DIY Network

Choosing Clothing Fabrics Choosing Clothing Fabrics From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-118

Figure A

Fabric choice has a direct effect on how much time and money is spent on clothes. Clothing expert Sandra Greenberg, with Red Velvet in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers the following advice for making intelligent choices when considering fabrics and clothing (figure A).

advertisement

• Touch the fabric to see how it feels against the skin. If it feels good to the touch, it will feel good to wear. If wearing a garment makes you feel good, then that garment usually becomes a carefully cared-for wardrobe staple.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• Always check the care label for cleaning instructions (figure B). Technology has made tremendous advances in fabric, and explicit care instructions can be found on labels today. Never remove the labels from clothing, especially if the garment will be going to a dry-cleaner; the cleaner will need to know the particular cleaning requirements and fabric makeup of the garment. If the label does come out of the garment, keep it handy for care reference.

• Newer fabrics include tropical wools, often used in suits. It's more lightweight, has great tensile strength and resists pilling, all of which make it very durable (figure C). It moves with the body and travels easily without wrinkling. It should be considered an investment piece and should always be dry-cleaned.

• Cashmere is a soft, fine wool that has been blended with elastic fibers to give it stretch. It has versatility and flexibility, it travels well and feels great on the skin. It usually carries a "dry-clean only" label.

• Viscose is an excellent fabric for frequent travelers. It can be rolled for packing without wrinkling and can be worn for both day and evening activities. It should either be dry-cleaned or hand-washed in cool water and ironed at a warm temperature setting.

• Wrinkle-resistant cottons and stretch cottons are great fabrics for stay-at-home moms because they're easy to find in stores, and they're easy to care for if a play date turns messy. Wrinkle-resistant cottons are specially treated to retain their smooth surface after numerous washings.

• Jeans in lightweight denims paired with comfortable tops also create a smart, casual look for moms.
  

Tip: Keep black washables from fading by setting the color before washing. Soak for one to two hours in a solution of a 2/3 cup salt to a gallon of cool water.