ABC of fabrics

Fibre

Fabric

Fibre properties

Washability

Natural plant
fibres

Cotton
(cellulose)

Light, compact fabric; is naturally stiff.
Feels warm and silky.
Withstands very high
temperatures during washing and ironing.

White, boil-proof fabrics (hot wash 95°C) generally moisture- and abrasion-resistant; slightly sensitive to stain removal.
Fading possible.

Linen
(cellulose)

Fresh, high-quality,
generally heavier than cotton;
virtually non-stiff; does not
shine, abrasion-resistant,
non-elastic, tendency to crease

Like cotton. Coloured,

washable fabric requires

a mild agent.

Natural animal fibres

Wool
(albuminous)

Wool/hair with various properties.
Sensitive to stain-
removal.

Do not rub, wring out.
Limited washing (cold up to 40°C). Do not iron.

Silk
(albuminous)

Feels warm and soft. Does not withstand radical treatment.

Cold up to 40°C. No bleaching agent. Iron damp on reverse.

Natural polymers (chemical fibres) Silky shine. chemical cleaning.

Viscose

Does not lose colour. Absorbs a lot of moisture, dries slowly. Easy to iron.

More sensitive than cotton; wash up to 60°C. Shorter wash cycles. Sometimes

Acetate

Does not fade.
Withstands sunlight
and bleaching agents.
Does not shrink,
must be washed at low temperatures (30°C).
Do not spin.

Sensitive, delicate wash
up to  40°C. Chemical
cleaning is not recommended (see manufacturer’s care instructions). Only iron damp where necessary.

Synthetische Polymere
(Chemiefasern)

Polyamide (PA)
Nylon

Does not shrink. Does not become matted.  Withstands sunlight and chemical solvents

Wash in lukewarm water by hand or in the washing machine. Rinse well. Do not iron.

Polyester (PE)
Diolen, Trevira

100% moisture-resistant,
Diolen, Trevira         does not wear out, hardly absorbs any water

see PA/ care symbols.

Polyacrylic (PAC),
Dralon, Dolan, Orlon

Fabrics have wool-like characteristics, warm, soft, crease-resistant.

Heat-sensitive, wash at  maximum 40°C, do not iron, do not tumble dry.

Polyvinylchloride (PVC),
Rhovyl, Thermvyl

see PA/ care symbols.

see PA/ care symbols.

Elastane (PUE)
Dorlastan, Lycra

Slight absorption of moisture, light, smooth, soft, no static charge, no pilling.

see PA/ care symbols.