GCSEDesign & TechnologyAQARevision Notes2. Specialist Technical PrinciplesUsing & Working With MaterialsProperties of Textiles

Properties of Textiles (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Exam code: 8552

Philip Holton

Written by: Philip Holton

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Properties of textiles in commercial products

  • Commercial products are made from textiles because of the properties that these materials have

  • For each commercial product, the material used will have properties which benefit the use of that product

Commercial products made from textiles

  • Everyday clothing

  • Upholstery/furnishings

  • Sportswear/performance clothing

Properties of textiles and their uses

  • There is a wide range of textile based commercial products

  • The material that the manufacturer has chosen to use for each depends on the properties that material has

Everyday clothes

Material / component 

Property 

Functional consequence

Wool 

Conductivity 

Low thermal conductivity (an excellent insulator), keeping the wearer warm

in cold weather

Wool 

Absorbency 

Absorbs moisture well without feeling wet against the skin, helping regulate

body temperature

Upholstery/furniture

Material / component 

Property 

Functional consequence

Cotton 

Absorbency 

Absorbs dye readily and evenly, giving upholstery fabric consistent,

long-lasting colour

Cotton 

Strength 

Moderate tensile strength lets the fabric withstand the everyday stretching

and rubbing of being sat and leaned on

Sportswear

Material / component 

Property 

Functional consequence

Polyester 

Absorbency 

Low absorbency means sweat doesn’t soak into the fabric, so it dries

quickly and doesn’t feel heavy during exercise

Polyester 

Strength 

Good tensile strength withstands the repeated stretching of sportswear

during exercise without losing its shape

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember, saying that a material is strong is not enough in an answer, you need to give answers which include terms such as 'breathable', 'flexible' or 'washable'. For example, polyester has high tensile strength which resists tearing during movement.

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Author
Reviewer
Philip Holton

Author: Philip Holton

Expertise: Design and Technology Content Creator

Phil is a Design and Technology specialist with over 22 years of experience across education, curriculum development, and assessment, working with major exam boards and organisations across the UK. He focuses on making GCSE D&T clear and accessible, helping students build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in their exams.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Development Editor

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.