Fabric Knowledge for Merchandisers

Fabric Knowledge for Merchandisers

• Fabric knowledge is crucial for fashion management professionals.
• A fiber is the smallest part of a fabric, a fine, hair-like substance.
• Fibers have a high length-to-width ratio, enabling flexibility during manufacturing and use.
• Fibers are grouped and twisted into continuous strands called yarns.

Classification of Fibers

• Fibers can be categorized as natural or man-made.
• Natural fibers are further classified as vegetable, animal, and mineral.
• Vegetable fibers include cotton, jute, and linen.
• Animal fibers include wool and silk.
• Mineral fibers include asbestos and glass.
• Man-made fibers are further categorized as regenerated fibers (like viscose and acetate) and synthetic fibers (like polyester and nylon).
• Fibers can also be classified as staple or filament fibers.
  • Staple fibers are short fibers (like cotton).
  • Filament fibers are long fibers (like silk and nylon).

Cotton

• Cotton is used for various garments like jeans, t-shirts, and towels.
• It is cool to wear, soft, drapes well, and is durable.
• It is washable and ironable but creases easily.
• It is very absorbent and dries slowly.
• Advantages: cool to wear, very absorbent, soft handle, good drape, durable, completely washable and dry-cleanable, no static or pilling problems, inexpensive.
• Disadvantages: wrinkles easily unless treated, susceptible to mildew and strong acids, poor elasticity and resiliency, less luster.
• Cotton is hypoallergenic as it doesn't irritate sensitive skin or cause allergies.
• Cotton's softness makes it a preferred fabric for underwear and other garments that touch the skin.
• Cotton is a popular choice for fashion and homeware designers due to its easy dyeing capabilities.
• Durable press is a finishing treatment for cotton, eliminating creasing and ironing needs.

Linen

• Linen is textile fibers from the flax plant.
• Linen production is labor-intensive.
• Advantages: Best wicking (therefore cool to wear), dries quickly, natural soft sheen, strong and durable, does not melt.
• Disadvantages: Wrinkles badly unless treated, susceptible to mildew and strong acids, color frosts on creases, may be weakened with repeated creasing, may scorch.
• Linen is the strongest of the vegetable fibers.
• It becomes softer with repeated washing.
• Linen fabrics have high natural luster.
• Linen can withstand high temperatures and has moderate shrinkage.
• Linen is easier to iron when damp.
• Uses of linen include high-street fashion skirts, ladies tops, sweaters, formal wear, chef uniforms, aprons, school uniforms, and medical uniforms.
• Priests often prefer linen due to its purity.