Everything you Need to Know About Fabrics

I am hearing a chorus of grumbles echoing through my computer screen, but seriously, there's no better moment to learn about the ingredients you're putting onto your body. Truely informed consumers pay attention to the materials their clothes are made of and how to take the best care of them as they can.

1. Cotton

Ah, cotton. The tough material is the world's most sought-after fabric. You can discover it everywhere, from bed sheets and towels to t-shirts, jeans underwear, and so on.

It is a natural fiber that is grown, spun, and then compressed into the shape that we see hanging on our clothes. The most essential thing to remember when buying cotton is to select organic wheneverit is possible. Organic cotton is environmentally sustainable and biodegradable. 

It's manufactured without the use of pesticides or toxic chemicals that can harm water sources and farmers. Organic cotton knit fabric is also free of contaminants from chemicals as none are employed in the harvesting or farming processes, meaning that if you suffer from allergies or sensitive skin, you can wear the clothing without worrying about reactions.

Concerning the good care of the cotton fabric, it is durable and hardwearing. Cold cycles in a washing machine and eco-friendly detergents are the best choice here. The only thing is aware of is shrinkage. The cotton will usually shrink after the first wash. 

It can also lose its shape if placed in the dryer. It is possible to hang your cotton products for drying on the line, or remove them from the dryer while they're still damp, allowing any remaining water to evaporate naturally.

2. Silk

The most stunning textiles that exist Silk is elegant, luxurious, and is used by your favorite designers. Silk is a byproduct of silkworms who can line their cocoons with silk threads, which are later transformed into the fabric we have today.

One thing to remember is that silk is a process that kills worms in the process of making silk. Certain varieties of vegan silk do exist, where insects aren't hurt and the threads are taken from theircocoons once they've already left their cocoons behind. 

There's also a huge difference between the natural free-range silk producers who permit the worms to roam in the wild and don't employ chemicals in the process of harvesting and those that employ chemical harvesting. Find out if the brands you love are made from ethically sourced silk.

Handwashing with chilled water can be the most common way to clean silk clothing, however certain silk garments will need dry-cleaning. In contrast to other fabrics, it is recommended to not spot clean a silk item. 

It is possible to leave an unclean region if you do this lightening or darkening the color through spotcleaning. Clean the entire garment in the process of getting rid of the stain or bring it to experts if you're not sure about tackling it by yourself.

3. Wool

What would we be doing without wool? Very cold, I can imagine. We can thank sheep for this all-natural fibre that is the foundation of our winter clothing and sweaters, whether it is knitted into jumpers and cardigans, or made into threads, and used to create jackets and coats.

Biodegradable, renewable, and extremely durable wool is a non-impact fabric with a strong production system that is available locally within Australia as well as New Zealand. (Look to Woolmark such as the Australian Wool Exchange or Woolmark symbols when you purchase wool-related items.)

If you properly care for the woolen pieces, they could last for a long time. Make sure you use a special woolen detergent and wash it by hand or machine wash if your washing machine has wool cycles. When dry flat woolen pieces won't shrink. You should keep them out of the dryer in case you don't want them to become matte.

4. Polyester

Synthetic material is among the most well-known among fashion designers. It's affordable to manufacture and to purchase, easy to maintain, durable and light. It holds its shape, dries quickly, and doesn't tend to wrinkle or fold.

But you've guessed that there was a catch that was coming, didn't you? It's synthetic. This signifies that it's made of plastic and that means the material isn't biodegradable. The items you throw away are destined for the garbage. Additionally, polyester isn't breathable and therefore can be an unsuitable fabric for people who suffer from allergies or sensitive skin to wear.

As with nylon there are also recycled polyesters that are available on the market especially those made from plastic bottles that were once used. Australian brands such as Kit X and global labels such as Stella McCartney are leading the trend in this area, by sourcing recycled polyesters for their collections.

5. Rayon

Rayon is a cousin to cotton. two cousins and both originate from cellulose fibres that have been regenerated. Cotton obtains its cellulose through the plant of cotton however, rayon receives the cellulose it needs from wood. The process can be a long one, and chemicals need to be used to ensure that the trees create enough cellulose for the production of rayon. The end product is a fibrous material that can be blended with other fibers, like silk, polyester, cotton and polyester.

What makes rayon valuable in fashion is its multi-tasking, and multi-purpose. It can take on the characteristics of everything from linen silk to wool and can be easily dyed and worked on. However, it's not as robust and frequently requires hand washing to extend its shelf longevity.