There are two clear types of fabric treatment – the practical, which ensures the life of the fabric or allows it to carry out a particular job; and the aesthetic, which makes the fabric look and feel nice for the end-user.  Practical treatments may be invisible to the naked eye, but can be incredibly important in the long run – in fact, these treatments may even end up saving lives.

One of the most common types of practical treatment for textiles and fabrics is fire-proofing, in which a flame retardant is applied to the fabric.  Retardants are usually highly chemical in nature, and need to form a seal over the surface of the fabric to prevent the material from catching alight.  These fabrics are common in aircraft, in factories, and in some public transport.

Another common type of treatment is waterproofing, the opposite of the treatment spectrum from fireproofing!  Again, a plastic or chemical solution is applied to the fabric, forming a coating on the surface which repels water.  This treatment is common to fabrics used for umbrellas, anoraks, wet-weather gear, some swim wear, boating gear, and the textiles used in watercraft.  Even shower curtains are likely to have been waterproofed!