The Role of Fiber Content By Elizabeth Giaritelli What’s the first thing you do when you see a cute dress in a store? Look at the price tag, of course. If the price matches the budget, then you are the next person in line! How easy. What happens in a few weeks when that beloved top stretches out and never goes back to its original shape? How about when you start to see those little balls of fabric all over your shirt? (That’s called pilling, by the way.) What about when that vibrant color wears off on other clothing or even your skin? My real question is: What if we are missing something so critical during our buying process? When buying a garment, there is not much information provided on the care label about its properties (e.g., garment durability). This is a great time to use the sales team and ask them questions. However practically speaking, you won’t always have an equipped or available sales team, especially if you find yourself in thrift stores like me. Therefore it’s wise to instill in yourself some basic knowledge on the matter before you pull the trigger on a garment you may later regret. I’d be lying to you if I said this subject was simple. I learned very quickly in my undergrad that there was a reason why my fabrics courses were called fiber chemistry. Emphasis on the chemistry. There are SO MANY variables involved. Yarn length, density, number of yarns per inch all factor into the construction. Then you have three categories of nonwoven, woven, and knitted fabrics. When it comes to color, fabrics can be either printed or dyed, each determined a different type of care requirement. At last, there’s an array of finishes that gets applied to a garment, which could include a flame retardant, a waterproofer, anti-static or many more. I think there’s a reason why those courses ended up being my favorite. Putting aside my career, it is empowering as a consumer to be fully in charge of your buying power. Until you understand the makeup of that garment you’re drooling over, you’re not really in charge. I’m going to give you a list of the most common fabrics with some properties, both good and bad, attached to each. A care label is the life manual of a garment. Just as we check the ingredients of our food, it’s equally important to check the ingredients--or fabric makeup, of the clothing we buy. There is a reason it’s required by law to be sewn into every garment. Don’t you think so?
2 Comments
Lyndsay
1/4/2015 03:14:03 am
Very good read and informative! The information in this post is important for all people, but I feel especially for young consumers (age 18-22) as to be aware of the materials their clothing is made from. It helps to weed out clothing one may want to buy as an investment versus something they know will eventually scrap/donate. It is unfortunate this information takes a back seat in so many people's minds. Thanks for the post!
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lizzi
1/6/2015 02:32:23 am
I'm happy to hear your thoughts! I'm glad you feel that way, too. It's amazing how easy it is to become an educated consumer, at least starting with some basic knowledge and tips.
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