What does the term 'textiles' refer to?

The term 'textiles' specifically refers to a type of cloth or woven fabric, which is produced through various processes of weaving, knitting, or felting fibers. This definition points to the core of the textile industry, which is centered around the creation, use, and trade of fabrics that serve numerous purposes, from clothing to industrial materials. The significance of textiles during the Industrial Revolution was immense, as advancements in technology led to mass production techniques that transformed the way fabrics were produced and consumed.

Though the other choices touch on various aspects related to textiles and the broader economic context, they do not accurately define what textiles are. Machinery plays a role in production but does not define the product itself. The sector of the economy refers to the industry as a whole rather than the specific goods produced. Lastly, a method of production describes the processes involved but not the end product, which in this context remains focused on woven or knitted fabrics. Thus, option C captures the essence of what textiles are all about.