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Fundamentals of Textile Fibres

Duration
8 – 10 Hours
Format
Online Self-Paced
Level
Introductory/Intermediate
Certification
University of Leeds Certificate

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£ 189
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Why Choose This Course?

Gain essential textile fibre knowledge to make more informed decisions in product development, sourcing, and sustainability across the fashion industry. 

Whether you’re already working in fashion, apparel, or textiles, or looking to enter the industry, understanding textile fibres is a core skill for making commercially sound and sustainable choices. 

This course provides a practical, accessible introduction to the origins, properties, and applications of natural and man-made fibres. You’ll learn how fibre characteristics directly influence the look, feel, performance, and environmental impact of finished textile products. 

What Does the Course Cover?

  • The history of clothing and textile materials and their evolution over time.  
  • The main fibre types used in textile production, including natural and man-made fibres.  
  • The origins, structure, and properties of key fibres and their end use.  
  • How fibres are produced, processed, and transformed into finished textiles. 
  • How fibre characteristics influence fabric aesthetics, durability, comfort, and performance. 
  • Sustainability considerations and the environmental impact of different fibre types.  

What Skills Will You Gain?

  • Confidently identify and understand the wide range of natural and man-made fibres used across the modern textiles and apparel industry. 
  • Explain exactly how raw fibre characteristics influence the look, feel, durability, and end-use suitability of a finished garment. 
  • Align your product visions with material realities by selecting the right fabrics based on technical properties and commercial requirements. 
  • Evaluate the environmental impacts of different fibres to make more conscious, sustainable, and responsible sourcing decisions. 
  • Gain the technical vocabulary needed to communicate with authority and collaborate more effectively with suppliers and product development teams. 

Who Is This Course For?

  • Fashion Buyers, Merchandisers, or designers who want their creative and commercial visions to align perfectly with material performance. 
  • Garment Technologists & Product Developers aiming to deepen their technical material vocabulary and solve quality issues early. 
  • Sourcing & Supply Chain Specialists looking to confidently navigate modern circularity and sustainability challenges. 
  • Ambitious Industry Beginners with no prior textile background who want to fast-track their technical knowledge and boost their CV. 

What Our Learners Say

I really enjoyed the online course. It gave me a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of textile fibres and broadened my knowledge. I feel more confident having conversations with customers in outdoor retail now if those situations arise.
James
Unify Brand Partnerships

Why Learn With The University of Leeds?

As a globally recognised institution with expertise in textile innovation, sustainability, and performance materials, the University of Leeds combines world-leading research with practical industry insights. 

This course has been developed by leading academic experts and industry specialists, combining cutting-edge research with real-world application. It reflects current challenges and opportunities across the global textile and fashion industries, including sustainability, fibre innovation, and circularity. 

Find Out More About Our Facilities

Meet the Academics & Experts

Dr. Mark Taylor
Dr. Mark Taylor

Lecturer in Performance Clothing

Dr Mark Taylor is a specialist in performance and protective apparel, with expertise spanning sustainability, waterproof technologies, impact protection and technical product development. His research focuses on commercially relevant innovation, including recyclable waterproof membranes, microfibre reduction and sustainable alternatives to water-repellent chemical treatments.

Working closely with organisations including INDITEX and the European Outdoor Group, Dr Taylor combines academic research with industry application to support innovation across the apparel and outdoor sectors. His work has been recognised through the Innovative Smart Grant and the Journal of the Textile Institute Best Research Article Award (2021).

Course Contributors

Dr Mark Sumner
Dr. Mark Sumner

Sustainability, Sourcing and Circularity Specialist

Dr Mark Sumner is a leading specialist in textile sustainability, sourcing, supply chains and circularity, bringing more than 15 years of international retail experience. His work focuses on sustainable innovation and the commercial realities of implementing sustainability across global fashion and textile supply networks.

Dr Sumner collaborates with brands, industry organisations and regulatory bodies to help shape practical and commercially viable approaches to sustainability within the sector.

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