Fine apparel is like a ten-course meal. You must taste all varieties to appreciate the overall banquet. Apparel is no longer just a basic necessity but a reflection of taste and fine living. In this list, get an overview of some popular fabrics there are for light apparel. • COTTON. Cotton is pretty unpretentious. It is lightweight and gentle to your skin, allowing it to breathe. It is also easy to wash, quick to dry and is generally low-maintenance. When your apparel is made of thick cotton, however, do not expect it to be breathable and lightweight anymore. This fabric is a staple in underwear pieces and in apparel for infants, toddlers and pre-teens. Depending on the thickness, it can be used for apparel intended during hotter or cooler weathers. Cotton is perhaps the most common fabric for many undershirts, blouses, sweaters, socks and pajamas. Despite its popularity, it costs a heftier price tag and is facing stiff competition in the market by cheaper synthetic and sturdier alternatives. • POLYESTER. Polyester is one of the most preferred synthetic alternatives to cotton if you're on a tight budget. Although the softness cannot match that of cotton, this synthetic alternative sports the same lightweight feel as cotton. It is in fact silkier in feel, and is more stretch-resistant and tear-resistant. Many jogging pants, ladies' day wear, night wear and scarves are made of polyester, and it also appears to be an inexpensive substitute to the linings of jackets and overcoats. You should be careful when wearing polyester-made apparel, however. It tends to stick to your skin when you perspire and causes abrasions if you have sensitive skin. The fabric is also highly flammable so take care not to play with fire when wearing polyester apparel. • NYLON. When wearing PJs and tees are not enough, you must be looking for apparel made of nylon. Yet another synthetic alternative in the textile industry, nylon is the most popular fabric for light active apparel such as swim suits, trunks and bathing caps. It inherently resists moisture, so that is quicker to dry than cotton. It is also a preferred alternative to silk and satin, finding its way to delicate apparel such as stockings and bridal veils. Despite its durability and resistance to chemical reactions such as those from detergents, this fabric still requires care, so exercise caution. Unlike polyester which burns, nylon melts. • SILK AND SATIN. When softness and luster are your main concerns, thank God there's silk and there's satin. These fabrics are typical of cocktail dresses and sophisticated night wear when you're not all bundled up for the winter. Between the two, silk is more delicate and much shinier. It is also more expensive, requiring the gentlest care as one staining or stretching incident can damage the fabric forever. Satin, on the other hand, is the inexpensive and synthetic counterpart of silk, combining cotton and polyester strands as well. Although the shine in satin fabrics is just limited to one side, the fabric is well-loved for its beautiful yet low-maintenance nature. |
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