A difference is made between natural and man-made or synthetic fibres. Even thousands of years ago, humans used natural fibres (plant- or animal-based raw materials) to make their clothes, examples of these including hemp, jute, linen, cotton, silk, cashmere and leather. Man-made fibres, such as viscose, modal, polyester, polyamide and elastane, became more prominent during the 20th century.
Leather is an umbrella term for all animal skins. Lambskin is leather which has not had the wool removed. It is one of the most sought-after natural materials there is and is not only used in the textile and clothing industries but also in the car, shoe and furniture industries.