The tumultuous events during and after two world wars changed society forever.The new status of women no longer prepared to be tied to the home, a major re-adjustment of the class system, the pill and new sexual mores. Clothes and fashion played an important role in perceptions of social advancement, and man-made textiles supplied modern fabrics inexpensive enough to open up mass markets. They provided the easy-care demanded by the new consumer society. Written in an easy-to-read style this book covers the history, invention and textile technology of the main fibres including rayon, nylon, polyester and acrylics. Fashion, textile, sex , and high street retailer stories are closely entwined within that history. Anecdotes and illustrations add period character.