Know Your Garment
COTTON
Cotton is a natural product and comes from the cotton plant. The seed fluff of the plant are the cotton fibres. These fibres are spun into threads and are used to make soft, breathable textiles.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Good strength
- Abrasion resistance
- Hydrophilic, Absorb moisture quickly
- Comfortable fiber to wear in hot weather
- No static or pilling
- Completely launderable & dry cleanable
- Fair drape, Soft hand & Inexpensive
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Little luster
- Poor elasticity
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Cold wash, Separate wash for dark colors, Machine wash on normal cycle, or Gentle hand wash, Wash Garments Inside Out
- DRY - Normal wash or Permanent press for machine wash or Hand dry in shadow
- DRY CLEAN - Dry cleanable if necessary
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Use mild detergent & Fabric softener or Drying sheets to reduce winkling
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Iron on cotton settings. Medium hot iron or steam press. Always iron wrong side of garment or use a pressing cloth between iron & garment.
POPLIN
Poplin is primarily made from 100% real cotton. Poplin fabric is characterised by its distinctive ribbed texture and tightly closed weave. This gives the fabric the lustre that we all love. poplin is thin and cool with an easy drape, yet simultaneously sturdy and tough. Whilst traditionally it was primarily used for commonplace attire, it now has a place both in your everyday wardrobe and haute couture fashion. Its popularity is hardly surprising, favoured for its strong, durable nature but soft, lustrous surface. It’s basically a solid, all-rounder fabric that can’t really do any wrong.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Durable and strong
- Cool, lightweight
- Versatile
- Soft to touch
- Lustrous face
- Subtle sheen
- Comfortable
- Delight to print on
- Doesn’t wrinkle easy
- Doesn’t stain easy
- Water resistant
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Doesn’t lock in heat
- Not enough warm for winter
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Easiest fabric for machine wash, Machine wash on normal cycle in cold water to prevent shrinkage or colour fading or gentle hand wash
- DRY - Tumble dry on low heat or hang it up to dry or lay it flat to dry in shadow
- DRY CLEAN - Dry cleanable if necessary
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - gentle detergent that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Iron on cotton settings. Medium hot iron or steam press. Always iron wrong side of garment or use a pressing cloth between iron & garment. To remove wrinkles, spritz some water over the clothes and then straighten them out with your fingers while ironing.
LINEN
Linen comes from flax plant. It is harvested by pulling the entire plant from the ground. The plant goes through a long process that enables the outside layers to decay and so allows access to the fibers within. When fiber is processed into yarn, It is called linen. The finest linen comes from Europe, and specifically from Belgium, where an optimal climate and rich soil allows for strong, beautiful flax.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Excellent strength, strongest of the plant fibers
- Much more stronger when wet
- Good hand & luster
- More hydrophilic than cotton
- Absorbs moisture quickly & dries quickly
- Subtle sheen
- Comfortable
- Delight to print on
- Easily washable & dry cleanable
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Easily get wrinkled
- Poor elasticity
- Poor resiliency
- Vulnerable to mildew & silvefish
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Machine wash to low temperatures in cold and preferably soft water or gentle hand wash
- DRY - Tumble dry to low temperatures. Remove from the dryer when still slightly damp to avoid the linen becoming stiff, and hang or lie flat to finish off the drying process.
- DRY CLEAN - Dry cleanable if necessary
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - gentle detergent that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - There really is no need to iron linen garments, unless they have become really crushed. But if you love ironing, or have an item that really needs pressing, iron while the fabric is still damp. Use a medium-hot iron on the steam setting. White linen is better ironed on both sides, whilst dark linen should be pressed only on the reverse side.
ORGANIC COTTON
Organic cotton refers to naturally cultivated cotton without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides or transgenic technology. Organic cotton promotes and enhances biodiversity and biological cycles and so is beneficial to human health and the environment. Therefore, even though the properties of organic cotton fibre are not as good as regular cotton fibre worldwide production of organic cotton is growing rapidly.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic fibre with soft hand
- Abrasion resistance
- Hydrophilic, Absorb moisture quickly
- Comfortable fiber to wear in hot weather
- No static or pilling
- Completely launderable & dry cleanable
- Fair drape
- Ensure better health for farmer & their family
- Reduces pollution caused by use of pesticides
- Prevents water contamination & conserves biodiversity
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- No luster
- Poor elasticity
- Expensive than conventional cotton
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Cold wash, Separate wash for dark colors, Machine wash on normal cycle, or Gentle hand wash, Wash Garments Inside Out
- DRY - Gentle wash or Permanent press for machine wash or Hand dry in shadow
- DRY CLEAN - Dry cleanable if necessary
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Use mild detergent & Fabric softener or Drying sheets to reduce winkling
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON -Iron on cotton settings. Medium hot iron or steam pressed. Always iron wrong side of garment or use a pressing cloth between iron & garment.
SILK
Silk fiber is a natural protein fiber. It could come from a moth or spider. The silkworms are cultivated and raised under controlled conditions of environment an nutrition. This is called sericulture. The food for sericulture silkworms consists solely of mulberry leaves. These worms produce the finest, silkiest fibers. There are many kinds of silks other than mulberry silk. Tussah Silk, Raw Silk, Muga Silk, Habutai Silk are few names of them. Silk is regarded as one of the most luxurious and strong fabrics on the planet. This shimmering fabric is known for its slippery and smooth texture. It has many unique characteristics and uses that sets it apart from other fabrics. It can be blended with other fibres to create versatile and sturdy fabric. Here are some of the unique characteristics and uses of silk.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Durable and strong
- Cool, lightweight
- Versatile
- Soft to touch
- Lustrous face
- Subtle sheen
- Comfortable
- Delight to print on
- Doesn’t stain easy
- Good elasticity
- Moderate resistance to wrinkling
- Good Absorbency
- Do not attract dirt because of slippery & smooth surface
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Overexposure to sun can weaken fiber & color
- Very delicate fabric
- Wrinkle easily
- Need much care
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - No machine wash, Gentle hand wash with cold water, Separate colors
- DRY - Do not tumble dry, Do not wring, Reshape & hang dry
- DRY CLEAN - Always dry clean after few wears
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Do not use detergent, chemical & fabric softener at home
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Iron at silk setting, low temperature, Iron inside out
HEMP
Hemp is a yellowish- brown fiber made from the hemp plant. Hemp plant grows easily and quickly in many parts of the world. Hemp fibers are considered as one of the strong member of bast natural fibers family, which are derived from the hemp plant under the species of Cannabis.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Three times stronger than cotton
- Good abrasion resistance/very durable
- Anti-microbial and UV resistance
- Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot
- Readily takes dyes
- Softens with each washing, without fiber degradation
- Breathable
- Washable or dry cleanable
- Wrinkles easily/poor resiliency
- Poor drapeability
- Not as soft as other fibers
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Textured surface, not soft hand
- Wrinkles easily
- Expensive fiber
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Cold wash, Separate wash for dark colors, Machine wash on normal cycle, or Gentle hand wash, Wash Garments Inside Out
- DRY - Don’t wring, tumble dry in low heat setting until slightly damp or line drying or drying flat in the sun
- DRY CLEAN - Recommended due to potential shrinkage
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Recommended due to potential shrinkage
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Ironing in side out when slightly damp, Use pressing cloth on high temperature setting.
KHADI
Khadi is made from cotton, but it may also include silk or wool, which are all spun into yarn on a charkha. It is a versatile fabric that remains cool in summer and warm in winter. To improve its appearance, khadi is sometimes starched to give it a stiffer feel. It is widely accepted in various fashion circles.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Strong & durable
- Good abrasion resistance/very durable
- Anti-microbial and UV resistance
- Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot
- Breathable
- Washable or dry cleanable
- Organic, natural & sustainable fabric
- Beauty of garment, enhance after each wash
- Versality property; cooler in summer & warmer in winter
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Shrinks easily
- Wrinkles easily
- Coarse texture cause itching
- Not drapable
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Cold wash, Separate wash for dark colors, Machine wash on normal cycle, or Gentle hand wash, Wash Garments Inside Out
- DRY - Recommended line drying or hang drying, Don’t tumble dry
- DRY CLEAN - Recommended due to potential shrinkage
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Use mild detergent & Fabric softener
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Ironing inside out when slightly damp, Use pressing cloth on medium temperature setting.
TENCEL
Tencel is a brand name for a few types of sustainable fabric made from wood pulp. A high-end material, it is well regarded for being soft and durable and is a popular alternative to cotton for cooling bed sheets. Care instructions for Tencel should be followed carefully, generally avoiding high heat. Trademarked by Lenzing, an Austrian chemical and textile manufacturing company, Tencel is the name of a group of semi-synthetic textiles made from sustainably sourced wood pulp that is then chemically processed into thread. Considered a somewhat high-end fabric, Tencel is known for its soft feel and durability. It is also noted for both its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, which make it an exceptional fabric for temperature regulation. Tencel is made from several types of wood pulp, though it’s most commonly sourced from eucalyptus trees. The wood pulp is chemically processed into a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber that’s used in an array of products like clothing and bedding. The manufacturing process is monitored to ensure sustainable wood sourcing, and Tencel production typically uses less water and fewer pesticides than cotton.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Strong & durable
- Less shrinkage
- Easily washable & laundererable
- Soft hand feel
- Moisture wicking
- Naturally breathable
- Sustainable textile
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- More expensive
- Limited dye retention
- Fuzziness & pilling may occur
- Color change & surface change when laundering on high temperature
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Cold wash, Separate wash for dark colors, Machine wash on normal cycle, or Gentle hand wash, Wash Garments Inside Out
- DRY - Recommended line drying or hand drying, Don’t tumble dry
- DRY CLEAN - Recommended due to color & surface change
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Use mild detergent & Fabric softener
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Ironing inside out. Use pressing cloth on medium temperature setting.
CUPRO
Cupro is a ‘regenerated cellulose’ fabric made from cotton waste. It is made using the teeny tiny silky cotton fibres, known as linter, that stick out of the cottonseed and are too small to spin. The linter is dissolved into a cuprammonium solution, which is a mixture of copper and ammonium, dropped into caustic soda, then spun into fibre. Much like Tencel and Modal cupro is a plant-based material that is chemically processed to produce the resulting fabric. Cupro is said to have all the positive qualities of silk: it’s silky-smooth and drapes just like the luxurious material. cupro is also commonly known as “Bemberg” as well as “ammonia silk” and “cuprammonium rayon”.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Uses waste by-products of cotton processing
- Biodegradable, a huge plus in the current climate
- Lightweight and breathable
- Mixes easily with other fabrics
- Dyes fantastically, producing vibrant prints
- It’s sheer and has good elasticity
- Can be machine washed (cold wash)
- Hypo-allergenic and anti-static
- Completely vegan-friendly
- Creates much less wastewater than cotton
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Uses some harsh chemicals in the creation process
- It ignites easily at temperatures over 180°C
- Chars when ignited and leaves a coppery residue
- Cannot be tumble dried at all, must be cold washed
- Wrinkles easily and so isn’t travel-friendly
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Highly recommended hand wash in cold water. Turn inside out of garment, place in a mess washing bag, Cold wash, delicate cycle and off spin cycle if machine wash is necessary
- DRY - Lay flat or hang to dry, don’t tumble dry strictly.
- DRY CLEAN - Dry cleanable if needed
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Use mild detergent & Fabric softener
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Iron on lowest temperature setting or steam press
MODAL
Modal fabric is all-plant based. Modal is made from natural materials and is completely biodegradable, so it technically is a sustainable textile. Like rayon, modal is obtained from cellulose, the natural cell fiber in all vegetation. But, modal is only made from the wood pulp of renewable beech tree. Beech trees require minimal irrigation and zero chemicals or pesticides. They can also grow gracefully on lands that are inappropriate for other vegetation. Hence, beech trees are a renewable and sustainable natural resource with a decent yield under proper care and management.
FAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Silky hand feel
- Luster & shiny surface
- Breathable & strong
- Good drape
- Higher tensile strength
- Excellent moisture wicking property
- No shrinkage & pilling
- Very low static charge
- Excellent resiliency & no wrinkle
- Very good dye absorbing & printing property
UNFAVORABLE PROPERTIES
- Can cause allergic problems
- Not durable & heat resistance compare to cotton, linen
CLOTHING CARE
- WASH - Cold wash, Separate wash for dark colors, Machine wash on normal cycle, or Gentle hand wash, Wash Garments Inside Out
- DRY - Recommended line drying or hang drying
- DRY CLEAN - Dry cleanable if needed
- DETERGENT & FABRIC SOFTENER - Use mild detergent & Fabric softener
- BLEACH - Do not bleach
- IRON - Iron on medium temperature or steam press
