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Fabric Guide

 

How can you tell if a garment is of good quality? Is polyester bad? Is cotton sustainable? Which fabrics are breathable, and which ones have a nicer touch?

We understand that comprehending fabrics can be confusing. To assist you in making informed purchases, we've compiled this guide, providing insights into the fabrics we use, their properties, and the reasons behind our choices.

Let's start by addressing some common misconceptions.

"Polyester is trash. I never shop polyester garments"

Although there are downsides in the production of polyester, a big misconception is that it doesn't have any good properties and it's just a "cheap fabric", which is not really true.

When blended with fabrics such as cotton, Polyester can help maintain the comfort of cotton while enhancing durability. That's also true for other natural fabrics like Wool. Nowadays a Wool jacket with 10% Polyester, for example, can be more durable than a 100% Wool one.

Additionally, there are certain techniques that can only be achieved with polyester or another synthetic fabric. For instance, polyester fabrics can be heat set, a process where heat is applied to set the fabric's shape. This is especially useful for creating permanent pleats or maintaining specific textures. That's also the case for certain printing techniques that achieve a better result with polyester. 

Therefore, if you're looking for a garment with pleats or very specific texture, chances are that it will have a high % of polyester and that doesn't necessarily mean it's poor quality or less sustainable than cotton.

"Cotton is more sustainable than synthetic fabrics".

Cotton, either "regular" or "organic" still requires significant water resources, and the overall sustainability depends on various factors, including transportation, processing, and end-of-life considerations. It's not necessarily a more sustainable fabric than polyester, as other factors need to be considered. For a deeper understanding, refer to our FAQ section 'Is Cotton more Sustainable than Polyester?'

If sustainability is your priority, look for brands emphasizing responsible production and timeless garments. At You've Seen Better, we align with these values.

Fabric features and how we use them at You've Seen Better

1. COTTON:

  • Main qualities:
    • Soft, breathable, and absorbent.
    • Comfortable to wear, especially in hot weather.
    • Durable and easy to care for.
  • How we use it in our clothes:
    • You will definitely see cotton in our tank tops and sweatshirts due to its natural properties and nice touch.

2. POLYESTER

  • Main qualities:
    • Resistant to wrinkles and shrinking.
    • Dries faster than pure cotton.
  • How we use it in our clothes:
    • In blended fabrics, to combine the softness of cotton with the strength and durability of polyester.
    • In designs technique that requires a synthetic fabric (such as Digital Printing or Pleats, that can ONLY be done with synthetic fabric).
    • In garments with low wash (such as tux blazers).
    • For well-suited for garments that require quick drying.

3. ELASTANE:

  • Main qualities:
    • Highly elastic and can stretch significantly.
    • Recovers its original shape after stretching.
  • How we use it in our clothes:
    • Blended with other fibers, to add stretch and flexibility to the garment.
    • To enhance the comfort and fit of garments.
    • In our tank tops to allow ease of movement and enhance comfort. 

4. VISCOSE 

  • Main qualities:
    • Also known as rayon, viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from wood pulp.
    • Drapes well, offering a flowy and flattering appearance.
  • How we use it in our clothes:
    • When we want to work with lightweight fabric or mimic the feel and drape of natural fibers like silk.
    • For versatile, pieces suitable for both casual and formal wear.

FAQ

1. Is cotton more sustainable than polyester?

The sustainability of cotton versus polyester depends on various factors, and both have their pros and cons:

  • Cotton:

    • Pros:
      • Biodegradable and renewable.
      • Generally more energy-efficient to produce than polyester.
      • Cotton farming provides livelihoods for many farmers.
    • Cons:
      • Often requires significant water and pesticide usage in conventional farming.
      • Land use can lead to deforestation and habitat loss.

  • Polyester:

    • Pros:
      • Typically requires less water in production than cotton.
      • Long-lasting and resistant to wrinkles and shrinking.
      • Can be recycled, contributing to a circular economy.
    • Cons:
      • Derived from non-renewable resources (petroleum).
      • Production involves energy-intensive processes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
      • Microfiber pollution can occur during washing.

2. What's the difference between a natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic fabric?

  • Natural Fabric:

    • Derived from natural sources such as plants (cotton, linen), animals (wool, silk), or minerals (asbestos).
    • Examples: Cotton, wool, silk, linen.
    • Biodegradable and often breathable.

  • Synthetic Fabric:

    • Man-made from chemical processes using petrochemicals.
    • Examples: Polyester, nylon, spandex.
    • Typically durable and can have specific performance properties.

  • Semi-Synthetic (or Man-made Cellulosic) Fabric:

    • Derived from natural sources but undergoes chemical processes.
    • Example: Viscose (rayon), lyocell (Tencel).
    • Combines qualities of natural and synthetic fabrics.

3. Is organic cotton sustainable?

Organic cotton is considered better from an environmental and ethical standpoint compared to conventional cotton. However, it's important to note that organic cotton still requires significant water resources, and the overall sustainability depends on various factors, including transportation, processing, and end-of-life considerations. For a more comprehensive view, considering other sustainable practices, such as fair labor conditions and water management, is advisable.

4. How to tell if a fabric is good?

Determining whether a fabric is of good quality involves assessing various factors related to its composition, construction, and feel. Also, to pick a good fabric for you, It's essential to balance factors like durability, comfort, and aesthetics based on your specific needs and preferences. Some of the aspects you can consider are: 

  1. Fiber Content:

    • Check the label for information on the fabric's fiber content. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk are generally considered high quality. Blends can also offer desirable properties.

  2. Thread Count:

    • For woven fabrics like cotton or linen, a higher thread count often indicates a smoother and more durable fabric. However, note that thread count is not the sole determinant of quality.

  3. Weight:

    • Consider the weight of the fabric. Heavier fabrics are often associated with durability, while lighter fabrics may be preferred for certain applications like summer clothing.

  4. Texture:

    • Touch and feel the fabric. Quality fabrics often have a smooth, soft, and consistent texture. Irregularities or rough patches may indicate lower quality.

  5. Color Fastness:

    • Check for color fastness by rubbing a small, damp white cloth on the fabric. If the color transfers, it may bleed during washing or use.