Textile Abbreviation Guide: Essential Fibre Codes for Contract and Decoration Professionals
16/11/2021
In the professional textile industry, each fibre is identified by a standardised abbreviation that enables manufacturers, architects and interior designers to communicate precisely about fabric composition. Understanding these codes is essential when specifying contract fabrics for hospitality, healthcare or communal spaces, where technical requirements determine the suitability of each material.
Animal fibres: WP (alpaca), WA (angora), WK (camel hair), WS (cashmere), WL (llama hair), WO (wool), WM (mohair), WG (vicuña), SE (silk).
Plant fibres: CO (cotton), KP (kapok), LI (linen), RA (ramie), JU (jute), SI (sisal).
Synthetic and man-made fibres: PES (polyester), PA (polyamide/nylon), PAC (acrylic), CV (viscose), CLY (lyocell/Tencel), EL (elastane).
Mineral fibres: GF (glass fibre).
Animal fibres: WP (alpaca), WA (angora), WK (camel hair), WS (cashmere), WL (llama hair), WO (wool), WM (mohair), WG (vicuña), SE (silk).
Plant fibres: CO (cotton), KP (kapok), LI (linen), RA (ramie), JU (jute), SI (sisal).
Synthetic and man-made fibres: PES (polyester), PA (polyamide/nylon), PAC (acrylic), CV (viscose), CLY (lyocell/Tencel), EL (elastane).
Mineral fibres: GF (glass fibre).
Why textile abbreviations matter in contract projects
When an architect or interior designer specifies contract fabrics for hotel interiors, the fibre composition determines critical properties such as abrasion resistance, fire-retardant behaviour and ease of maintenance. Standardised textile abbreviations according to ISO 2076 make it possible to quickly assess whether a fabric meets the requirements of a given project.
For instance, a PES/CO (polyester/cotton) fabric offers a balance between durability and natural comfort, while 100% PES FR provides inherent flame retardancy without the need for additional treatments. In the hospitality sector, where contract fabric durability standards are particularly demanding, understanding these abbreviations is the first step towards selecting the right textile.
For instance, a PES/CO (polyester/cotton) fabric offers a balance between durability and natural comfort, while 100% PES FR provides inherent flame retardancy without the need for additional treatments. In the hospitality sector, where contract fabric durability standards are particularly demanding, understanding these abbreviations is the first step towards selecting the right textile.
Aznar Textil's expertise in fibre selection
With over 140 years of experience as a contract textile manufacturer in Spain, Aznar Textil works with a broad range of natural and synthetic fibres to create collections that meet the most demanding market requirements. From OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified cotton fabrics to flame-retardant collections with M1, B1, Class 1 and Classe Uno certifications, every fibre is selected for its technical performance and aesthetic value.
As European contract fabric suppliers, we advise interior design and architecture professionals on the most suitable fibre compositions for every application, from curtains and upholstery to large-scale hospitality textile projects.
As European contract fabric suppliers, we advise interior design and architecture professionals on the most suitable fibre compositions for every application, from curtains and upholstery to large-scale hospitality textile projects.