Acetate
🧪 Semi-synthetic
A shiny wood-pulp fiber used mostly for linings.
What it's made from
Cellulose from wood pulp treated with acetic anhydride (a form of acetic acid), dissolved in acetone and spun.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | Medium (3 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | Low (2 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | Low (2 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | Very low (1 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | Low (2 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | Very low (1 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | No |
| Biodegradable | Yes, under the right conditions |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
Slippery and lustrous, like cheap satin.
Good for
- Coat and jacket linings
- Formalwear
Watch for
- Melts under a hot iron and dissolves in acetone (nail polish remover).
- Often dry clean only.
- Triacetate is a tougher cousin that handles heat and washing better.
Care
Dry clean or hand wash cold. Iron on low only.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Acetate + rayon · Acetate + polyester
Compare
More semi-synthetic fabrics
rayon · bamboo · modal · lyocell · cupro
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much acetate is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →