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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.