various elastic fibres, of which the most commonly used is elastane. In woven textiles, if elastane is included in the warp the fabric will stretch lengthwise, though if the fibre is included in the weft, then elasticity will be transversal. But fabrics may also be bi- elastic, which means they will stretch lengthwise as well as widthwise if elastane is used in both warp and weft. The flexibility and elasticity of fabrics will determine their use in various sectors: clothes making (“stretch”, “perfect fit” clothes), or medical (belts, stockings, knee bands, etc.). Physical. These functions require textile materials to behave as either insulators or conductors of electricity, or as absorbers, separators or filters of fluids as is the case with waterproof fabrics. But some fabrics may be required to let water steam through, for humidity management. - Insulation or conductivity. Fabrics may be insulating or conductive fabrics may respectively protect or diffuse electricity or heat, for instance. There are many sectors requiring the use of such fibres, to include as well highly conductive materials (metal or carbon fibres) to highly insulating or heat protective elements (glass fibre). Electricity conductors are used for electromagnetic barriers, eliminating electrostatics as in circuits, etc. - Absorbent. A fabric absorbing fluid, specifically in terms of non-woven fabrics, will offer performance to various degrees, in terms of thickness, fibre thickness, average porosity and the natural hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of fibres. Fibres used for absorbent fabrics will usually be extra hydrophilic, and application includes disposable or medical items (sheets, disposable wipes, dental pads, pads) or image wear and workwear. Also, sportswear: sole pads, head bands absorbing sweat, etc. - Waterproof/permeable. A full number of functions in terms of waterproof or permeable fibres are required to make, sportswear, footwear, and many other products. These materials must act as barriers against fluids, but at the same time, they need to be permeable to air and steam (perspiration). The double function is attained through the use of fabric combined with membrane or micro-porous finishes. - Protection against the cold. This was the very first function required of clothing. As humans demanded warmer clothing, insulation became a necessity but at the same time, clothes need to be light, comfortable, allowing for freedom of movement. Warm clothes may be manufactured in accordance to two insulation principles: passive, as in systems including four product families: polars, natural padding (feathers, Duvet), synthetic padding (hollow or full fibres), and double fabrics; or else, active systems, more recent, more innovative, but not widely used: PCM capsules and clothes with batteries. In those cases where low temperatures are extreme, fabrics may be multi-layered, with an inner hydrophilic finish, a number of insulating layers, and a waterproof outer layer. Those inner layers, insulating against the cold, may include non-woven fabrics at least in one case. Biologic. Antimicrobial protection. Fabrics protecting against microbes are used in many application fields, as they must act as barriers, protecting against bacterial or fungal reproduction caused by work environments where hygiene is not possible. The inhibition of reproduction is essential to healthcare fabrics, and fabrics may be either treated to be antibacterial, or made from fibres inherently adverse to bacterial reproduction. Antibacterial fabrics and the choice of the most suitable type of protection will depend on the type, use and protection requirements in each Reports and Surveys /13