Textiles are flexible materials made from natural or synthetic fibers, yarns, or threads, formed into fabrics through processes like weaving, knitting, felting, or bonding, used for everything from clothing and home furnishings (carpets, bedding) to industrial applications (safety gear, geotextiles) and medical uses (surgical mesh). The term comes from the Latin textilis ("woven"), but now covers diverse materials beyond traditional woven cloth, including ropes, laces, and nonwovens