Acrylic fabric is a synthetic textile made from plastic polymer fibers containing at least 85% acrylonitrile by weight. Developed as a lightweight alternative to wool, it’s one of the most common synthetic fabrics in clothing, blankets, and upholstery. Apparel accounts for about 58% of all acrylic fiber used globally, with the market producing roughly 1.57 million tons in 2025.
How Acrylic Fabric Is Made
Acrylic fiber was first created in 1941 by a DuPont scientist who was trying to improve rayon. Originally called “Fiber A,” it was given the trade name Orlon by 1950 and marketed as a breakthrough material derived from natural gas, oxygen, and nitrogen. The raw material, acrylonitrile, is a chemical compound that gets spun into long filaments, then cut and processed into soft, fluffy fibers that can be woven or knitted like natural yarn.
Because the base material is a plastic polymer, acrylic shares many characteristics with other synthetics like polyester and nylon. But its texture and warmth set it apart. The fibers are lightweight, crimped, and trap air effectively, which is why acrylic became the go-to synthetic substitute for wool in sweaters, scarves, hats, and blankets.
Key Properties of Acrylic Fabric
Acrylic has a moisture regain of just 1.5 to 2% at normal room temperature and humidity. That means it absorbs almost no water, which has practical tradeoffs. On the positive side, acrylic dries quickly and resists mildew. On the negative side, it doesn’t wick sweat away from your skin very well, which can make it feel clammy during physical activity or in warm environments.
The fabric also performs well against sunlight. It has good tolerance to UV exposure, making it a common choice for outdoor furniture cushions, awnings, and patio umbrellas that sit in direct sun for months. It resists fading better than many natural fibers under the same conditions. Acrylic is also a solid heat insulator, trapping warmth in still air effectively despite being lighter than wool. It has good electrical insulation properties too, though this can mean it builds up static cling more easily than natural fibers.
In terms of strength, acrylic falls in the middle of the synthetic spectrum. It has average tensile strength and stretch compared to polyester, so it holds its shape reasonably well but isn’t as durable for high-stress applications.
How Acrylic Compares to Wool
The most common comparison is acrylic versus wool, since acrylic was specifically designed to mimic wool’s warmth and softness. In practice, acrylic delivers warmth at a fraction of the weight. Research at Oregon State University found that wool blankets were consistently the heaviest both before and after laundering, while acrylic blankets provided comparable insulation at lower weight. This matters because thermal insulation in fabrics depends more on thickness and trapped air than on the material’s weight. When two fabrics are equally thick, the lighter, less dense one actually insulates better.
Where wool wins is moisture management. Wool fibers absorb moisture and release heat as that moisture evaporates, creating a natural temperature-regulating effect. Acrylic’s very low moisture absorption means it doesn’t do this. Some people find acrylic blankets and clothing uncomfortable for this reason, especially during sleep or exercise when the body produces more moisture.
Acrylic also has clear advantages in maintenance. It’s machine washable and dryable, resists shrinking, and is naturally resistant to moths and mildew. Wool requires more careful handling and is vulnerable to insect damage. For people with wool allergies or sensitivities, acrylic is a practical alternative since it’s generally considered non-allergenic as a textile fiber.
Comfort and Skin Sensitivity
Most people tolerate acrylic fabric without any skin issues. It’s smoother than many natural fibers and doesn’t have the prickly feel that coarse wool can cause. However, its low breathability can contribute to skin irritation indirectly. Because acrylic doesn’t absorb moisture, sweat can sit against the skin, potentially triggering heat rash or irritation in people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
True allergic reactions to acrylic textile fibers are rare. The medical literature on acrylic-related contact dermatitis focuses primarily on acrylic-based adhesives and medical dressings rather than clothing. If you notice a rash from an acrylic garment, the more likely culprits are fabric dyes, finishing chemicals, or trapped moisture rather than the fiber itself.
Fire Safety
Acrylic is one of the more flammable synthetic fabrics. It has an ignition temperature of about 390°C (734°F) and is classified as combustible. Its Limiting Oxygen Index, a measure of how much oxygen is needed to sustain burning, falls between 18 and 20. For context, the oxygen concentration in normal air is about 21%, which means acrylic can burn freely in open air once ignited. This is worth keeping in mind for items like blankets, children’s clothing, and anything used near open flames. Many acrylic products are treated with flame-retardant chemicals to reduce this risk.
Environmental Concerns
Like all synthetic textiles, acrylic sheds tiny plastic fibers called microplastics every time it’s washed. Research published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research found that acrylic fabrics release microfibers at rates comparable to polyester and nylon. Washing with detergent significantly increases the amount of fiber shedding from acrylic compared to washing without it.
These microfibers are too small to be caught by most washing machine filters. They pass through wastewater treatment and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Because acrylic is a plastic, these fibers don’t biodegrade. A single garment can release hundreds of fibers per wash cycle, and over the lifespan of a sweater or blanket, the cumulative shedding is substantial. Using a microfiber-catching laundry bag, washing on gentle cycles, and washing less frequently can reduce the amount of fiber released.
Common Uses
Acrylic’s versatility makes it show up across a wide range of products. In apparel, you’ll find it in sweaters, socks, hats, scarves, and activewear linings. It’s often blended with wool or cotton to reduce cost while maintaining softness. In home textiles, it’s used for blankets, upholstery fabric, and rugs. Its UV resistance makes it especially popular for outdoor cushions and awnings.
Craft yarn is another major category. Much of the yarn sold in craft stores is acrylic or acrylic-blend because it’s affordable, comes in a huge range of colors, holds dye well, and is easy to care for. For knitters and crocheters making items that will be machine washed regularly, like baby blankets or everyday hats, acrylic yarn is a practical choice.