Care Instructions
Cotton
Characteristics:
- Cool, soft and comfortable.
- Absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to breathe. This makes cotton cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Durable.
- Can wrinkle easily.
- There are many varieties of cotton. Each has a distinct structure in how the cotton is woven which gives the fabric unique qualities. Varieties listed in this guide are: Corduroy, Denim, Flannel, Seersucker, Terrycloth, and Velvet.
Care Instructions:
- Machine washable.
- Chlorine bleach can be used to restore white garments to a clear white but bleach may yellow chemically finished cottons or remove color in dyed cottons.
- Cotton can be ironed at relatively high temperatures.
Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics are created from fibers of animal coats, silkworm cocoons, and plants' seeds, leaves, and stems.
Corduroy
Characteristics:
- "Corduroy" does not refer to the fabric, but to a certain structure of fabric. It can therefore be made of natural or synthetic fibers, but most often it is made from cotton.
- Corduroy comes in different weights, but it is usually thick and somewhat stiff.
- Absorbs and releases moisture quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe".
- It is very warm and durable.
Care Instructions:
- Corduroy can be made from different fabrics; care instructions vary depending on the fabric. Most corduroy is made from cotton, which is machine washable and can be ironed at high temperatures.
- When removing stains from corduroy, blot with a wet cloth and avoid harsh brushing.
Denim
Characteristics:
- Denim is made from tightly woven cotton.
- Breathable.
- Very absorbent like cotton, but heavier and more durable.
Care Instructions:
- Machine washable. Can be ironed at relatively high temperatures.
- Denim is dyed is such a way that the color sits on the surface of the fabric, causing it to fade more easily. Turn the garment inside out before washing to preserve color.
Flannel
Characteristics:
- "Flannel" does not refer to the fabric, but to a certain structure of fabric.
- It is usually made from cotton, but can also be made from wool.
- Flannel feels soft and fuzzy.
- The structure makes the fabric thicker and more insulated so it provides more warmth.
- Absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe".
- It is very durable.
Care Instructions:
- Flannel can be made from cotton or wool. Follow the care instructions for these fabrics as is appropriate to your specific garment.
Hemp
Characteristics:
- Woven of fibers from the stems of the Cannabis Sativa plant.
- Similar to linen in both feel and appearance.
- Three times stronger than cotton.
- Not as soft as other fibers.
- Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot.
- Readily takes dyes.
- Absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe".
- UV resistant.
- Wrinkles easily/poor resiliency.
- Does not drape well.
Care Instructions:
- Softens with each washing, without fiber degradation.
- Wash in cold water.
- Hemp will shrink in the dryer or in hot water if the garment has not been pre-shrunk.
Leather
Characteristics:
- Most commonly made of pig, lamb or cowhide.
- Requires a lot of chemicals to cure it.
- Absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". This makes it warm in the winter.
- Is very durable — it is difficult to tear or puncture.
- Flexible.
- Many different finishes include: smooth; buffed or nubuck, appearing somewhat like a matte suede; and rough, appearing wrinkled.
- A natural tendency to repel liquids and resist staining.
- UV resistant.
- Fire resistant.
Care Instructions:
- Leather needs to breathe —do not store in a plastic bag or overly heated area.
- If garment becomes wet, let it dry naturally. Avoid excessive heat or humidity.
- Wrinkles usually work themselves out by hanging it on a non-wire hanger, but if ironing is necessary, cover the garment with heavy paper, set the iron to the lowest setting without steam.
- Most leather garments require special care in cleaning.