What are the similarities and differences between Acetic Acid Fabric and Natural Silk in terms of touch?

Acetic Acid Fabric and natural silk are two common high-end fabrics that have some unique characteristics in appearance, gloss and touch. Although both fabrics are considered soft and smooth, the difference in their touch comes from the different material composition and manufacturing processes.

1. Similarities in touch
Softness and smoothness: Acetic Acid Fabric and natural silk both have a relatively soft and smooth touch. Both can bring a comfortable feeling when rubbed on the skin, especially suitable for direct contact with the skin.
Cool feeling: Both fabrics can provide a cool touch in warm weather conditions because they are highly breathable and can effectively absorb and dissipate sweat to avoid sticky skin. Especially in hot environments, natural silk and acetate fabrics give people a cool touch.
2. Differences in touch
The touch of acetate fabric:
Silky but not as delicate as natural silk: Acetate fabrics usually have a relatively silky surface, but compared with natural silk, they may lack the delicate and fluid "liquid feeling" of silk. Although it is soft, its sheen and smoothness are usually not as obvious as the natural sheen of natural silk.
Slightly stiff: Since acetate is a synthetic fiber, its fiber structure is usually more uniform than natural silk. Although it is softer, it may be slightly stiff in some cases, especially after being treated. For some designers, this stiffness can be used to increase the shape of clothing.
The touch of natural silk:
Extremely fine and smooth: Natural silk is known for its delicate touch. The texture is very soft and gives people a "second skin" feeling. When you touch silk, you can feel the comfort of its close contact with the skin. The fineness of silk comes from the delicate structure of natural silk fibers, which are usually smoother and silkier than acetate fabrics.
Flexible and elastic: The fibers of natural silk have a certain elasticity. It is not only very soft, but also able to stretch and recover slightly, so it usually feels more natural and flowing. Acetate fabrics tend to appear flatter and fixed, lacking this natural elasticity.
3. Gloss difference
Gloss of acetate fabric: Although acetate also has a certain gloss, especially under fine weaving, it presents a silk-like gloss, but it usually does not reach the natural, gentle and rich gloss of natural silk. The gloss of acetate fabric is usually more uniform and lacks the depth of natural silk.

Gloss of natural silk: The gloss of natural silk comes from the natural protein structure of silk, and its gloss presents a richer and more varied effect. The gloss of the silk surface changes with the change of light, and can present different colors at different angles, making the touch of silk more vivid and multi-layered. The gloss of silk is more natural and delicate, presenting a warm and soft reflection effect.

4. Moisture absorption and breathability
Acetate fabric: Although acetate has good breathability and can maintain a certain sense of dryness when worn, its moisture absorption performance is relatively poor compared with natural silk. Acetate has low hygroscopicity, so in a humid environment, acetate fabric may not feel as comfortable as silk.

Hygroscopicity of natural silk: Natural silk has good hygroscopicity. It can effectively absorb and release moisture, making the wearer feel drier and more comfortable. In a humid environment, silk can keep the skin drier than acetate fabrics, and because of its natural fiber structure, silk feels more comfortable when exposed to moisture.

5. Durability Differences
Acetate fabric: Acetate is more durable, has a higher tensile strength, and is easy to maintain its shape and touch in daily use. Compared with natural silk, acetate fabrics are less abrasive, have a longer service life, and are less likely to shrink and wrinkle.

Durability of natural silk: Although natural silk feels extremely soft and delicate, it is more susceptible to wear and tear than acetate and is easily damaged by sharp objects or deformed during washing. Silk care requires more care, otherwise it will affect its original touch and luster.