Textile Abbreviations from A to Z: What CO, PES, and Others Mean on the Label
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Time to read 8 min
You’re holding your new favorite piece in your hands, turn the label over—and read: 80% CO, 18% PA, 2% EL. Sounds like a secret code? But in reality, it’s an internationally standardized code that tells you what your garment is really made of.
These abbreviations are no coincidence: They adhere to established standards—including ISO standards and the EU Textile Labelling Regulation—and are recognized worldwide. They let you see at a glance whether you’re looking at an easy-care synthetic fiber, a high-quality natural fiber, or a sustainable regenerated fiber. This is exactly what helps you when making a purchase, caring for your clothes, and practicing mindful consumption.
With our comprehensive guide, you can figure out what every abbreviation means in no time. Just type an abbreviation, a fiber, or a brand name into the search bar—or filter by fiber family. From CO to ZS, from cotton to spandex.
In this guide:
· s Guide: Materials
Textile Abbreviations from A to Z
55 Abbreviations
Plant-based
COCotton
also: BWA natural plant-based fiber derived from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. Gentle on the skin and absorbent—a classic choice for everyday clothing and home textiles.
Plant-based
LILinen
A natural plant-based fiber derived from the stem of the flax plant. Cool and tear-resistant—ideal for summer clothing.
Plant-based
HAHemp
A natural plant-based fiber derived from hemp stalks. Very tear-resistant and durable, popular for eco-friendly fashion and bags.
Plant-based
JUJute
A natural plant fiber derived from the stems of the jute plant. Coarse and sturdy—typically used for sacks and decorative fabrics.
Plant-based
RARamie
A natural plant fiber derived from a species of stinging nettle. Tear-resistant and lustrous, usually used in blended fabrics.
Plant-based
SISisal
A natural plant fiber made from agave leaves. Particularly durable—especially for ropes and rugs.
Plant-based
CCCoconut
A natural plant-based fiber derived from coconut husks. Coarse and sturdy, suitable for mats and upholstery.
Plant-based
KPKapok
also: KAPA natural plant-based fiber derived from the seeds of the kapok tree. Very lightweight and water-repellent—ideal for upholstery and pillows.
Plant-based
KEKenaf
also: KENA natural plant fiber derived from a species of hibiscus. Tough and strong, especially suited for technical applications.
Plant-based
HEHenequen
also: HENA natural plant fiber made from agave leaves. Coarse and durable—used for ropes, mats, and fabrics.
Plant-based
ALAlfa (alfalfa)
A natural plant fiber derived from Halfa/esparto grass. It is used, among other things, for paper and coarse fabrics.
⚠ AL is NOT Alpaca—Alpaca is WP.
Plant-based
FIFique
A natural plant fiber derived from the fique plant (a type of agave). Coarse and durable, used for ropes and bags.
Wild
WHEREWool
A natural fiber from sheep. Warm, elastic, and moisture-regulating—perfect for sweaters, coats, and blankets.
Wild
WVVirgin Wool
also: SWWool obtained directly from live sheep—exceptionally high quality. Warm and elastic.
Wild
WSCashmere
also: KAA premium natural fiber from the cashmere goat. Extremely soft and warm—the classic luxury choice for sweaters and scarves.
Wild
World CupMohair
also: MonA luxurious natural fiber from the Angora goat. Silky, lustrous, and lightweight—perfect for elegant knitwear and coats.
Wild
WAAngora
also: ANGA high-quality animal fiber from the Angora rabbit. Very light and warm, often used in winter knitwear.
Wild
WLLama
also: LANatural animal fiber from the South American llama. Warm and soft, ideal for winter coats and knitwear.
Wild
WPAlpaca
Natural animal fiber from the alpaca. Exceptionally soft and warm, yet lightweight and moisture-regulating.
⚠ Often mistakenly written as “AL”—AL stands for Alfa.
Wild
WKCamel
A luxurious animal fiber from the camel (camel hair). Very warm and lightweight—ideal for high-quality coats and blankets.
Wild
WGVikunja
also: VIKThe rarest luxury fiber, from the vicuña of the Andes. Exceptionally fine and soft—the height of luxury.
Wild
GUAGuanaco
A premium animal fiber from the South American guanaco. Very soft and warm, used in exclusive wool fabrics.
Wild
YAKYak
Natural animal fiber from yaks in high-mountain regions. Very warm and soft, ideal for winter clothing.
⚠ No official EU code (occasionally “WY”)—not WK, which stands for camel.
Wild
KANKanin
also: WNRabbit fur—soft and warm, usually used as decorative trim on clothing and accessories.
Wild
ZIGoat hair
Natural animal fibers from various goat breeds. Used in blended fabrics or as fine fibers such as cashmere and mohair.
Wild
RHCowhair
A natural animal fiber derived from cattle hides. Coarse and sturdy—ideal for technical textiles and upholstery.
Wild
ROHorsehair
Natural animal fiber made from horse manes and tails. Strong and elastic, used for upholstery, brushes, and fine fabrics.
Wild
SESilk
A natural animal fiber derived from silkworm cocoons. Natural luster and elegant drape—perfect for dresses and blouses.
Wild
STTussah silk
also: TSWild silk from the cocoons of wild silkworms. It is more matte and coarser than mulberry silk.
⚠ Officially classified as silk (SE).
Recycled
CVViscose
also: VIA semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose. Soft and absorbent—ideal for blouses, dresses, and linings.
Recycled
CMDModal
also: MDSemi-synthetic fiber made from beechwood cellulose. Exceptionally soft and dimensionally stable—ideal for underwear and shirts.
Lenzing Modal™
Recycled
CLYLyocell
A semi-synthetic fiber made from wood cellulose, produced using an environmentally friendly solvent-based process. Soft and sustainable.
Tencel™
Recycled
CUCupro
A semi-synthetic fiber made from cotton linters. Breathable and smooth—ideal for blouses, dresses, and linings.
Bemberg™
Recycled
CAAcetate
also: ACA cellulose acetate fiber with a silky sheen—often used for linings and evening wear.
Recycled
TATriacetate
Similar to acetate, but more dimensionally stable and easier to care for—resistant to wrinkles and easy to wash.
Recycled
ZSPulp
Plant-based cellulose as a raw material for fibers such as viscose or Lyocell. Rarely used as a pure textile fiber.
Synthetic
PESPolyester
also: PLA synthetic fiber made from petroleum. Easy to care for and durable—very versatile for sports, leisure, and workwear.
Synthetic
PAPolyamide
also: NYA synthetic fiber that is exceptionally tear-resistant and elastic. It has become an indispensable part of sports and casual wear.
Nylon®
Synthetic
ELElastane
also: EAA highly elastic synthetic fiber that adds stretch to fabrics. Ensures a perfect fit in jeans, sportswear, and swimwear.
Lycra® Spandex
Synthetic
PANPolyacrylic
Lightweight and warm, often used as a substitute for wool in sweaters, hats, and blankets.
Synthetic
MAModacrylic
also: MACFlame-retardant synthetic fiber—for protective clothing, upholstery, and synthetic hair.
Synthetic
PPPolypropylene
Water-repellent and lightweight—in performance apparel, bags, and filter fabrics.
Synthetic
PEPolyethylene
Very lightweight and chemical-resistant, primarily used for technical textiles.
Synthetic
PUPolyurethane
also: PURStretchy and durable—for stretch fabrics and faux leather.
Synthetic
PVCPolyvinyl chloride
also: CLDurable and waterproof—for rainwear, faux leather, and tarps.
Synthetic
PVAPolyvinyl alcohol
A water-soluble synthetic fiber, typically used as a support fiber in engineering and medicine.
Synthetic
PIPolyimide
High-performance fiber, highly heat-resistant—primarily for technical textiles.
Synthetic
PTFETeflon®
Polytetrafluoroethylene – extremely heat- and chemical-resistant, for protective and outdoor textiles.
Synthetic
ARAramid
High-performance fiber, extremely tear-resistant and heat-resistant—for protective and safety clothing.
Kevlar® Nomex®
Synthetic
EDElastodiene (rubber)
also: GUMElastic fiber made from natural or synthetic rubber—for cuffs, gathers, and technical textiles.
Other
MEMetal
Metallic or metal-coated fibers. Gold and silver threads add shine (e.g., Lurex).
Other
CFCarbon fiber
Carbon fiber—extremely strong and lightweight, used in high-performance technical textiles and composites.
Other
GFFiber Optics
also: GLHeat-resistant and durable—for technical textiles and composite materials.
Other
AFOther Fibers
A general term for fibers that are not listed individually.
Other
TRBlended Fibers
Unspecified fiber composition—typical of blended fabrics.
No abbreviation found—try a different term.
The Four Fiber Families—A Brief Explanation
Each abbreviation belongs to one of four major families. Once you know them, you'll immediately understand what a substance can do—and how you should handle it.
Natural plant fibers. Cotton (CO), linen (LI), and hemp (HA) are derived from plants. They are breathable, gentle on the skin, and comfortable to wear—ideal for everyday wear and summer.
Natural fibers of animal origin. Wool (WO), virgin wool (WV), silk (SE), and cashmere (WS) are all animal-derived materials. They provide warmth, regulate moisture, and offer a luxurious, high-quality feel.
Regenerated or semi-synthetic fibers. Viscose (CV), Modal (CMD), and Lyocell (CLY) are made from natural cellulose but are industrially processed. The fluid, soft middle ground between nature and technology.
Synthetic fibers. Polyester (PES), polyamide (PA), and spandex (EL) are petroleum-based. They are easy to care for, durable, and provide stretch and functionality—from athletic wear to perfectly fitting jeans.
You really should know these abbreviations
You’ll come across a few abbreviations on almost every label. CO stands for cotton (on some labels, you’ll also see the German abbreviation BW), PES for polyester, PA for polyamide (better known as nylon), CV or VI for viscose, and EL for elastane—the stretch fiber behind the brand names Lycra and Spandex. For high-end items, it’s worth checking for WO (wool), WV (virgin wool), and SE (silk).
Conclusion: Your Label, Decoded
Behind those few letters on your label lies a whole world of fibers and features. If you know how to read them, you’ll shop more thoughtfully, care for your clothes properly, and enjoy your favorite pieces for longer.
Want to dive even deeper into the world of textiles? In ourfabric guide featuring 65 types of fabric, we explain each type in detail.
You Ask, We Answer – Frequently Asked Questions About Textile Abbreviations
What does "CO" mean on a clothing label?
CO stands for cotton. Some manufacturers use the German abbreviation BW instead—but they always refer to the same natural plant-based fiber.
What is the difference between WO and WV?
WO refers to wool in general. WV stands for virgin wool—that is, wool that comes directly from a live, freshly shorn animal and is considered to be of particularly high quality. WV is, so to speak, the premium grade of WO.
Is viscose (CV/VI) a synthetic fiber?
Not quite—but it’s not a pure natural fiber either. Viscose is classified as a regenerated or semi-synthetic fiber: It’s derived from natural cellulose but is then processed industrially. That’s why it often feels silky but is less expensive than real silk.
What does EL stand for—and is it the same thing as Lycra?
EL (also EA) stands for elastane, the highly elastic stretch fiber. Lycra® and Spandex are simply brand names for exactly the same fiber—chemically, there is no difference.
Is Tencel the same as Lyocell?
Yes. Tencel™ is a brand name used by Lenzing for its Lyocell fiber (abbreviation: CLY). The label may only list the fiber name “Lyocell,” not the brand name—good to know for your next shopping trip.
Are the abbreviations standardized internationally?
For the most part, yes. The abbreviations are standardized (in accordance with ISO and the EU Textile Labelling Regulation, among others) and are used consistently throughout Europe and around the world. That’s why our guide works even when you’re shopping on vacation.
Christine Schmitz
My love for fashion and communication led me to Ana Alcazar—having cut my teeth as a copywriter and concept developer in traditional advertising, I’ve been writing for our Munich-based designer label for over 10 years. On the editorial team, I’m responsible for all corporate topics, and I also focus on current trends and my passion: gender equality.
Between Image and History
Sometimes a story needs more than a photo can convey. That’s why some of the images in this article were created using artificial intelligence (AI)—curated, inspiring, and always in the spirit of “Wear your Story.” The AI-generated images are clearly labeled next to each photo.
