this work concerns the damage to undyed fabrics caused by climatic conditions prevailing at an urban site in egypt. samples of unfinished cotton of different counts and densities were used. for comparison purposes, samples of nylon, polyester, taffeta and satin fabrics were included in the survey. these were subjected to unprotected outdoor exposure for 120 days. the different fibres showed significant variations in changes to physical properties arising from exposure. thus, breaking strength losses range from 29 to 87 of the original value, while losses in elongation range from 26 to 85 of the initial elongation value. losses were found to be least for the coarsest cotton fiber and highest for taffeta and satin. nylon and polyester were both seriously attacked. with these a much greater loss of strength than of elongation was observed. 3 refs