Knowing more about the care of fabrics helps you while checking your clothing tags and leads to having a sustainable wardrobe. 

Care of fabrics 

Acrylic knit

Most acrylic knit garments can be machine-washed. Read the label and check for the proper drying option. Some knits retain their shapes best if reshaped and dried flat.

Cashmere

Check the care label before laundering cashmere. To hand-wash, use a mild detergent or shampoo. Gently squeeze the water through the garment, then rinse until the water runs clear. Do not wring or twist. Squeeze out excess water. To dry, lay flat on a towel, away from sunlight or heat.

Cotton

Cotton holds up well to home laundering. Remove the garment from the dryer promptly to reduce wrinkling. Press using spray starch for the crispness of a laundered shirt.

Cotton blend

Dry cotton-blend garments using your dryer’s permanent-press or low-heat cycle and remove immediately to reduce wrinkling. Touch up with a steam iron; starch for a professionally laundered look.

Denim

Denim should be washed with cold or warm water, inside out.  If washing denim that is mixed with synthetic fabrics, always follow care directions for the more delicate fabric with which the denim is mixed.  Hang denim to dry and iron on high heat.

Flannel

Flannel can be washed in cold or warm water.  However, if your flannel derives from wool, even if its washable wool, avoid the dryer completely since it can dry out its fibers.  For non-washable wool, flannel avoids laundering it at home and take it to the dry cleaners.

Nylon

Machine-wash nylon garments in warm water. Use a low-temperature setting when tumble-drying and include a dryer sheet to reduce static electricity. Use a warm iron to press, if necessary.

Polyester

Read the label. Usually, polyester items can be machine-washed (cool) and dried (low). Check the label to see if air-drying is recommended. Touch up with a cool – never hot – iron, if necessary.

Rayon

Make sure to read the care label for rayon clothing. Launder in cool water and a mild detergent. When machine-washing, use the gentle cycle and promptly remove garments after washing. When hand-washing, do not wring or twist the garment. To dry, roll the item in a towel to squeeze out excess water. Lay flat to dry. Iron when still damp and with the garment inside out to prevent the fabric from becoming shiny. Use a pressing cloth when ironing the right side of the garment. Pressing cloths can be purchased or use something as simple as a piece of white cotton fabric.

Spandex

Use warm water when hand- or machine-washing items made with spandex. Line dry or use a low-temperature setting when machine-drying to preserve the elasticity of the garment.

Wool knit

Typically, wool knits need to be dry-cleaned but check the label. If hand-washable, use cool water and a detergent for fine washables. Squeeze out excess water, then reshape and dry flat.

Wool (lined)

Lined garments generally look best when professionally dry-cleaned once a season. Between dry cleanings, remove surface soil with a brush or damp cloth. Refresh the item by hanging it from a padded hanger in a steamy bathroom; moisture will help garment shed wrinkles. When touching up with an iron, use steam in an up-and-down motion (rather than sliding the iron along with the fabric).