Synthetic fibers are fibers made by humans through chemical synthesis, as opposed to natural fibers that are directly derived from living organisms, such as plants or fur from animals. They are the result of extensive research by scientists to replicate naturally occurring animal and plant fibers. Synthetic fibers are created by extruding fiber-forming materials through spinnerets, forming a fiber. These are called synthetic or artificial fibers.

About half of all fibers are synthetic, with applications in every field of fiber and textile technology. Although many classes of fibers based on synthetic polymers have been evaluated as potentially valuable commercial products, four of them - nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polyolefin - dominate the market. These four account for approximately 98 percent by volume of synthetic fiber production, with polyester alone accounting for around 60 percent.

Common synthetic fibers include nylon, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic, and polyester. Specialty synthetic fibers include rayon, vinyon, saran, spandex, vinalon, and aramids. Synthetic fibers have come a long way since their inception and are now used in a wide range of applications, from clothing and textiles to industrial and medical uses.