ABSTRACTFingernails submitted in criminal cases involving struggles between individuals may contain trace evidence linking the two parties. Fingernail clippings can be examined for the presence of fibres and, if present, these fibres can be compared to the fibres used in the construction of a particular garment. The significance of finding fibres on clippings and the frequency of finding specific fibres are important issues in the ability to form a meaningful forensic conclusion. Fingernail clippings from fifty-six subjects were examined for the presence of fibres. The fibres were categorized according to colour and type (cottons, wools, other naturals and manmade). The subjects were classified according to gender, age, and left versus right handed dominance. It was determined that it was not unusual to find fibres under fingernails and that colourless/white, blue, and grey/black cottons were the most predominant. No significant differences were identified with respect to gender of the subjects. No trend emerged that illustrated a tendency for the number of recovered fibres to be related to the dominant hand. Children had more fibres under their nails than adults.