World silk production in 1940 was 59 million kg. By 1950 it had dropped to 19 million kg. By the mid-1980s it had climbed to about 68 million kg. Figures - World Raw Silk Production Say No to Silk Silk is used for suits, coats, trousers, jackets, shirts, ties, lingerie, hosiery, gloves, lace, curtains, linings and handbags. Synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester are stronger than silk and lower in price.
Plant fibres are capable of producing some amazing fabrics.
Fibres from the pineapple, for example, may be made into fabrics as silky as any silk.