Whether vintage or fast fashion, all clothes deserve care. Not only is it a sign of respect for the human labor and resources involved in the manufacturing process of each garment, but washing it carefully and sparingly can extend its life.
In fact, not all clothes are created equal. Have you ever noticed the smell of a polyester dress after a night out? Or, on the other hand, have you marveled at the sweater your dad claims he hasn’t washed since 1995? It’s the material that counts and it pays to choose fabrics that can stand the test of time, right The Guardian.
Here are some fabrics that don’t need washing – almost never.
Wool
We all have that waterlogged sweater that still haunts us – but when treated right, wool is one of the lowest maintenance materials. Wool has some antimicrobial properties: its fibers are coated with waxy lanolin (the same thing that helps make sheep waterproof), which wicks moisture away from the body and resists the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This means it can be worn again and again without washing. And thanks to ultrafine merino wool, which is increasingly used in the manufacture of T-shirts, it can be worn in the wardrobe all year round.
Simply steam or air wool fabrics when they need a refresh – and be sure to go over any stains quickly, as wool can be more vulnerable to dry stains. And when you decide it’s time to wash, use a gentle detergent.
Denim
You may have balked when told you “shouldn’t wash jeans,” but the statement stands. With origins in durable workwear for manual workers, the jeans are designed to handle hard work – but not hot water. Excessive washing can lead to fading and shrinkage, as well as undoing the fabric’s characteristic tendency to mold to the body over time.
Better to stick to spot washes for stains and airing outside for a refresher. And when you wash your jeans, turn them inside out to reduce friction damage and keep the temperature low.
Inul
It’s been around for at least 10,000 years, but flax still looks fresh every summer. Linen also wicks moisture away from the body, dries quickly and boasts antimicrobial silicon, which helps prevent the kind of bagging you might associate with a warm-weather wardrobe.
Yes, there are wrinkles. But if ‘haute scruff’ isn’t to your taste, then it’s better to steam your garment than wash it too often, as a vigorous spin is more likely to cause wrinkles. The best way to soften it is to wear it repeatedly.
Hemp
Wearing hemp doesn’t have to be a “crunchy” experience. It’s actually a very comfortable fabric that, like linen, gets softer with age. It is also naturally antibacterial.
Lyocell
Sold mostly under the brand name Tencel, lyocell is a low-impact alternative to viscose made from wood “pulp”. Among its many qualities, lyocell claims “efficient moisture management”, with small channels between its cellulose fibers that help absorb sweat and keep your skin dry.
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Source: www.descopera.ro
