Textiles and Textile History

Textiles are materials made from fibers, such as cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic fibers, woven or knit into fabric for clothing, home furnishings, and industrial uses. Textile history traces humanity's development of these materials—from ancient weaving and spinning techniques to modern manufacturing—reflecting cultural exchanges, technological advances, and trade. Over millennia, textiles have played vital roles in identity, economy, and innovation, evolving from simple handmade cloths to complex, high-performance fabrics used worldwide today.