Is ready-to-wear washing suitable for all fabrics?

Is ready-to-wear washing suitable for all fabrics?

In the fashion industry, the garment washing process has become an important means for many brands to create personalized products by relying on its advantages of giving clothes unique texture and improving wear comfort. However, ready-to-wear washing is not suitable for all fabrics. There are significant differences in the fiber structure, chemical properties and physical properties of different fabrics, which determine their adaptability to the washing process varies. Next, we will explore in-depth the adaptation relationship between various common fabrics and garment washing technology.

1. Fabric suitable for washing clothes

(I) Cotton fabric

Cotton fabrics are one of the common and well-applicable fabrics in the washing process of ready-to-wear. Cotton fibers have good hygroscopicity and breathability, and their molecular structure is relatively stable. During the washing process, cotton fabrics can withstand a certain degree of mechanical force and chemical effects. Washing can make cotton clothes softer and skin-friendly, and can also achieve retro, old-fashioned and whitening effects through special processes. For example, denim, as a type of cotton fabric, has a unique wear and fading effect after being processed by stone washing, enzyme washing and other water washing processes, and is deeply loved by consumers. However, it should be noted that cotton fabrics tend to shrink when washed, so pre-shrinkage is required before washing, and the washing temperature and time are controlled to avoid excessive shrinkage and deformation.

(II) Hemp fabric

Hemp fiber is also suitable for washing clothes. The linen fabric has a natural rough texture and good breathability, and washing can further enhance its softness and drape. During the washing process, the friction between the hemp fibers will cause a slight bleaching effect on the surface of the fabric, forming a unique texture. Similar to cotton fabrics, linen fabrics also have a shrinkage problem, but compared with cotton, linen has a relatively small shrinkage rate. In addition, linen fabrics have good alkali resistance and can be washed with neutral or weak alkaline detergents, but also avoid high temperatures and long-term washing to prevent the fabric from becoming hard and brittle.

(III) Partial chemical fiber fabric

Some specially treated chemical fiber fabrics, such as polyester fiber, nylon, etc., are also suitable for washing clothes. These chemical fiber fabrics have the characteristics of high strength and good wear resistance, and can withstand mechanical forces during the washing process. By washing water, the feel of the chemical fiber fabric can be improved, making it softer and smoother, while also removing impurities and odors on the surface of the fabric. For example, polyester fiber fabrics commonly used in sportswear can enhance their breathability and moisture absorption after washing, and improve their wear comfort. However, it should be noted that chemical fiber fabrics are prone to deform when washed with high temperature, so the washing temperature should not be too high, and chlorine-containing bleach should be avoided to avoid damage to the fabric.

2. Fabrics that need to be washed carefully

(I) Wool fabric

Although wool fabrics have good warmth and softness, they are more sensitive to the washing process. There is a scale structure on the surface of the wool fiber. During the washing process, the scales rub and entangle each other, which can easily lead to felting of the wool and shrinkage and deformation problems. In addition, wool is not resistant to alkali, and alkaline detergents will destroy the protein structure of wool fibers, making it hard and brittle. Therefore, for ready-to-wear wool fabrics, dry cleaning is generally recommended. If it is necessary to wash water, mild neutral detergents should be selected, cold water or low-temperature water should be used, gentle washing mode should be adopted, and washing time should be shortened as much as possible. After washing, avoid hanging and drying, and should be laid flat to prevent the clothes from deforming due to gravity.

(II) Silk fabric

Silk fabrics are known for their elegant luster and soft feel, but they are delicate in texture and require strict washing conditions. The main component of silk is protein fiber, similar to wool, not resistant to alkali and sensitive to mechanical forces. During the washing process, the silk fabric is prone to fading, deforming, and even fiber breakage. In addition, silk fabrics tend to absorb dirt in water, and if washed improperly, stains will be difficult to remove. Therefore, silk fabrics are usually dry cleaning or hand washing. The water temperature should not exceed 30℃ when washing by hand. Use special silk detergent and rub gently to avoid twisting and twisting. After washing, it should be laid flat and dried as soon as possible to avoid direct sunlight and prevent yellowing and brittle fabrics.

(III) Leather fabric

Leather fabric is made of animal skin and has a tight structure, with a certain degree of water resistance and wear resistance, but it is not suitable for conventional ready-to-wear washing. Washing can damage the grease and coating on the surface of the leather, causing the leather to harden, crack, fade, and even deformation and disconnection. For ready-to-wear with leather fabrics, professional leather cleaners are generally used for local cleaning, or sent to a professional leather care shop for maintenance and cleaning. If the surface of the leather is accidentally wet, use a dry towel to absorb the moisture in time and place it in a ventilated place to dry naturally to avoid high temperature baking.

3. Fabrics that are not suitable for washing with ready-to-wear

(I) Fabric with special coating or decoration

Some fabrics are coated with special coatings, such as waterproof coatings, anti-fouling coatings, etc. These coatings are easily damaged during the washing process, causing the fabric to lose its original function. In addition, fabrics with decorative sequins, beads, embroidery and other decorations are prone to falling off and damaged when washed, affecting the beauty of the ready-made garments. For ready-made garments with this type of fabric, water washing should be avoided and maintained by dry cleaning or local cleaning.

(II) Artificial fur fabric

Although artificial fur fabrics have similar appearance to natural fur, they are mostly made of chemical fibers, and their fluff parts are easily knotted and fall off during washing, affecting the texture and appearance of the fabric. In addition, artificial fur fabrics are not easy to dry after washing, and are prone to bacteria and produce odors. Therefore, ready-to-wear for artificial fur fabrics is usually dry-cleaned or lightly machine-washed at low temperatures, and is paired with a special softener. It is laid flat and dried after washing to avoid exposure to the sun and drying at high temperatures.

Washing clothes is not suitable for all fabrics. When performing the garment washing process, you must fully understand the characteristics of the fabric and choose the appropriate washing method and process parameters according to the different fabrics. For fabrics suitable for washing, pay attention to controlling the washing conditions to ensure the quality of the garment; for fabrics that are not suitable for washing, other suitable cleaning and maintenance methods should be used to extend the service life of the garment and maintain its beauty and functionality.