Ramie fiber of various uses

　　Ramie is a term appearing with increased frequency in the labeling of sweaters and some linen-look textiles. It is a plant fiber that has been used since ancient times.
　　Ramie is one of the strongest natural fibers and exhibits even greater strength when wet.
　　The long, fine ramie fibers are naturally white and lustrous with an almost silky appearance. It is a cellulosic substance as is cotton, linen and other plant fibers.
　　The inner structure of ramie differs from the other plant fibers in that the physical form of the cellulose is rigid and crystalline like linen but is a more porous sieve-like form providing it with even better absorbency than other cellulose fibers.
　　Like linen and cotton, ramie has poor resiliency and wrinkles easily. Application of wrinkle-resistant finishes or blending with synthetic fibers can reduce the problem in woven fabrics.
　　The fiber has some natural stain resisting ability with ease of stain/soil removal similar to that of linen, which is better than cotton. Some variation exists in the appearance of fabrics containing ramie. Blends are more common than pure ramie with the most typical being 55 percent ramie/45
percent cotton.
　　Fashion cycles emphasizing use of natural fibers will affect the popularity of ramie. The consumerwho knows the strengths and limitations of the fiber can receive maximum service and enjoyment from ramie products.