Fabric Care Guide

Fabric Care & Instructions: Your Ultimate Guide

 

At espy, we know that a proper fabric care guide is essential for keeping your wardrobe in pristine condition. From natural fibres like cotton and wool to luxurious silks and synthetic blends, each fabric type requires specific care to maintain its beauty and longevity.

Caring for your clothes starts with understanding the fabrics they’re made of. Each material has unique origins, characteristics, and care requirements to keep your wardrobe looking and feeling its best.

This fabric care guide is your go-to resource for expert tips, washing instructions, and maintenance advice for every fabric we carry in-store.

Cotton

• Origin: Primarily grown in India, the United States, China, and Brazil.
• Characteristics: Soft, breathable, and durable; absorbs moisture well.
• Care: Machine wash in cold or warm water. Tumble dry on low or air dry to avoid shrinking.

Organic Cotton

• Origin: Produced in the same regions as conventional cotton but grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
• Characteristics: Hypoallergenic, soft, and environmentally friendly.
• Care: Similar to cotton but may be less processed, so use gentle detergents and avoid harsh chemicals.

Wool

• Origin: Primarily sourced from sheep in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
• Characteristics: Warm, insulating, and moisture-wicking; can feel coarse or soft, depending on the breed.
• Care: Hand wash with wool detergent or dry clean. Lay flat to dry.

Merino Wool

• Origin: Australia and New Zealand are the largest producers.
• Characteristics: Extremely soft, fine, and breathable; doesn’t itch like traditional wool.
• Care: Hand wash in cool water or machine wash on a wool cycle. Lay flat to dry.

Cashmere

• Origin: Comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, mainly found in Mongolia, China, and Afghanistan.
• Characteristics: Luxuriously soft, lightweight, and warm; prone to pilling.
• Care: Hand wash in cold water with a cashmere-specific detergent or dry clean. Lay flat to dry.

Silk

• Origin: Made from the cocoons of silkworms, primarily in China and India.
• Characteristics: Smooth, shiny, and lightweight; delicate and luxurious.
• Care: Hand wash or dry clean. Avoid wringing or soaking.

Mink Fabric

• Origin: Mink fur from farm-raised animals, predominantly in Denmark, the US, and Canada. Faux mink (synthetic) mimics its texture.
• Characteristics: Soft and dense, providing excellent insulation.
• Care: Fur should be cleaned professionally. Faux mink can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth.

Linen

• Origin: Made from the flax plant, grown in regions like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
• Characteristics: lightweight, breathable, moisture-absorbing, durable, hypoallergenic, and naturally wrinkled for a relaxed look.
• Care: Machine wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Air dry or tumble dry on low. Iron while damp for a crisp finish.

Alpaca

• Origin: Harvested from alpacas in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
• Characteristics: Warm, lightweight, silky, and hypoallergenic; softer than wool with excellent moisture-wicking and insulation properties.
• Care: Hand wash in cool water with mild soap or dry clean. Lay flat to dry. Avoid agitation to prevent pilling.

Mohair

• Origin: From the Angora goat, primarily raised in South Africa and Turkey.
• Characteristics: Luxuriously soft, lightweight, and shiny; provides excellent warmth without bulk and is naturally elastic and durable.
• Care: Dry clean or hand wash with care. Lay flat to dry. Use a soft brush to restore the fibres.

 

Lyocell (TENCEL™)

• Origin: Derived from wood pulp, primarily eucalyptus trees grown in sustainable forests in Europe and the US.
• Characteristics: Soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and biodegradable.
• Care: Machine wash on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry to prevent shrinkage.

TENCEL™ Modal

• Origin: Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, often from Austria and the Czech Republic.
• Characteristics: Silky smooth, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant.
• Care: Machine wash on a gentle cycle. Lay flat or hang to dry.

Rayon (Viscose)

• Origin: Made from regenerated wood pulp, often from bamboo, primarily in Asia.
• Characteristics: Smooth and lightweight with a silky appearance. Can shrink or wrinkle easily.
• Care: Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle. Hang or lay flat to dry.

Polyester

• Origin: A man-made fibre produced globally, with significant production in China and India.
• Characteristics: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking but less breathable than natural fibres.
• Care: Machine wash in cold water. Tumble dry on low heat.

Nylon

• Origin: First developed in the US and now produced worldwide.
• Characteristics: Strong, stretchy, and quick-drying.
• Care: Machine wash in cold water. Air dry or tumble dry on low.

Wool-Cashmere Blends

• Origin: A mix of wool from sheep and cashmere from goats, often produced in Italy and Mongolia.
• Characteristics: Soft, warm, and luxurious, with better durability than pure cashmere.
• Care: Hand wash with a wool detergent or dry clean. Lay flat to dry.

Cotton-Lyocell Blends

• Origin: Combines organic cotton and sustainable lyocell, often produced in Europe.
• Characteristics: Soft, breathable, and more durable than pure lyocell.
• Care: Machine wash in cold water. Air dry or tumble dry on low.

Blends combine the best qualities of natural and synthetic fibres, such as cotton-polyester or wool-silk blends. Always refer to the care label, as instructions will vary based on the dominant fibre in the blend.

• Origin: Made from sturdy cotton twill, traditionally dyed with indigo. Denim originated in Europe, with its roots in Nîmes, France and Genoa, Italy. Modern production is widespread, with significant manufacturing in the U.S., Japan, and India.
• Characteristics: Durable, slightly rigid, and designed to mould to the wearer over time; available in various weights and washes. Raw denim is untreated and stiff, while washed denim is softer and pre-shrunk.
• Care:
  • General Wear: Wash as infrequently as possible to preserve colour and shape. Spot-clean stains with a damp cloth.
  • Machine Washing: Turn inside out and wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
  • Drying: Air dry flat or hang; avoid high heat to prevent shrinkage and damage.
  • Raw Denim: For untreated denim, soak in cool water with no detergent to remove oils and dirt without compromising the dye.
  • Stretch Denim: Avoid over-drying to maintain elasticity.

Proper care will help your denim maintain its character, fit, and longevity.

• Protein Stains (blood, sweat): Use cold water and an enzyme-based cleaner.
• Oil Stains (grease, makeup): Apply dish soap directly to the stain, then wash.
• Wine or Coffee: Sprinkle salt on the stain, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Why Fabric Origin Matters

 

Understanding the origins and characteristics of your fabrics helps you choose pieces that align with your values and lifestyle while ensuring proper care to extend their lifespan. At espy, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of fabrics, from sustainable lyocell to luxurious cashmere, to meet every customer’s needs.

Taking care of your fabrics is not just about longevity; it’s about respecting the craftsmanship and origins of these materials.

 

Have questions about caring for a specific fabric or blend?

For personalized styling and advice on how to care for your fabrics, visit us in-store or contact our team. Keep your wardrobe looking flawless and feeling fantastic with espy.