Metallic fibers are manufactured
fibers composed of metal, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated plastic, or a core completely covered by metal. Gold and silver have been used since ancient times as
yarns for fabric decoration. More recently,
aluminum yarns, aluminized plastic yarns, and aluminized
nylon yarns have replaced gold and silver.
Metallic filaments can be coated with transparent films to minimize tarnishing.