Material guide
Natural materials
Alpaca
Alpaca is a domesticated species of South American Camelidae that resembles a small llama and whose wool is harvested to make threads for clothing.
Characteristics
Softer than silk, rarer than cashmere and warmer than wool.
Exists in 16 natural colors.
Thermally insulating.
Hypoallergenic.
Care
Alpaca fiber clothing requires a bit more care. The best way to wash it, is by hand in cool water with a small amount of detergent – lay to dry in the shade.
It won’t shrink or pill if cared for correctly.
Angora
Angora wool is made by Angora rabbits, with 90% of Angora fur produced in China. It is mainly used for knitted clothing such as sweaters, vests and winter fashion accessories.
Characteristics
Lightest natural fiber ever made.
Extremely lightweight, but also very warm.
Clothing made from angora wool requires a lot of care. Cleaning angora too much can break the item down.
Care
Dry cleaning angora is the best way to care for it, but you can also hand wash it in cold water.
Avoid sunlight & bleach, as they can damage the material.
Place an angora sweater in the freezer for 20 minutes to restore its fluffiness.
Add salt to water to prevent colors from running when washing angora.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a natural textile made from the pulp of bamboo grass. The majority of the bamboo that is used in the textile trade comes almost exclusively from China.
Characteristics
Comfortable, breathable and anti-static.
Absorbs moisture well and dries fast.
Hypoallergenic
Wrinkle Resistant
Bamboo loses 60% of its strength when wet.
Bamboo products tend to be more expensive.
Care
Bamboo clothing can be washed at 30° and it is recommended to turn it inside out. Fabric softeners are neither needed, nor recommended.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a fiber obtained from a specific breed of goat, the cashmere goat. There are also pashmina goats and other breeds. The material is collected during the spring moulting season, when the goats naturally shed their winter coat. 90% of cashmere fabrics come from Mongolia.
Characteristics
Lightweight and comfortable.
Adapts well to temperature.
Cashmere clothing is very warm without being heavy.
It has a tendency to shrink.
Cashmere pieces are generally more expensive.
Care
Cashmere clothing should be hand washed or professionally dry cleaned.
A cashmere sweater should never be hung, but always folded to avoid misshaping the knit.
Keep it away from heat sources such as radiators and sunlight, and allow it to air-dry naturally.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre that is strong, absorbs moisture well and is easy to work with, which is also why it got its popularity in the fashion industry. It is often found in combination with other synthetic fibers that improve the elasticity and shape of clothing. Cotton is grown in more than 90 countries, notably in India, China, USA and Pakistan. Globally, the cotton industry employs more than 200 million people.
Characteristics
Cotton is breathable, soft to the touch and does not electrify.
Purely cotton clothes are hypoallergenic and do not irritate the skin.
However, they crease easily and are prone to pilling.
With frequent washing, the colours may start to fade.
Care
Cotton can withstand high temperatures, so you can wash 100% cotton clothing in temperatures up to 60° and cotton blend materials up to 40°C.
It's beneficial to turn clothing inside out before washing to prevent pilling.
Fur
Fur is the thick growth of hair that covers the skin of many animals. People often make coats and other warm clothing from fur, as fur is valued both for its beauty and the warmth it provides. The most popular natural furs used for clothing include beaver, fox, mink, muskrat, and raccoon. Chinchilla, mink, Persian lamb, and sable are among the most fashionable and most expensive furs.
Characteristics
Supremely warm and very comfortable to wear.
If cared for properly, fur clothing will last a long time.
Fur sheds.
Care
Furs should always be hung on a broad, sturdy padded hanger to keep the shoulders from losing their shape.
A genuine fur coat should be cleaned by a professional annually.
Hemp
Hemp, or industrial hemp is typically found in the northern hemisphere and is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown for various purposes such as industrial, medicinal or recreational. Pure hemp has a texture similar to linen. For clothing, in some instances, hemp is mixed with lyocell.
Characteristics
Three times stronger than cotton.
Breathable.
Very durable.
Anti-microbial and UV resistant.
Naturally resistant to mold, mildew and rot.
Softens with each washing, without fiber degradation.
Care
Place delicate hemp articles in a lingerie bag before putting them into a washing machine. Wash colored hemp in cold water.
Add one cup of white vinegar added to rinse water, it removes all traces of soap and leaves fabrics smelling fresh.
Jute
Jute is produced from the jute plant and is one of the most affordable natural fibers and second only to cotton in the amount produced. About 95% of jute in the world is grown and produced in India and Bangladesh. Jute production is environmentally friendly and easy to make and as a result, has minimal impacts on the environment.
Characteristics
Jute has good stretch and bending properties. Jute is often made into rugs, sackcloths, packaging and bags, which are considered one of the best alternatives to plastic bags.
Jute rugs can become moldy in high moisture and humid places.
Jute can be prone to shedding. Jute fabrics can be brittle so it must be handled gently and washed by hand – do not wring or twist the fabric when wet.
Care
Leather
Leather is a natural material created by tanning animal skins. The majority of the world's leather is produced in Asia.
Characteristics
Warm and breathable material, making it really good for shoes and jackets – synthetic leather lacks this feature and can become uncomfortable in warm weather.
Very durable.
Tends to be more expensive.
Care
Leather goods should be kept out of the sun in a cool, dry place. Do not keep leather in plastic bags.
When treating, only use products specifically designed for the treatment and maintenance leather.
Linen
Flax is a strong fiber and transforms into linen, a breathable and antibacterial fabric. It can grow in a cold non-tropical climate, so the majority of linen is produced in China, Belgium, France, Belarus and Russia.
Characteristics
Linen absorbs moisture well and dries quickly.
The fabric is anti-static, hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
Linen is thermo-regulating, meaning, a person who wears linen sweats 1.5 times less than when wearing cotton and 2 times less than when wearing viscose.
Linen lasts up to 12 times longer than cotton.
Linen wrinkles easily, requiring a lot of ironing.
Unlike cotton, linen fibers are weaker when wet – linen garments should be turned inside out before washing.
Care
Linen can be washed at 40° and then ironed at a higher temperature.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is a natural fiber grown by Merino sheep. Unlike regular sheep native to the lowlands, the merino is built to survive the scorching summers and freezing winters in the mountains of New Zealand, Australia and China. This type of wool is not only popular for sweaters and coats, but it is also the ideal thin base layer for close-to-skin sport garments.
Characteristics
Merino wool breathes, isolates warmth well and absorbs moisture.
Merino fibres are much softer than normal wool fibres, so it can be worn against even the most sensitive skin.
The lanolin in merino wool is naturally anti-odour, antibacterial and non-allergenic – it’s even fire-retardant.
Care
For merino wool, ventilating the garment is typically sufficient in place of washing.
Machine-wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water (avoid hot water as heat may shrink wool). Cannot be washed with chlorine detergents and fabric softeners.
Mohair
Mohair is a silk-like fabric made from the hair of the Angora goat (not to be confused with the Angora rabbit which produces Angora wool). Mohair is a luxurious material, ranked alongside cashmere and silk. Near 50% of the world's mohair comes from 12 farms in South Africa.
Characteristics
Mohair is known for it’s soft, silky wool. It is a strong fiber, doesn’t electrify and straightens easily. The addition of 15 to 25% of mohair fibers are enough to bring a soft feeling to a blended material.
Has great insulating properties, while remaining cool in the summer.
Care
For mohair, ventilating the garment is typically sufficient in place of washing.
If washed, it must be washed by hand or in the wool program. It cannot be washed with chlorine detergents and should be laid to dry naturally on a flat surface.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown in a traditional way and without the use of any chemicals. The seeds themselves are also not genetically modified.
Characteristics
Just as normal cotton, organic cotton is also breathable, soft to the touch and does not electrify.
Organic cotton clothing is hypoallergenic and does not irritate the skin.
However, it also creases easily and is prone to pilling.
With frequent washing, the colors may start to fade.
Care
Ramie
Ramie (also known as China Grass) is a long, strong and rigid fiber obtained from the plant’s stem. Rami is a member of the nettle family growing predominantly in tropical climates. Removing the fiber from the plant is a difficult process, therefore, rami is a very valuable fiber. The leading global producers of rami are China, Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines and Brazil.
Characteristics
The fiber absorbs water well and dries easily.
Resistant to bacteria, mold, sun and weather effects.
The fiber is very fine and looks like a mix of linen and silk.
Can stretch if not handled properly.
Care
Silk
Silk is an animal protein fiber produced by caterpillars of the mulberry silk moth. China traditionally produces about 80% of the world’s silk. Although relatively cheap to manufacture, silk is often seen as an expensive fibre.
Characteristics
Breathes well and feels warm on the skin in cool air and vice versa.
Soft, flexible and self-cleaning and therefore, it is often enough to ventilate silk instead of washing.
One of the most expensive fabrics on the market.
Wrinkles easily and requires a steam iron. Very delicate – stains with water, yellows with age and weakens from sun and soap.
Care
Silk needs special care. Dry-cleaning is the preferred method of cleaning silk garments, but if you plan to hand wash a silk garment, use mild soap and don’t twist it as it can ruin the clothing.
Wool
Lamb’s wool is the oldest animal fiber used in textiles. Most of the wool comes from Australia and New Zealand.
Characteristics
Wool breathes and isolates warmth well.
Absorbs moisture, doesn’t wrinkle and straightens quickly.
It can be scratchy and uncomfortable to wear.
Care
For lambswool, ventilating the garment is typically sufficient in place of washing.
If washed, it must be washed by hand or in the wool program. It cannot be washed with chlorine detergents.
Semi-synthetic materials
Acetate
A manufactured fiber using cotton waste or wood cellulose as raw materials and made by dry spinning with acetone used as a solvent.
Acetate was first produced in the 1920s in the form of diacetate silk by the English company Celanese. Later on, American companies started producing it and the United States became the top producer of acetate.
Acetate fabric is used frequently in wedding gowns and other bridal garments. Its smooth characteristics make it a good synthetic alternative to silk and is also sometimes used in sleepwear or the lining of clothes.
Characteristics
Gentle on the skin, with a silk-like gloss.
Ideal water absorption and quick-drying qualities; absorbs less water than viscose.
Does not shrink easily, so provides stability for dimensions and measurements.
Does not stain easily, and stains are easy to remove.
Flammable.
Creases easily.
Care
If the label shows that the garment containing acetate fibers can be washed, it is recommended to handwash it in cold water. Otherwise, dry cleaning is advised.
When ironing, use a low temperature and a pressing cloth over the item.
Cupro
Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from small pieces of cotton waste called cotton linters. It is produced through a chemical process that combines copper and ammonium. It is similar to rayon, but has breathable characteristics like cotton. Cupro can be used in knitwear, lingerie, linen cloths, dresses and blouses.
Although first produced in the 1900s in Germany, it is currently mainly manufactured in Japan.
Characteristics
Strong material, resistant to stretching.
Often used as a substitute for silk, due to its smoothness and softness.
Does not shrink or wrinkle easily and has good moisture absorbing qualities.
Stains easily.
Care
Delicate wash at 40°. Bleaching is not recommended. Dry cleaning is possible.
How to iron: A medium temperature setting may be used.
A medium temperature setting may be used when ironing.
Lyocell
A cellulose-based material produced from wood pulp (often, from eucalyptus, oak or birch) in a closed-circuit solvent spinning process using amine oxide.
Lyocell was first produced in the United States, where it is also known as Tencel. Currently, a major lyocell producer is located in Austria (Lenzing AG). Lyocell can be used in clothing, ex. blouses, denim-type products, underwear, sports clothes and baby clothes.
Characteristics
Soft, smooth, breathable and lightweight.
A strong fiber that does not wrinkle easily, but is elastic and flexible at same time.
Anti-bacterial and non-sweating, due to its moisture absorbing qualities.
The cost of lyocell is higher than other eco-friendly materials.
Not so easy to dye, because of its fairly low energy surface.
Care
Hand-wash in warm or cold water with a mild detergent, without squeezing the cloth and allowing it to air dry on a hanger.
A medium temperature setting when for ironing (not too high) is recommended.
Modal
A type of rayon produced by fibers of beech trees using the viscose process.
Modal was first developed in Japan in the 1950s. Currently, the largest producer is China, other countries producing modal are India, Philippines and Austria. Modal is used for underwear, sports clothes, t-shirts, nightwear, bathrobes and bed sheets.
Characteristics
It has a bright shine and a smooth, silk-like feel.
Good moisture absorbing properties and it does not wrinkle easily.
Breathable.
Chemicals are used in its production, therefore it might cause allergic reactions.
Care
Can be washed in any water temperature, however, cold water and a mild detergent are recommended.
Only woven modal fabrics require delicate ironing.
Piñatex
An innovative natural fabric made from pineapple leaf fibers. The leaves are left over from pineapples harvested in a farm in the Philippines and are converted into the fabric through a decortication process. Piñatex is used in clothes, bags, shoes, and even furniture.
Characteristics
Sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to leather.
Strong and long-lasting.
Breathable, lightweight and has a soft feel.
Water resistant, but not waterproof.
Care
Gentle waxing with natural colorless wax is recommended.
Viscose
A cellulose-based fiber made from trees (e.g. eucalyptus, beech, pine) or other plants (bamboo, soy, sugar cane). It is chemically processed to become a viscous substance which turns into a solid fiber. Viscose is used for blouses, shirts, dresses, suits, lightweight knitwear, trousers etc.
The production of viscose was patented in the UK in the 19th century. Currently, the biggest producing country is China.
Characteristics
Soft, comfortable and drapes beautifully.
Breathable.
Good moisture absorbing qualities.
It can ignite and burn easily.
Prone to shrinking, stretching and wrinkling.
It loses its strength when wet.
Care
Dry cleaning is recommended; hard washing might destroy the material.
Lowest temperature setting while ironing, and ironing while the fabric is still damp are recommended.
Synthetic materials
Acrylic
Acrylic is a petroleum-based synthetic fiber made from polymers. The production of acrylic fibers is based in the Far East, Turkey, India, Mexico, and South America.
It is mainly used in the production of knitwear, faux furs, underwear and outdoor fabrics. It is much cheaper than wool and is therefore used as a substitute, or is mixed with other materials such as cotton and mohair.
Characteristics
It is light, soft, does not itch and has good weather resistant properties.
Acrylic is not as warm as wool.
Highly flammable.
Care
Clothes made from acrylic fibers should not be washed in temperatures higher than 30 degrees, as they are prone to shrinking. They dry faster and are not prone to wrinkling.
Elastane
Elastane is an oil-based fiber derived from polyurethane. It is also known as Spandex (an anagram for “expands”) or Lycra®, a name trademarked in 1958 by the DuPont Corporation. The production of elastane is mainly based in China, the United States, India, Pakistan, and Brazil.
Elastane is always used in combination with other fibers, most often as a filament fiber in order to add elasticity. It is mostly used in underwear, shapewear, socks, tights and swimsuits. It is also used in small percentages in combination with cotton for ex. in jeans and any other form-fitting garments, such as sportswear.
Characteristics
Highly elastic/stretchy.
The heat resistance of the fiber is poor.
Care
Clothes made from elastane should be washed at no more than 30 to 40 degrees.
They should be ironed with caution and turned inside out, as the fibers are sensitive to heat.
Polyamide
Polyamides are a group of synthetic fibers, the raw materials of which are by-products of the oil industry. The most well-known polyamide fiber is nylon, which can be found mostly in tights. It is also used as an inexpensive substitute for silk. Its production is mostly based in Germany, the United States and China.
Polyamide is predominantly used in socks, tights and underwear, sweaters and coats, but also in sportswear. It is especially elastic. Polyamide is often blended with cotton, viscose and modal.
Characteristics
Polyamide provides the product with a permanence to abrasion and acceleration of its drying process.
Care
As most synthetic materials, polyamide/nylon is sensitive to heat, therefore it should not be washed at high temperatures (max at 40 degrees).
It dries fast and usually does not require any ironing. Delicate underwear and tights should be hand-washed.
Polyester
Polyester is the world’s most produced textile fiber made from petroleum. The most popular variation is the one made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET (the same material plastic bottles are made from). The production is mostly based in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Polyester dominates the clothing industry, with annual production exceeding 22.67 billion tonnes worldwide. You will find it all types of clothing alone or as a filament fiber with fabrics like cotton, wool, and nylon. It is predominantly used in sportswear.
Characteristics
It is strong, durable and flexible.
Resistant to most chemicals, stretching and shrinking, wrinkle resistant, mildew and abrasion resistant.
Not very breathable and tends to stick to perspiring skin.
Since it does not breath, people tend to sweat more, and as it is not antibacterial, the clothing might need washing more frequently.
Sensitive to high temperatures.
Care
Polyester clothing is sensitive to high temperatures and should be washed at 40 degrees.
If necessary, polyester garments can be ironed, but should be done so turned inside out.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic made from waste from the oil industry. It is mostly produced in China and other Asian countries. The manufacturing of the fiber is fast and cheap, so polypropylene is an inexpensive material. Polypropylene is most often used as a filament fiber, especially in bathing suits, socks, underwear, sports textiles and wadding materials. It is often mixed with cotton and wool.
Characteristics
It is very elastic, resilient and resistant to chemicals and micro-organisms.
Popular due to its antibacterial properties.
Wrinkles easily.
Has low recovery capabilities if damaged.
Care
Polyurethane
Polyurethane fibers are made of oil. Their production is mostly based in Germany, the United States, and China. It is often made into waterproof products such as raincoats and parkas and it can be used as a coating to imitate, for example, leather. Many artificial leather products are made of polyurethane, as it is cheaper than genuine leather.
Characteristics
Durable, lightweight and breathable.
Resistant to both heat and moisture.
Care
As it blocks moisture, stains can often be removed with soap and a damp sponge.
Fabrics
Brocade
Brocade is a heavy weave fabric with a raised design. It looks like it is embroidered, however, the patterns are stitched on with extra weft threads as the fabric is woven on a loom, often with gold or silver threads. Traditionally, it could be found on garments worn in India, China or Central America. In Europe, brocade has been known since the 13th century, with the name coming from the Italian word “broccare” which means “to embroider.”
Brocade fabric can be made from natural materials like silk, cotton, linen but also synthetic ones like polyester. Brocade usually presents floral patterns or other intricate details.
Nowadays, brocade is used to make wedding dresses, evening gowns, skirts, suits but also elegant home decor items like pillows and drapes.
Characteristics
Looks unique and luxurious
Loses elasticity easily
Sensitive to high temperatures
Care
It is important to check the garment care label for fiber content and instructions, as most brocade garments should be dry-cleaned but some can be also hand-washed.
The fabric should not be ironed with high temperature, and should also be turned inside out when ironing.
Lay flat to dry and away from direct sunlight to ensure longevity.
Canvas
Canvas is a plain-woven fabric typically made of cotton and also, though less frequently, linen and hemp. Historically, canvas fabric used to be made of hemp and the word canvas is derived from the Greek and Latin words for hemp.
The fabric is known for being sturdy and durable. By blending it with synthetic materials, canvas can become more water resistant and therefore, great for making outdoor garments. Canvas fabric has a broad spectrum of uses and it is mainly used for the production of shoes (especially sneakers), bags, backpacks but also sails and tents.
Characteristics
Very durable fabric
Good mildew resistance
Low maintenance required
It can lose its shape when improperly washed or cared for
The manufacturing process involves the use of many chemicals
Care
It is important to check the garment care label for fiber content and instructions. You can machine wash canvas garments on a gentle cycle with cool water and a mild laundry detergent and then allow them to dry in the sun.
Ironing depends on the material canvas is made of. If it is made of cotton or linen, it can be ironed on high temperature, but synthetic canvas should be ironed on low temperatures.
Chiffon
Chiffon is a fabric that can be made from natural materials such as silk or cotton, or synthetic ones, such as polyester (most commonly) or nylon. The yarn that is used to produce chiffon is first twisted, then woven.
The name is French and means ‘cloth’ and the fabric is frequently used for evening or wedding dresses, but also for blouses, shirts, scarves or lingerie.
Characteristics
It has a very thin and soft feel but a rough texture at the same time
Can be easily dyed into various colors, especially when made from silk
Polyester chiffon is not breathable and can be damaged more easily
Silk chiffon can be hard to manage
Care
Silk chiffon should only be hand-washed.
Synthetic chiffon can be washed in the washing machine on a cold setting.
Corduroy
Corduroy is made of cotton or a cotton-mix fabric with a raised, ribbed underlying weave. It is made from woven, twisted fibres which lie in parallel rows or ‘cords’ to form the cloth’s texture. There are also corduroy fabrics that contain polyester fibers, a cotton/poly blend that reduces wrinkling. Elastane has to be added in order to add some stretch. Its uses in fashion include trousers, shirts, skirts, suits, caps, dresses and jackets.
Even though it originated much earlier, corduroy became popular in 18th century Manchester, where its hard-wearing nature made it ideal for factory wear. For this reason, corduroy is known as ‘Manchester’ in some parts of Europe. It became popular again in the 1960s and 1970s with college students and beatniks – also known as the “poor man’s velvet.”
Characteristics
Very warm, durable and breathable
Soft and comfortable to wear
Wrinkles easily
Although durable, will wear away/down with frequent wearing
Care
Most corduroy garments can be machine washed in warm or cold water, but be sure to avoid excessively hot water as this can cause shrinking.
Check the garment's care labels first, as some structured corduroy garments like jackets should only be dry cleaned, as the inner materials that help the garment hold its shape can be destroyed by washing.
When ironing, only do so inside out.
Denim
Denim is generally made of cotton, but nowadays it can be combined with synthetic materials such as polyester or Lycra. Denim is produced through a twill weaving process which gives it the pattern of diagonal ribbing. The yarns from which the fabric is made are twisted – the vertical one is dyed with indigo or blue, while the horizontal one remains white, thus giving the blue-white texture.
The fabric was first produced in Nîmes, France and was called “serge de Nîmes” (fabric of Nimes), from which the current name of “denim” derives. It gained popularity during the mid 19th century in the USA, where Levi Strauss started making denim trousers for workers.
Characteristics
A durable, strong and breathable fabric
Can be heavy or rigid to wear (although can have a more comfortable wear when blended with other materials)
Color can fade with frequent washing
Care
Wash in cold water and turn garments inside out to prevent colors from fading
Denim can be machine dried on a medium heat setting
Denim can be ironed at high temperatures
Flannel
Flannel is a soft and slightly napped fabric. Originally made from wool, flannel is now also made from cotton or synthetic fibers. Flannel is commonly used to make plaid patterned clothing, blankets, bed sheets, and sleepwear.
Characteristics
Extremely soft and warm, which is a result of the technique that uses a metal brush to rub the fabric, raising fine fibers for an even softer feel.
Does a great job of repelling moisture – wool flannel is great for people working in cold areas & whose jobs require a lot of body movements.
Care
In order to prevent shrinking wash with warm or cold water
Use only gentle detergents when washing
If ironing, only do so inside out
Fleece
Fleece is a synthetic insulating fabric made from polyester or other synthetic fibres. The popularity of fleece took off when a company called Malden Mills based in Massachusetts together with Patagonia invented the Polar Fleece, which is breathable and fast-drying, making it perfect for sportswear and winter clothes.
Fleece made from recycled polyester (such as consumer PET bottles) is a more environmentally-friendly alternative.
Characteristics
Softer than wool and much lighter
Breathable, fast-drying and moisture resistant
Does not retain insulation properties when wet, in comparison to wool
Static-prone and can attract lint and pet hair
Not fire-resistant – be careful around open flames when wearing
Care
Close all zippers before washing and turn the garment inside out to reduce pilling
Wash on a gentle cycle with a low temperature setting
Use only mild detergents – do NOT use fabric softeners – to keep your garment staying fluffy
Gore-Tex
A synthetic waterproof membrane produced by the GORE TEX brand, which can repel liquids while allowing water vapor to pass through. It is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use. Although it can be used for any type of garment (jackets, boots, backpacks etc.) it is especially used for outdoor and sport clothing.
Characteristics
Many properties including: waterproof, windproof, breathable and UV resistant
Can be difficult to care for and maintain
Care
Machine wash on a warm cycle (~40°C) with a small amount of liquid detergent. Rinse twice, and minimize spin cycle to reduce creasing.
If you can’t tumble dry, iron the dried garment on a warm setting (no steam) by placing a towel between the garment and the iron.Do NOT use powder detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers or bleach on the fabric.
Line dry your garment, or tumble dry on a warm, gentle cycle. Once it’s dry, tumble dry the garment for 20 minutes to reactivate the durable water repellent (DWR) treatment (you can do this anytime you notice the water repellency needs a boost).
If you're unable to tumble dry, you can iron the dried garment on a warm setting (no steam) by placing a towel in between the garment and the iron.
Jersey
Jersey is a type of weft-knit fabric (also called single knit) and is characterized by knit stitches on the front side and purl stitches on the reverse side. Its name comes from Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands.
Jersey is commonly made from cotton – other natural fibers that are also commonly blended are wool and linen – but it can be blended with synthetic fibers.
Many clothing items can be made of jersey, such as t-shirts, sweaters, dresses, pyjamas, underwear or socks. Sheets or other home items can also be made of jersey.
Characteristics
Stretches both lengthwise and widthwise
It is a soft fabric, yet strong and hard to tear
Does not crease easily, making it very versatile
Prone to unraveling easily if the stitching breaks
The edges can curl up, if the fabric is cut
Can shrink easily, especially if made solely from cotton
Care
Jersey can be machine washed on a warm setting.
Knit
Knit fabrics can be one of two types: weft-knit and warp knit. Weft-knit fabrics are more common and can more easily damage vs. warp-knits that are more resistant to snags and can be easily sewn. Cotton and viscose are the most commonly used materials to make knit fabrics.
Knits are different from woven fabrics. In knitted fabrics, yarns are interlooped, while in the latter they are interlaced.
Knits can be used for several clothing items, especially sweaters or cardigans, as well as accessories for the cold season (hats, gloves, scarves).
Characteristics
Versatile in look as design patterns can be easily changed
Good breathability
Provides less coverage, as the fabric is less opaque
More prone to shrinkage and less durable
Can easily lose its shape if not properly care for
Care
Hand-wash only in cold water (but it is always good to follow the label's washing instructions for knit fabrics)
Re-shape the garment and lay flat to dry
Lace
Lace is a patterned fabric produced by a machine and/or intricate handwork such as looping, braiding or twisting of threads. It's often woven from cotton, silk or rayon and has distinctive embroidered patterns.
It is often considered a form of embroidery, but the key distinguishing factor is that embroidery is a form of ornamentation done on a completed fabric whereas lace is a complete fabric in itself.
Characteristics
It looks stunning and feminine, perfect for a romantic look.
The material is an ideal choice for both evening and casual clothes.
It is breathable and has a pleasant texture.
It can be easily damaged.
Lace made of natural materials by leading European manufacturers are expensive.
Care
Should be dry-cleaned or hand-washed only.
To prevent good quality lace from turning yellow, it should be stored between layers of blue colored tissue paper.
Satin
Due to the way it's woven, the key characteristic of satin is that it's ultra smooth. Satin has a very distinctive gloss-like sheen. One side of the fabric is silky while the other is matte.
If the fabric is made up of filaments such as silk, nylon and polyester then it is called satin and if fabric is made up of short spun staple fibers like cotton then it is known as sateen.
Silk makes the softest and most luxurious satin. It’s the fiber most associated with the classic satin weave.
Characteristics
Care
Tulle
Tulle is a fine machine-made netted fabric. Mesh net fabric is most commonly used to make wedding veils and embellish wedding gowns.
Tulle can be made from a variety of natural and synthetic fibers, including silk, nylon, rayon, or cotton.
The name comes from Tulle, a city in the southern central region of France, that was a well known center of lace and silk production in the 18th century
Characteristics
Lightweight – will not weigh down the wearer even when adding a substantial amount to a single garment
Gives a very delicate, sheer look while being very smooth to the touch
Holds its shape well – making it perfect for creating a variety of shapes and designs
Care
You can use a mild stain remover to remove stains
Hand washing in warm water is the preferred way of washing tulle garments
If you are going to machine wash tulle, do so only in a mesh garment bag.
Do NOT machine dry tulle! Hang or lay flat to dry only.
Tweed
Tweed is usually a medium to heavy weighted fabric, woven with a soft, open weave and usually made from wool. Nowadays, we can find tweed made from wool blended with various materials such as silk, cashmere, alpaca wool, mohair, viscose but also from synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic.
Tweed dates back to 18th century Scotland and helped local farmers endure harsh winters, back then, it was extremely thick and did not boast the colourful patterns it does nowadays. Nonetheless, it was Coco Chanel who designed the glamorous tweed jacket that has become an iconic and timeless piece.
Tweed is mainly used to make coats, blazers, suits, but also other garments like skirts, dresses and even accessories.
Characteristics
A durable fabric that is also wrinkle and moisture resistant
Very warm, when made from wool
Prone to shrinking when not properly cared for
Care
Tweed is prone to shrinking in the wash, therefore, it is recommended to have it dry cleaned
No ironing is usually needed
Tweed garments should be hung on sturdy hangers and kept in garment bags in order to be protected from moths
Velvet
Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel.
Velvet can be made from either synthetic or natural fibers, with the most expensive and rarest being silk. Much of the velvet sold today as „silk velvet“ is actually a mix of rayon and silk. Cotton is also used to make velvet, though this often results in a less luxurious feeling fabric.
Characteristics
The texture is soft and has a luxurious look
A very warming accessory to use in the cold seasons
The fabric can wear out quickly with persistent wear and use
It is more difficult to clean and care for, in comparison to other fabrics
Highly dust absorbent
Any damage to the fabric will ruin the texture
Care
For silk and cotton velvet, dry cleaning is recommended Velveteen can be either washed in a washing machine or dry cleaned
Velvet garments should always be turned inside out before cleaning and ironing
What can you find in our material guide?
Our clothes can be made from dozens of different materials, so how do we decide which pieces we want to include in our wardrobes? Where do materials come from and what are their properities? How are materials like wool or silk processed? Where and under what conditions is cotton grown? And, what impact can a single cotton t-shirt have on the environment?
In our material guide, you will find the answers to these and many other questions you may have. You will also learn important tips on how to properly care for the clothing items you buy, make the items you love last longer!
The aim of our guide is to provide you with basic information that will help you when choosing fashion items on GLAMI.