through special processing, acrylic fibers can be given a textured finish, resulting in fabrics with a more distinctive and luxurious feel. These are often used in high-end fashion for a more sophisticated look, offering a more tactile experience for the wearer.

Each type of acrylic fabric serves a different purpose, allowing for versatility in women’s fashion. Whether for affordable casual wear or more structured, high-performance garments, acrylic's adaptability ensures it continues to be a popular choice in textiles.

How is Acrylic Fabric Used in Women’s Fashion?

Acrylic fabric is widely utilized in women’s fashion due to its versatility, affordability, and ability to mimic the softness and warmth of natural fibers like wool.

As a women’s fashion manufacturer, Jinfeng Apparel leverages acrylic fabric for creating a variety of stylish and functional garments that meet the needs of modern women. Here’s how acrylic fabric is used across different women’s fashion categories:

Knitwear and Sweaters

Acrylic fabric is a popular choice for women’s sweaters, cardigans, and knit tops because of its soft texture and warmth. It replicates the cozy feel of wool while being lightweight and easy to care for. Acrylic knitwear is often favored for its vibrant colors and resistance to fading, making it perfect for casual wear and chic layering pieces that retain their style over time.

Outerwear

Due to its insulating properties and durability, acrylic fabric is frequently used in women’s outerwear, such as coats, jackets, and shawls. Acrylic’s lightweight nature ensures warmth without bulk, providing comfortable, fashionable outerwear that is suitable for colder weather. Its water-resistant properties make it a practical choice for everyday use, while its affordability allows for a wide range of designs to suit different tastes and trends.

Dresses and Casual Wear

Acrylic fabric is commonly used in casual dresses and tops, offering softness and comfort with a smooth drape that works well for flowing styles. Its lightweight feel and breathability make it ideal for garments that can be worn throughout the day, providing ease of movement and maintaining a polished look. Acrylic’s ability to hold its shape and resist wrinkling ensures that these garments are both stylish and low-maintenance.

Sportswear and Activewear

Blended with other materials like spandex, acrylic is used in activewear such as leggings, sweatshirts, and workout tops. Acrylic’s durability and moisture-wicking properties make it a practical choice for sportswear, as it helps keep the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activities. The fabric's resilience ensures that garments maintain their structure and comfort even with frequent use.

Accessories

Acrylic is also widely used for women’s fashion accessories, including scarves, hats, gloves, and wraps. Its ability to hold vibrant colors and provide warmth without the weight makes it an excellent choice for cozy accessories that complement winter or fall outfits. Acrylic’s softness and durability offer affordable, stylish options for women looking for versatile accessories that enhance their wardrobe.

Home Textiles and Loungewear

In addition to fashion garments, acrylic is used in home textiles such as blankets and throws, as well as loungewear like robes and soft sweaters. The fabric’s warmth and soft texture make it an ideal choice for creating comfortable, luxurious-feeling textiles that are affordable and easy to care for.

Acrylic fabric’s versatility, color retention, and low maintenance make it a staple in women’s fashion across a variety of categories.

From cozy knitwear to stylish outerwear, Jinfeng Apparel incorporates high-quality acrylic fabric into its collections, offering modern women garments that are both practical and fashionable.

How Much Does Acrylic Fabric Cost?

The cost of acrylic fabric varies depending on its quality, production methods, and region of manufacture. Understanding these factors is essential for making informed sourcing decisions when creating women’s fashion collections at Jinfeng Apparel.

Acrylic Fabric Costs in the United States

Basic Acrylic Fabric: The price of basic acrylic fabric in the U.S. typically ranges from $5 to $15 per yard. This fabric is widely used in affordable casual garments like sweaters, scarves, and outerwear due to its softness and insulating properties. It provides a cost-effective alternative to natural fibers like wool while offering a similar appearance and feel.

Premium Acrylic Fabric (Blends and Textured Varieties): Premium versions of acrylic fabric, such as those blended with other fibers like cotton or featuring specialty textures, can cost between $15 and $30 per yard. These higher-end fabrics are used in more sophisticated fashion pieces that require durability, comfort, and added design elements, making them ideal for women’s fashion.

Acrylic Fabric Costs in China

Basic Acrylic Fabric: In China, basic acrylic fabric is generally priced between $2 and $10 per yard. Lower labor and production costs allow for more competitive pricing, making China a favorable source for budget-friendly acrylic fabrics. Despite the lower price, these fabrics still meet international quality standards and are suitable for a wide range of apparel.

Premium Acrylic Fabric: Premium acrylic fabric in China, including blended or textured varieties, typically ranges from $10 to $20 per yard. China’s advanced textile manufacturing capabilities enable the production of high-quality acrylic fabrics at lower prices, making it an attractive option for fashion brands looking to balance quality with affordability.

Factors Influencing Acrylic Fabric Prices

• Type of Acrylic Fabric: The cost of acrylic fabric can vary depending on whether it is a basic variety or blended with other fibers. Premium blends or textured acrylic fabrics often command higher prices due to their enhanced qualities and versatility in design.
• Production Location: Acrylic fabric produced in China is generally more affordable due to lower labor and production costs. In contrast, fabric sourced from the U.S. or Europe typically costs more, reflecting higher manufacturing expenses.
• Certifications: While less common for acrylic compared to natural fibers, certifications related to safety or sustainability, such as OEKO-TEX®, can increase the price slightly as they ensure the fabric meets certain environmental and health standards.

Comparing Acrylic Fabric Prices: U.S. vs. China

Acrylic fabric prices in China tend to be 30% to 50% lower than in the United States, primarily due to differences in production costs. This price advantage makes China an appealing option for manufacturers seeking to produce high-quality yet affordable acrylic garments.

By sourcing competitively priced acrylic fabric from trusted suppliers, Jinfeng Apparel ensures that we offer stylish and cost-effective garments that meet the demands of modern women’s fashion.

How Does Acrylic Fabric Impact the Environment?

Acrylic fabric, while popular for its durability and affordability, has both positive and negative environmental impacts.

As a women’s fashion manufacturer, Jinfeng Apparel is committed to understanding these effects and striving for more sustainable practices in our fabric sourcing and production.

Positive Environmental Impacts

• Durability and Longevity: Acrylic fabric is known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear. This durability means that garments made from acrylic often last longer than those made from more delicate fibers, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Longer-lasting garments contribute to reduced textile waste, which can benefit the environment when managed properly.
• Low Water Usage in Production: Compared to natural fibers such as cotton, acrylic fabric production uses less water. While there are still environmental concerns with the chemicals used in production, the lower water footprint is a positive aspect, especially in regions where water conservation is critical.

Negative Environmental Impacts

• Non-Biodegradable: One of the most significant environmental concerns with acrylic fabric is that it is a synthetic, petroleum-based fiber. Acrylic does not biodegrade, meaning it can persist in landfills for centuries. As a result, acrylic fabric contributes to the growing problem of textile waste and plastic pollution.
• Microplastic Pollution:
  Acrylic garments shed microplastics during washing, which end up in water systems and oceans. These tiny plastic particles are difficult to remove from the environment and pose threats to aquatic life. The accumulation of microplastics is a major environmental concern associated with synthetic fabrics like acrylic.
• Energy-Intensive Production: The production of acrylic fabric is energy-intensive, involving the polymerization of acrylonitrile, a petroleum-based chemical. This process contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and relies on non-renewable resources, making it less eco-friendly compared to natural fibers.

Sustainable Practices in Acrylic Fabric Production

• Recycling and Reusing Acrylic: To reduce the environmental impact of acrylic fabric, manufacturers are exploring ways to recycle acrylic garments. While recycling synthetic fibers is more challenging than natural ones, advancements in textile recycling technology offer hope for more sustainable acrylic use in the future.
• Improved Manufacturing Techniques: Adopting closed-loop systems in acrylic production can help minimize waste and reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, exploring the use of less harmful chemicals and adopting more energy-efficient production methods can contribute to lowering the environmental impact of acrylic fabric.
• Certifications and Sustainability Efforts: Although less common for synthetic fabrics, certifications like OEKO-TEX® can help ensure that acrylic fabric is free from harmful substances. By adhering to such standards, fashion brands like Jinfeng Apparel can offer safer, more environmentally responsible acrylic garments to consumers.

In summary, while acrylic fabric offers benefits such as durability and low water use, its long-term environmental impact poses challenges. By exploring recycling opportunities, improving production techniques, and adopting sustainability standards, Jinfeng Apparel is committed to finding more eco-conscious solutions in acrylic fabric sourcing and usage.

Ensuring Acrylic Fabric Quality and Certification

At Jinfeng Apparel, ensuring the quality and sustainability of acrylic fabric is crucial to producing fashionable, durable, and comfortable women’s garments.

As a leading women’s fashion manufacturer, we prioritize both performance and environmental responsibility in all our fabric choices.

Key Quality Indicators

• Fiber Strength and Durability: Acrylic fabric is known for its resilience and durability. At Jinfeng Apparel, we select high-quality acrylic fibers that ensure our garments maintain their shape, resist wear, and provide lasting performance. This durability is essential for creating women’s fashion items that can endure frequent use without compromising on quality or appearance.
• Softness and Comfort: Acrylic fabric’s soft texture makes it ideal for creating comfortable and stylish garments. We carefully source acrylic fibers that offer a balance between warmth and softness, providing garments that are not only fashionable but also comfortable for everyday wear. This is especially important in women's fashion, where comfort is as valued as style.
• Color Retention and Appearance: One of the standout qualities of acrylic fabric is its ability to retain vibrant colors over time. At Jinfeng Apparel, we ensure that our acrylic fabrics undergo advanced dyeing processes, resulting in garments that maintain their brightness and appeal through multiple washes. This makes acrylic an excellent choice for fashion-forward women’s clothing that demands a pop of color and long-lasting visual appeal.

Certifications and Sustainability

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: At Jinfeng Apparel, we ensure that all our acrylic fabrics meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. This certification guarantees that our fabrics are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that they are safe for direct skin contact. As a women's fashion brand, ensuring the safety of our fabrics is a top priority, aligning with our commitment to providing garments that are both stylish and health-conscious.
• Global Recycled Standard (GRS): As part of our sustainability efforts, we also work with suppliers who provide recycled acrylic materials certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). This certification ensures that the recycled content used in our acrylic garments meets strict environmental and social criteria, contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
• ISO Standards for Quality and Environmental Management: At Jinfeng Apparel, we adhere to ISO standards for both quality management and environmental responsibility. These standards ensure that our acrylic fabric production processes meet international benchmarks for consistency, efficiency, and sustainability, helping us deliver high-quality garments with minimal environmental impact.

By maintaining strict quality controls and adhering to industry-leading certifications, Jinfeng Apparel guarantees that our acrylic fabric garments offer both exceptional style and long-lasting performance.

Our dedication to sustainability and ethical production practices ensures that our women’s fashion collections meet the highest standards of quality while minimizing environmental impact.

Explore our fabric catalog to learn more about different types of fabrics.