Do you know what are you really wearing? What is the material of your favorite blouse? The truth is that clothes hide secrets… and they are written on the label!
What does the label say about your clothes?
Many people choose their clothes only by appearance, but the materials they are made of are of great importance. If you want clothes that look good, last a long time and are comfortable, you need to read the label – just like you read the ingredients of food! Different fabrics have specific properties that affect the feeling on the skin, the way they are worn and even the durability of the clothing.
Fabrics speak for themselves!
Choosing the right fabric can make a huge difference in the comfort and durability of your clothes:
Natural fabrics:
Cotton – A soft, breathable and comfortable fabric, ideal for everyday wear. It absorbs moisture and allows the skin to breathe. The only downside is that it wrinkles easily and can shrink in the wash.
Linen – Extremely light, cool and naturally antibacterial. Perfect for hot weather, but wrinkles easily as well and has a rougher texture than other fabrics.
Wool – Warm, isolating and stain resistant. Ideal for winter clothing, but requires special care during washing and can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
Silk – Luxurious, soft and a natural temperature-regulating fabric. Extremely comfortable to touch, but also very delicate, wrinkled easily and must always be washed carefully.
Other natural fabrics include bamboo, hemp and jute. Ecological and sustainable, these fabrics are being increasingly preferred in today’s fashion owing to their low impact on the environment and good hygienic characteristics.
Synthetic fabrics:
Polyester, polyamide (nylon), acrylic, spandex, lycra, acetate – They are durable, wrinkle-resistant and able to dry very quickly. Providing elasticity, these fabrics are relatively easy to maintain. A disadvantage worth mentioning is that such synthetic fabrics do not allow the skin to breathe properly, retain odors and can cause discomfort when being worn for a long time, especially in warm weather.
Viscose – a relatively new fabric, gaining popularity even among the major fashion brands. Can also be found under the names: lyocell, tencel, modal.
Viscose, on the other hand, is a semi-natural fabric made from cellulose (wood) through chemical processing. It is soft, smooth and pleasant to wear, similar to the all-natural silk. Although it is breathable and absorbs moisture well, the fabric can shrink during washing and has lower durability compared to others.
The combined fabrics blend the best characteristics and advantages of different types of fibers, while minimizing the disadvantages. When cotton or linen are mixed with synthetic fibers as elastane or polyester, the result is a fabric which is more durable, more wrinkle-resistant and prone to retain the clothes’ shape longer. The combined fabrics often offer better elasticity, softness and comfort when being worn, making them perfect for busy everyday life. They are also easier to maintain – dry faster, do not shrink, allow wider temperature range during washing. What’s more, such clothes, made from combined fabrics, often present more structured and aesthetic appearance for a longer period of time. This feature is a great option for the modern, dynamic woman who is looking for style without compromising on her comfort.
Care for your clothes = longer life
The label not only reveals the ingredients, but also provides important care instructions that can extend the life of your favorite clothes. Here are some key treatment symbols and their meaning:
Make sure to follow the washing instructions carefully! Higher temperatures can shrink and discolor fabrics. And rough rubbing and twisting can ruin their shape and good appearance.
Use the dryer with care! Many fabrics shrink, stretch or lose their shape when used incorrectly in a spin dryer – especially delicate fabrics such as wool, silk or clothes with elastane. It is even possible to tear finer fabrics. Drying in the shade is recommended for delicate fabrics such as silk. UV rays can fade colors and shorten the life of the garment significantly.
Iron according to the allowed temperature! Incorrect ironing with too high a temperature can seriously damage the garment – the fabrics can melt, burn or deform. Some fabrics such as silk, viscose or synthetic fibers are extremely sensitive and require low temperature and frequent ironing without steam. With wool, too much heat can shrink or mat it. Therefore, always follow the label and set the iron according to the recommendations.
As strange as it may sound, there are fabrics that do not tolerate water well! Among them are wool, cashmere, silk and some types of viscose, which can shrink, deform or lose their softness when washed in a washing machine. This is why dry cleaning is recommended for them, which is gentle on the fabrics and preserves the structure and appearance of the garment.
Discover the hidden details
Did you know that some clothes contain toxic dyes or chemicals? Look for certifications like Oeko-Tex or GOTS, which guarantee safe fabrics. Oeko-Tex means that the garment is free from harmful substances, while GOTS certifies organic fabrics and sustainable production.
Next time you go shopping, take a look at the label – you’ll learn more than you think! Small details can make a big difference when it comes to comfort, durability, and sustainability.
Photos: Lila Style House, Pinterest, Notte Tekstil
