Properties and Care

Properties and Care

• Cotton fabrics are strong, comfortable, durable, absorbent. They wrinkle in use and will shrink. Most cotton is machine washable on the regular cycle using moderately hot water. Cotton can be dried on regular the cycle and pressed with a hot steam iron. Steam helps to remove wrinkles.


• Linen fabrics have a natural lustre, are strong, durable, absorbent, and wrinkle easily. Linen can be machine washed on the regular cycle in moderately hot water. Linen can be dried on the regular cycle and pressed with a hot iron, using full steam to remove wrinkles.


• Silk fabrics have a natural lustre, are strong, and absorbent. They weaken with exposure to sun and perspiration. Some silk can be hand washed, carefully squeezed to remove moisture, and hung to partially dry. Pressing should occur on the wrong side when the silk is damp. Some silks are best dry-cleaned. Check the label for specific care requirements.


• Wool fabrics are strong, warm, absorbent, and have insulating properties. Wool also shrinks and attracts moths. Most wool should be dry-cleaned. When pressing, always use a damp press cloth between the wool and iron to ensure no damage to the wool fibre.


• Acetate fabrics are silk-like and lustrous. Acetate drapes well and dries quickly. Acetate is best dry-cleaned. When pressing use a warm iron to prevent shine and melting of the fiber.


• Nylon fabrics are exceptionally strong and resistant to abrasion. They are resilient, and have low moisture absorption. Nylon must be washed in warm water by hand or machine, and dried at cool temperatures. Nylon garments may not need ironing if immediately removed from dryer when dry.


• Polyester fabrics are strong, resilient, and resistant to stretching or shrinkage. Polyesters are washed in medium temperature water, and require very little or no ironing if immediately removed from dryer when dry.


• Rayon fabrics are soft, comfortable, absorbent, and weak when wet. When washing, use a gentle cycle and lukewarm water. Use a low temperature steam iron while pressing on the wrong side to prevent a shiny appearance. Some rayons are best dry-cleaned.