OUR FABRICS
We review samples of many fabrics so that we can choose the best combination of comfort, durability, breathability, tear-resistance, fade-resistance and washability for each garment. The fabrics that we review include:
100% cotton fabric - as we all know, this has excellent breathability but fine cotton (which has the best breathability) can tear and fade easily. Thick, cheaper cotton shirting has reduced breathability and can still tear and fade easily. Even when perfectly ironed, 100% cotton shirting can look creased within minutes of putting it on. It can also shrink if tumble-dried. Cotton twill is a thicker, durable fabric suitable for trousers and outdoor wear.
Perfect for: expensive tailored shirts (fine cotton), trousers and skirts (cotton twill)
100% "non-iron" cotton fabric - this is treated with formaldehyde, which bonds the cotton fibres together to make the fabric "non-iron". Unfortunately, in the process the cotton loses it's best feature - it's breathability. Formaldehyde has been identified as a carcinogen. Although it is not considered to be dangerous when used to treat clothing, companies like Johnson and Johnson have removed it from all products for children.
We do not use this fabric
100% polyester fabric - this is durable, tear-resistant and fade-resistant but, when woven (in a similar way to cotton) it does not breathe well. Polyester sports mesh fabrics are designed to breathe and allow moisture to escape. It is machine-washable and easy to iron. It should not be tumble-dried but dries easily.
Mesh fabrics - perfect for sports wear
Woven fabrics - not good for shirts or polo shirts
Cotton/polyester blend fabric - this combines the breathability of cotton with the tear-resistance, fade-resistance and durability of polyester. It is machine-washable and easy to iron.
Perfect for: shirts (fine fabric) and trousers/skirts (thicker fabric) that need to survive heavy wear
Fine knit cotton fabric - this is breathable, soft, tear-resistant and machine-washable. It should not be tumble-dried since it can shrink at hot temperatures even if it has been pre-shrunk.
Perfect for: soft winter shirts that need to survive heavy wear
Wool blend fabric - this is soft, warm and comfortable but has lower tear-resistance than cotton/polyester. It is also more expensive. It cannot be tumble-dried.
Perfect for: smart, expensive trousers
Viscose/rayon blend fabric - this is a soft, comfortable fabric with an excellent drape. It is easy to wash and dry and very durable.
Perfect for: smart trousers, skirts and skorts
Fine knit cotton/acrylic - this is warm, soft, tear-resistant, fade-resistant and machine-washable. It should not be tumble-dried but dries quickly.
Perfect for: warm sweaters and cardigans that are not bulky and need to be washed frequently
Knit cotton - cotton does not retain heat (it breathes) so cotton sweaters are not warm. They also fade and lose their shape easily.
Perfect for: light summer sweaters and cardigans that will not be worn frequently
Not good for: winter sweaters or knitwear that need to be worn and washed frequently
Bamboo - this amazing fabric is soft, durable, breathable and eco-friendly, since growing bamboo uses a fraction of the water and pesticides required to grow cotton. Bamboo fibre can be woven into many types of fabric.
Perfect for: socks, tights, T shirts and polo shirts
Modal - this sustainable fabric is made from wood and is soft, very comfortable, durable and breathable.
Perfect for: T shirts and polo shirts
Recycled fleece - all fleece is made from plastic but 100% recycled fleece is made from plastic bottles, which helps to reduce landfill. Fleece fabric comes in many different weights and densities. We select those with the best softness, warmth and washability.
Perfect for: fleece jackets, winter hats and scarves