Silk
What is a Silk fabric?
Silk is a natural protein fibre, some of which can be woven into fabrics. Some specific insect larvae while getting moulded into cocoons, release fibroin, an insoluble protein, which help in the production of silk. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx Mori.
Several insects can produce silk. But, usually, the silk of the moth caterpillars are used for textiles. The production of silk is known as sericulture.
What is the texture like?
Silk is smooth, has a very soft texture, which is not slippery unlike most other synthetic fibres.
How to handle Silk with care
- Wash you silk clothes with detergents fit for delicates.
- Do not tumble dry, twist or wring.
- Dry, placing it in between towels.
- After it has dried completely, iron it in low temperature, and store it in breathable cloth bags. Every six months, refold the outfit. Check for bugs and other insects.
Chiffon
What is a chiffon fabric?
Chiffon is a translucent or sheer, lightweight, plain-woven fabric. This was originally made from silk and as a result was expensive and high in demand. Chiffon was first manufactured in France.
What is the texture like?
Chiffon has a light and slippery texture. It is very delicate and thus not used in apparels for daily use. There are quite a number of varieties available in the market.
How to handle chiffon with care?
- Chiffon is very delicate and must be hand washed very gently.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Do not wring or twist any chiffon garment, this will lead to bad creases.
- Dry it, away from the sunlight, by laying it flat.
Net
What is a net fabric?
Net is any textile in which the yarns are looped, fused or knotted together at the intersections, which results to a fabric with open spaces between the yarns.
What is the texture like?
The net fabric can be made from different fibres like silk, acetate, polyester, nylon. How the texture of the net would be, depends upon the fibre it is made from. It can range from being fine, coarse or stiff. A silk net fabric would feel super soft, whereas a net fabric from nylon would feel stiff. Polyester netting can either be very soft or coarse. The net we wear are usually nylon net.
How to handle net with care?
- Blended varieties of net can be hand-washed using a mild detergent. It can also be machine washed in a gentle rinse cycle.
- But, the perfect way to maintain pure net garments are to dry-clean them.
Georgette
What is a georgette fabric?
Georgette is a dull-finished, lightweight crepe fabric that has been named after a French dressmaker of the 20th century, Georgette de la Plante. Georgette has a light and drapey kind of feel, being best suited for loose, flowy garments. It is not an appropriate material for structured clothes. Georgette is of two types- pure and faux. While pure georgette is made from silk yarns, faux georgette is made from rayon and polyester fabrics.
What is the texture like?
Georgette is sheer, lightweight, available in solid colours and prints and are appropriate to make blouses, dresses, sarees, and evening gowns. Due to its thin texture, it is also very easy to handle.
How to handle georgette with care?
- For georgette sarees or skirts, hand washing is preferable.
- You can use a very mild detergent.
- Do not dry it under direct sunlight, as over exposure to sunlight will cause the fabric to lose its colour.
Lycra
What id Lycra fabric?
Lycra is a type of a synthetic, elastane fibre that is stretchable to six times its original, and can again return back to its original shape. Nearly about 50 years ago, lycra was first used as a substitute for rubber.
What is the texture like?
Lycra is flexible and stretchable. Lycra is known for being durable and its characteristics of drying faster than other fabrics.
How to handle Lycra with care?
- It is best to wash lycra or spandex in lukewarm water.
- Do not use any bleaching agent, or detergents that have traces of bleach as those may destroy the structure of the fibre.
- Do not wring or twist.
Banarasi Silk
What is Banarasi Silk?
Banarasi silk or Benarasi silk is a finer variety of silk, that looks absolutely regal. It originates from the city of Varanasi in India. Banarasi Saree, which is woven from this silk, is extremely popular across the world.
What is the texture like?
Banarasi silk is a durable silk, but proper care needs to be taken. It has a smooth finish and embroidery work is usually found on banarasi silk outfits, be it a saree, salwar suits, or a lehenga.
How to handle Banarasi Silk with care?
- Do not wash it for the first time with detergent. Soak it in a bucket full of salty water.
- Store these outfits separately, wrapped in soft cotton cloth.
- Remember to use light to medium heat while ironing.
- Practice refolding the silk garments in a span of every 3-4 months.
Velvet
What is Velvet fabric?
Velvet is a type of a tufted, woven fabric in the threads are cut and distributed evenly, in a short dense pile. This gives it a distinctively soft feeling. A special loom is required to weave velvet, in which two thicknesses of the fabric is woven at the same time.
Making of velvet fabric is complicated, making it a comparatively expensive buy.
What is the texture like?
There are a number of types of velvet available and the textures vary from one another. Velvet has a unique texture, is patterned and shiny. A very high quality of velvet often feels soft like the coat of a furry animal.
How to handle Velvet with care?
- Clean velvet garments immediately after wearing, or hang in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not apply pressure when the garment is still wet.
- Shake excess moisture and then air dry.
- Do not iron velvet garments, rather use steam to remove wrinkles.
Cotton
What is a Cotton fabric?
Cotton fabric is a soft, breathable one, made from well spun cotton fibre. The usage of cotton has been traced back to the prehistoric times. Cotton can be cultivated to have colours other than the yellowish off-white fibre. Naturally coloured cotton can also be made available in colours like red, green and some particular shades of brown.
What is the texture like?
Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabric used for clothing. The fabric is comfortable, breathable, stretchy, soft yet strong. It is ideal for daily wear, casualwear and loungewear.
How to handle Cotton with care?
- The best way to protect your clothes from bleeding is by washing them in cold water.
- Avoid hanging your wet cotton outfit on the clothesline, as it will stretch out the fabric.
- Cotton creases very easily and thus it is better to hang them rather folding it.
Jacquard
What is a Jacquard fabric?
In a jacquard fabric, the pattern and colours are woven into the cloth directly, rather than being printed or dyed. The term ‘jacquard’ itself indicates the way a pattern is woven into the fabric.
How is the texture like?
A piece of jacquard clothing is durable and sturdy. It has a wrinkle-resistant feel, which is perfect for daily usage. Unlike prints or dyes, the woven patterns do not fade away with time.
How to handle jacquard with care?
- If a jacquard piece is too ornate or rich, with sequins or beadwork, do not risk it by washing it at home. Dry washing is the best for those.
- Avoid using bleaching agents for jacquard fabric.
- Do not twist or wring.
- Iron the jacquard fabric on the wrong side to ensure that you don’t damage the pattern.
Linen
What is a Linen fabric?
Linen is a fabric usually made from the fibres of the flax plant. Textiles in the same texture as that of linen, even if made from cotton, hemp or other flax fibres are also referred to as ‘linen’.
What is the texture like?
Linen fibre, even after 6,000 years of its origin, is still winning our hearts because of its comfortable feel, breathable texture, and super absorbent nature. Linen is sturdy and sustainable in nature. Linen is also known for its notorious characteristic of being prone to wrinkles.
How to handle Linen with care?
- Always wash your linen clothes on your machine’s gentle cycle.
- If there is an option to choose the water level in the washing machine, choose the maximum.
- Let your linen clothing move about freely. Do not overcrowd the washing machine.
- Avoid using a fabric softener.
Crepe
What is a Crepe fabric?
Crepe, is a fabric made of silk, wool or synthetic fibre fabric with a distinctively crimped or crisp appearance. It is also known as crape or crespe.
What is the texture like?
Crepe fabric has a pebbled or crinkled texture, and works great for blouses and dresses. The fibre can fine and opaque or thin and sheer, or even heavy.
How to handle Crepe with care?
- Most crepe garments, due to its composition, are to be dry-cleaned only.
- Crepe, if exposed to moisture for a long time, are susceptible to shrinkage.
- If the label of a particular crepe garment asks you that you can wash the particular outfit, you can do that using cool water and rinse it thoroughly. Avoid twisting or wringing it.
Chinon
What is a Chinon fabric?
Chinon fabric is made up of a bright filament yarn which is woven with a highly twisted air-textured yarn. It gives a shiny look and is an excellent choice for flowy gowns or skirts, scarves, curtains, ruffled tops, etc.
What is the texture like?
Chinon is lustrous, is breathable and is a lightweight fabric.
How to handle Chinon with care?
- Garments made from Chinon fabric should be dry-cleaned always.
- It can be ironed using a steam iron of medium or low temperature.
Shantoon
What is a Shantoon fabric?
Shantoon is a heavy fabric made with either silk fibres, or some form of synthetic fibres that are meant to be substituting for cotton filaments.
What is the texture like?
Shantoon is a sort of intricate weave. It is kind of a plain weave design, with a ribbed effect. Subbed yarns are used in the warp of the material giving this such clothing its texture.
How to handle Shantoon with care?
- Garments made from Chinon fabric should be dry-cleaned always.
- It can be ironed using a steam iron of medium or low temperature.
Satin
What is a Satin fabric?
Satin is usually referred to a weave rather than a material. If a fabric is formed with a satin weave using a filament fibres, such as silk, polyester or nylon, the newly formed fabric is satin.
What is the texture like?
Satin usually has a glossy top surface and dull inner side. It has a high lustre or sheen quotient, unlike other weaves. Satin, undoubtedly, has a very luxurious feel and appearance, but it can be very difficult for tailors to deal with the fabric as it keeps is slippery!
How to handle Satin with care?
- Satin should be hand-washed, or on the delicate cycle only, with cold water and a gentle detergent.
- Never hang a satin or wring satin to dry, as satin can lose shape easily.
- Do not try drying satin in the dryer. Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel to dry.
Viscose
What is a Viscose fabric?
Viscose is a semi-synthetic rayon fabric made from the pulp of wood that is often used as a substitute for silk, or as artificial silk. The term “viscose” refers specifically to the solution of wood pulp that is turned into the fabric.
What is the texture like?
Viscose is light, soft, breathable and super absorbent. It doesn’t stick to the body, and is suitable to make sportswear or athleisure garments.
How to handle Viscose with care?
- Viscose clothing needs to be dry cleaned.
- If you want to wash it at home, use cold water and mild detergents. Do not wring or twist. Place it on a dry towel and let it dry.
Organza
What is Organza fabric?
Organza is a breathtakingly sheer and light weight fabric that embodies sheer elegance and beauty. It is known for its light weight quality and is made from different synthetic or natural fibres, including silk, nylon, or polyester. The fabric is cherished for its transparency, crisp texture, and versatility.
What is the texture like?
Organza is celebrated for its unique texture, which is both delicate and structured. Its sheer, see through quality gives it an airy feel, and its crispness allows it to hold its shape beautifully. When you touch organza, you can feel its smoothness and subtle stiffness, which adds a touch of beauty to any garment.
How to handle Organza with care?
- Organza should be dry-cleaned by a professional who specialises in delicate fabrics. It's crucial to avoid washing it at home, as water can harm the fabric.
- Store your organza items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To prevent snags or damage, keep them in a cloth garment bag or wrap them in acid-free tissue paper.
- Be gentle when handling organza, as it's a delicate fabric. Avoid sharp jewellery or rough surfaces that can cause tears or pulls.
- If your organza item requires ironing, use the lowest heat setting on your iron and place a cloth or a piece of organza between the iron and the fabric to prevent direct contact.
Fur
What is fur fabric?
Fur fabric is an incredibly soft and warm material made from the fur of animals. You've probably seen fur coats and accessories, and they always look so elegant and cozy. It's been a symbol of luxury and comfort for ages.
What is the texture like?
What makes fur so special is how it feels. When you touch it, you'll notice how incredibly soft and tactile it is, just like velvet against your skin. The feel of fur is simply unmatched. Fur fabric is all about luxury and timeless elegance.
How to handle fur with care?
- Never attempt to clean fur on your own. It's best to leave it to the professionals who know how to handle fur garments. Using regular household cleaning products can harm the fur.
- Store your fur in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use a special fur storage bag, not a plastic one. This lets the fur breathe and prevents it from drying out and losing its shine.
- Don't let your fur get exposed to damp or humid places. Moisture can make the fur clump together and lose its lovely texture.
- Every so often, give your fur a gentle brushing with a soft-bristle brush. It helps keep the fur fluffy and gets rid of any surface dirt.
Pashmina
What is pashmina fabric?
Pashmina, a word that evokes warmth and luxury, refers to a fine type of cashmere wool that originates from the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. This delicate and exquisitely soft material is meticulously crafted from the fleece of the Himalayan mountain goat, known as Chyangra. Pashmina is celebrated for its natural warmth, breathability, and fine texture, which make it one of the most sought-after fabrics.
What is the texture like?
Pashmina is renowned for its remarkable texture. The fine, downy fibres create a softness that's often compared to a gentle caress. When you wear Pashmina, you'll experience a sense of warmth and comfort that's truly unparalleled.
How to handle Pashmina with care?
- Pashmina should be dry-cleaned by a professional who is experienced in handling delicate fabrics. Avoid washing it at home, as water can damage the fibres.
- Keep your Pashmina in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store it in a breathable fabric bag or on tissue paper to protect it from dust and pests.
- Be gentle when handling your Pashmina. Avoid sharp jewellery or rough surfaces that can snag the delicate fibres.
- Give your Pashmina some fresh air from time to time to maintain its freshness. Avoid hanging it directly under the sun, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading.
