Often mistaken for linen because of the unevenness in the fiber, ramie is frequently found in modern textiles. China is still one of the leading producers, but faces competition from Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines and Brazil. When incorporated into fabric alone, ramie is extremely absorbent, dries quickly, resists shrinkage, and is unusually resilient against mildew, mold, and insect attacks. Yet, its poor elasticity and brittleness make it better suited for fabric blends. Added to cotton, for instance, ramie increases strength, color, and luster without overly degrading the flexibility of the fabric. Therefore, vegetable fiber is frequently a component in cotton knit sweaters. Besides apparel, ramie can also be found in fish netting, canvas, straw hats, upholstery, and fire hose.