Contract Textile Terms Glossary
L
laminate:
The process of taking two or more materials and joining them to form a composite using either adhesive and/or heat, depending on the characteristics of the materials.
latex:
A flexible, rubber-like, durable polymer material that is used in backings or coating systems in fabric-finishing processes. See backing/back-coatings for more information.
leno weave:
An open-weave fabric constructed using a special attachment to the loom which enables the warp ends to be twisted around the filling yarns producing an open yet sturdy fabric used for drapery.
lightfastness:
A textile's degree of resistance to exposure to sunlight.
linen:
Term used for natural flax fiber or fabrics made from flax fiber. Characteristics include rapid moisture absorption, natural luster, and stiffness.
loft:
The bulk, springiness, or resilience of a fiber, yarn, or fabric.
loom state:
The state of woven fabric after being taken off the loom and before being dyed or finished.
luster:
The reflective quality of the surface of a yarn or fabric. Luster can be achieved through finishing with the use of heat or pressure. It can also be the result of employing lustrous yarns.
Lycra:
A registered trademark of INVISTA for premium stretch fibers and fabrics. The Lycra brand applies to a variety of fibers and fabrics that have been certified to deliver excellent stretch and recovery. It is always used in combination with other fibers, including cotton, nylon, polyester, wool, silk, rayon, etc.
