Most forensic scientists are well aware of the traditional situations in which fibres may be used to provide evidence in criminal cases. Increased emphasis on DNA analysis has meant that fibres examiners must consider new ways in which their service to the criminal justice system can be improved and extended. These changes can be divided into four areas-finding new applications where fibre or textile evidence may be useful making improvements in case management and analytical procedures; accumulating new information on fibre frequencies to facilitate the assessment of evidential value of case findings and striving to increase fibres intelligence work. These endeavours have been supported by increasing international co-operation and the introduction of Best Practice Guidelines.