Wool
Characteristics
Wool fibres have crimps or curls that create pockets, give the wool a spongy feel and create insulation. The outside surface of the fibre consists of a series of serrated scales that overlap each other much like the scales of a fish.
Cleaning
Dry clean or hand wash. Wool may be damaged by traditional soaps and detergents - it's better to use Stergene or baby shampoo. Put wool through the washing machine or tumble dryer only on settings specifically designated for this fibre. If wrinkled, hang dry woollens in steamy bathroom. (Hot water will shrink wool and the barbs will felt together, and all natural movement and elasticity will be lost)
Cotton
Characteristics
This fabric is used in a large number of clothes & accessories. It is soft, light and thin. The cotton fibre is from the cotton plant's seed pod. The fibre is hollow in the centre and, under a microscope looks like a twisted ribbon. "Absorbent" cotton will retain 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when wet than dry. This fibre absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe".
Cleaning
Separate lights & darks and machine wash. Iron at a cool temperature.
Silk
Characteristics
Smooth and soft. It reflects light at many angles, giving silk a natural shine. This fabric is commonly used in dresses, tops and skirts. Silk is a natural protein fibre, like human hair, taken from the cocoon of the silkworm. The natural glue, sericin, secreted by silkworms and not totally removed during manufacturing of the silk, is a natural sizing which is brought out when washing in warm water.
Cleaning
Dry clean or hand wash in cool water with Stergene or a similar gentle product. Do not rub or a chalky bloom may arise due to broken filaments. Hang or dry flat. Take care with spot cleaning, as this may leave rings. Shirts and blouses should be steamed or ironed on a cool temperature.
Acetate
Characteristics
Has a luxurious feel and appearance, is made in a wide range of colours, is very soft, drapes well, is fast drying and is shrink-, moth- and mildew-resistant. Used mainly in blouses and dresses.
Cleaning
Dry clean, or machine or hand wash at a cool temperature. Do not wring when wet or put through spin cycle in washer. Hang or dry flat (do not tumble dry). Iron while damp at a cool temperature.
Acrylic
Characteristics
Is quick drying to remove moisture from body surface, easily washed, retains shape, is resistant to moths, oil, and chemicals, can be dyed to bright shades, and is resistant to sunlight degradation. Mainly used in sweaters, socks, fleece wear, circular knit apparel, sportswear and childrenswear.
Cleaning
Machine wash. Hang or dry flat. Iron at a cool temperature.
Nylon
Characteristics
Is exceptionally strong, lustrous, easy to wash, resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals, can be dyed in wide range of colours and is resilient. Low in moisture absorbency. Frequently used in blouses, dresses, hosiery, lingerie, underwear, raincoats, ski apparel and swimwear.
Cleaning
Wash by hand or machine at a cool temperature with similar colours. Nylon's natural hue is grayish and it will revert if mislaundered. Special nylon whiteners can be purchased at the supermarket. Iron cool.
Polyester
Characteristics
Has a strong resistance to stretching and shrinking and is resistant to most chemicals. Is also quick drying and wrinkle resistant and retains heat-set pleats and creases.
Cleaning
Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried. To wash use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. If ironing is required, use a moderately warm iron.
Rayon
Characteristics
Is highly absorbent, soft and comfortable, easy to dye, and drapes well on the user.
Cleaning
If washing instructions are missing, dry clean only. Wash at a cool temperature. Iron cool.
Corduroy
Characteristics
Is considered a durable fabric. It is easily recognisable as the corduroy has ridges in it. These are commonly referred to as the size of the "wale" (i.e. the number of ridges per inch) - the lower the number, the thicker the width of the wale. Wide wale is more commonly found on trousers; medium, narrow, and fine wale fabrics are usually found in garments used above the waist.
Cleaning
Wash as per material (usually cotton), turning inside out. Leave inside out for ironing and iron at cool temperature.
Denim
Characteristics
Is a heavy and rather thick fabric, which after a long period of time tends to fade. It is commonly used in jeans, shorts, jackets and skirts and in a variety of colours. But is also used in a wider variety of clothing and accessories.
Cleaning
Wash as per cotton, but wash it alone the first time so that dye does not stain other clothing. Turn inside out to discourage fading. Hang dry to avoid shortening and shrinkage.
Leather
Characteristics
Leather is used in a variety of clothing and accessories, such as coats and jackets, trousers, skirts, shoes, bags and belts. Leather is mainly sold in four forms. The first, full-grain, means leather that has not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed (cleaned up), & is commonly used in shoes. The second, top-grain, means the leather has been sanded and a finish coat has been added. This gives a plastic feel that has less breathability. The third, corrected-grain, has artificial grain applied to its surface. And the fourth, split leather, is made from leather that has been left once the
top-grain has been taken out, then had artificial layer applied to the surface. There are other types of leather such as patent and nubuck, but these are less common.
Cleaning
Send to specialist dry cleaner.
Suede
Characteristics
Is made from split leather. Suede is primarily used on coats and jackets and has a 'fuzzy' feel to it when touched.
Cleaning
Dry clean only. Protect with suede protector spray once back from the cleaner.