Terrysilk and Terrywool are what type of fibre ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

Terrysilk and Terrywool are classic examples of **Blended fibres**, which are created by physically combining two or more different types of fibres, whether natural or man-made, into a single yarn or fabric. The primary purpose of blending is a technological one: to achieve a new fabric with enhanced and superior qualities that neither of the original components possesses on its own. For instance, the blend often results in improved durability, better wrinkle and shrinkage resistance, easier care, and sometimes a more luxurious drape or feel at a lower cost. The names themselves are a shorthand for their composition: 'Terrysilk' is a blend of Terrylene (a brand name for polyester) and Silk, while 'Terrywool' is a blend of Terrylene and Wool. By blending the synthetic, strong, and easy-care properties of Terrylene with the natural comfort, texture, and aesthetic appeal of Silk or Wool, a composite fabric is produced that optimises the performance characteristics for the consumer.

The incorrect option is 2:

Natural fibre is incorrect because a natural fibre is defined as any textile material derived directly and exclusively from plant, animal, or mineral sources without extensive chemical synthesis. Examples of pure natural fibres include cotton, linen, silk, and wool. Since both Terrysilk and Terrywool contain 'Terry' (Terrylene), which is a common trade name for **polyester**, a chemically synthesized man-made fibre, they cannot be classified solely as natural fibres. The presence of the synthetic polyester component fundamentally changes the fibre's identity from a natural product to a composite blend. Therefore, the definition of a natural fibre, which requires a single, natural source, is violated.

The incorrect option is 3:

Man-made fibre is incorrect because, while one component of the blend (Terrylene/Polyester) is indeed a man-made or synthetic fibre, the final product is a blend, not a pure man-made fabric. Man-made fibres, such as Nylon, Rayon, or pure Polyester, are manufactured entirely from chemical compounds. The key characteristic of a blend like Terrysilk or Terrywool is the **combination** of a man-made fibre with a different fibre type, which in these cases is a natural fibre (silk or wool). To be classified accurately as a man-made fibre, the entire fabric must be composed exclusively of the single man-made component. As these fabrics are combinations intended to leverage the best of both worlds, classifying them as purely man-made ignores the substantial contribution of the natural component.

The incorrect option is 4:

Animal fibre is incorrect, even though wool and silk, which are components in the fabrics, are both classified as animal fibres. Animal fibres are protein-based fibres obtained from animals, such as wool from sheep or silk from silkworms. However, the designation "Terry" signifies the presence of Terrylene (Polyester), which is a synthetic fibre derived from petrochemicals, meaning it has no animal origin. Since Terrysilk and Terrywool are mixtures of two different fibre types—one from an animal source and one synthetic—they cannot be accurately categorized as solely animal fibres. The non-animal, synthetic component is a crucial part of the fabric's structure and performance, making the more comprehensive term, "blended fibre," the only correct classification.