Another 10-15 years ago everything was simple and clear: natural tissues are complex in care. They are easy to crumple, bad ironing and washing, but "breathe" and perfectly absorb moisture. True, in the outfit of an adjacent cut of cotton or linen in hot weather will not be too comfortable. But the materials, given to us by the technical progress, allow us to fully enjoy all the charms of the greenhouse effect. But they keep in shape and do not require special attention. However, in recent years, the opinion that flax, cotton, silk and their ilk has outlived its age has become more insistent, and in many respects, alas, inferior to the latest textile developments. Let's figure out what is true, and what is an obvious exaggeration.
Cotton
Today, cotton is the basis of many popular fabrics, including the favorite of many seasons - denim (or, more simply, denim fabric). The main properties of cotton are as follows. Pure cotton is well washed, including at very high temperatures. It is resistant to detergents, it is completely hygienic, since it passes air well. Cotton easily absorbs moisture, does not cause allergic reactions, protects the body from overheating. But such fabrics are wrinkled, poorly smoothed out and not at all elastic. Modern variations on the theme of cotton fabrics are much more attractive. They can look silky and elegantly aged, rough and absolutely smooth, even slippery. They can be slightly stretched. Most often, cotton is combined with elastane, silk, linen, polyester.
Silk
Natural silk is still in honor today. The main properties of silk fabrics are versatile. Fabrics made of silk are light, elastic, not too rumpled. Silk admirably absorbs moisture, gives a feeling of coolness in the heat and drapes perfectly.
Today, dense and heavy, and also the finest translucent silk types are very popular. The combination of a matte and glossy effect in one fabric, smooth and rough, makes the familiar material look very exotic. Especially good are two-layer fabrics based on silk with effects of corrugated, pleated, cloquet. But natural silk is good and as an additive - to thin cashmere, summer wool, cotton, linen. Fabrics with silk thread acquire a special softness and a pleasant shine.
Viscose
Fabrics from viscose on the basic properties are comparable to silk. This fabric from natural raw materials is called artificial silk. Viscose is silky to the touch, perfectly draped, well passes air and absorbs moisture. In addition, viscose does not cause allergies, and therefore suitable for making clothes. But, alas, in its pure form, this fabric ruthlessly creases. Therefore, experts believe that modern tissue should not contain more than 40 percent of viscose fibers. Viscose is combined with cotton, flax, summer hair.
Polyamide
Polyamide fibers, treated differently, form the basis (or part of) a variety of popular materials today, such as takel, meril, microfiber. What is his charm? It's all about the basic properties of polyamide. This material is extremely elastic, does not crumple, can withstand many washes without losing appeal. This is very important, since polyamide fabrics are often used for making linen and tights. Polyamide does not shrink. It not only absorbs moisture well, but also has the ability to remove it to the outer side of clothing, where it quickly evaporates. Swimwear made of polyamide fabrics are not afraid of sea water and do not shed from contact with modern detergents. However, it is necessary to wash products with these fibers at a temperature of no more than 60 degrees in a delicate washing mode.
Elastan
Fabrics with the use of elastane are indispensable for the tailoring of many types of clothing. The most famous elastane fiber is lycra. Elastane is used exclusively as an additive to the basic fiber. And it is combined with almost all existing materials. One of the main properties of fabrics with elastane is the ability to stretch 6 to 8 times% relative to its original dimensions and easily return to its original state. Without elastane, it is difficult to imagine quality pantyhose, stockings, socks and other wardrobe items.
Polyester
Fabrics made from polyester do not have outstanding hygienic properties. Their main advantage is high wear resistance, the ability to retain color even after many washes. These properties and is due to the broadest application of polyester. Polyester does not shrink, does not crumple, dries quickly, keeps shape well. Strong mesh and lace fabrics are produced from polyester fibers. It is very attractive in combination with other materials. Natural fabrics polyester additive makes it more convenient to care.
Microfiber
Microfiber threads are surprisingly thin - 10 times thinner than silk. They can be obtained from almost any fiber. But modern microfiber is most often made of polyamide and polyester. It is very soft and light. Has high hygienic properties - removes moisture from the body surface, well ventilated, protects from wind. Fabrics made from microfiber do not crumple, keep the shape well, easily wash.
Linen fabrics
This fabric has long been considered one of the most elegant and hygienic. Flax perfectly absorbs moisture, quickly dries, it's not easy to get dirty (it's more difficult to wash). Linen fabrics, especially light, perfectly reflect the sun's rays. However, it is unpleasant for fashionistas property of textile fabrics made from flax is that linen clothes crumble strongly.
Today one can meet 100% linen fabrics and with the addition of other fibers. For example: cotton, elastane, viscose, nylon and so on. Therefore, modern materials based on flax can be almost transparent or, at least, translucent. Or they can have a waxed - smooth and shiny - surface. Some fabrics are cast with metallic sheen, others have an underlined effect of wrinkling.
Tips for choosing textile fabrics
- The most effective and comfortable textile fabrics are rarely single-layered. The bulk structure of tissues gives a huge advantage. First, it is better to keep the silhouette. And secondly, clothes made from such fabrics will never fit tightly around the body. There will always be a small air gap necessary for normal ventilation.
- On a hot day it is much more comfortable to put on an outfit from a rough-looking fabric, rather than from an absolutely smooth one. The reason is still the same - the presence or absence of an air gap between the tissue and the body.
- Volumetric textile fabric - does not mean dense. Often, additional depth is created by giving the material a drape effect, corrugation, pleated, cloak. In this case, clothes from embossed fabric are much more practical than models in which the same effect is created by the efforts of the fashion designer.
- Often, two-layer materials undergo special treatment, as a result of which one or both layers are partially destroyed. As a result, the volume remains, and air access to the body increases. Specify the quality of the fabric from the seller.
Knowing the basic properties of textile fabrics, you can correctly choose your wardrobe. Learn to navigate the changing world of fashion and always be elegant!