G I R L S G U I D E

♕ How to care for every fabric in your wardrobe ♕

In this chapter, I am going to be showing you how to care for every fabric in your wardrobe.

COTTON

- cool, soft and comfortable
- absorbs and releases perspiration quickly
- durable
- wrinkles easily

- machine washable
- use warm water to wash
- iron on high temperature

DENIM

- made from lightly woven cotton
- breathable
- absorbent like cotton, but heavier and more durable

- machine washable
- to keep colour from fading, turn inside out before washing
- wash with warm water
- iron on a high temperature

FLANNEL

- not a fabric, but a structure of a fabric
- made from cotton or wool
- soft
- thicker and more insulated
- absorbs and releases perspiration quickly
- durable

- cotton washing : machine washable, use warm water
- wool washing : predominantly dry cleaning only, some washable wools exist, does not need cleaning after every wear
- cotton ironing : on high temperature
- wool ironing : use low heat and steam, turn fabric inside out to avoid iron marks and shine

HEMP

- woven of fibres from the stems of the cannabis sativa plant
- similar to linen in feel and appearance
- 3x stronger than cotton
- resistant to mold, mildew and rot
- easily dyed
- absorbs and releases perspiration quickly
- UV resistant
- wrinkles easily

- wash in cold water
- will soften with each wash
- iron on a high temperature
- iron when fabric is still damp

LEATHER

- commonly made of pig, lamb, cowhide
- requires chemicals to cure it
- absorbs and releases perspiration quickly
- durable
- flexible
- variety of finishes
- repels liquids and stains
- fire resistant

- requires special care in cleaning
- let dry naturally
- avoid excessive heat or humidity
- iron on lowest setting with no steam
- cover with heavy paper when ironing

LINEN

- woven from the stems of flax
- 2x the strength of cotton
- absorbs and releases perspiration quickly
- lightweight
- does not stretch
- wrinkles easily

- hand wash or dry clean only
- cool or lukewarm temperature, never hot or cold
- iron when fabric is still damp
- use a press cloth between iron and garment
- turn fabric inside out to avoid iron marks and shine

SEERSUCKER

- not a fabric but a structure of fabric
- made from cotton, rayon or other synthetics
- puckered
- breathable and cool in hot weather

- machine washable
- use cold water
- does not need to be ironed

SILK