frayed

Frayed is an adjective used to describe material whose edges have become worn, loose, or uneven due to rubbing, abrasion, or repeated handling. In textiles, fraying occurs when fibers at a cut edge pull away, exposing loose threads and creating a rough or irregular surface. It can result from normal wear, frequent washing, or tension along seams. Fraying is common on items such as denim, canvas, rope, and upholstery, and it may be deliberate in fashion to achieve a distressed or casual look, especially at hems, cuffs, and pockets. In ropes and cords, fraying weakens the strand by creating loose, frayed fibers that reduce strength and reliability.

The term is also used metaphorically to describe non-physical strain, such as frayed nerves, temper, finances, or relationships, signaling exhaustion, stress, or dysfunction.

Care and repair options vary by material. Preventive measures include finishing edges with overcasting stitches, serging, or applying fray-preventing products. If fraying has begun, loose threads can be trimmed and the edge secured with a narrow hem, binding, or patching. For fashion applications, frayed edges can be left as-is for a deliberate look, or they can be treated to minimize further unraveling. In rope work, frayed ends may be sealed or taped to reduce further fraying in some materials, though reinforced splices are often preferred for safety and longevity.

Overall, frayed describes both a physical condition of wear on materials and a common metaphor for strain or fatigue.