Woolen fabrics are beginning to make a comeback, with tweed becoming more popular by the day. Where this was once a fashion trend of yesterday, more and more designers are using it. With this being said, how do you care for this fabric once you have purchased it?
The first tip that anyone needs is to simply look at the clothing. Most clothing items have a care label somewhere. This label details whether this garment can be washed, or needs to be dry-cleaned. It also details the ironing temperature, if bleach can be used, and if it can be machined dried, or needs to be laid flat. Follow these directions to the letter for best results and to avoid any accidents.
It is not the best idea to hang a knit woolen garment to dry as the loose weave of the fibers cannot handle the weight of the water, and will stretch and warp out of shape. The best way to dry wool is to lay flat on a counter or table on a towel to wick the water away from the fabric. Hanging even after drying is not recommended, due to the weight and risk of stretching and distortion even when not wet, unless a padded hanger is used. The suggested manner of storage of tweed is folding and storing flat in a drawer.
Shrinkage is another risk of washing tweed. This fabric, like all wool, will shrink if exposed to great amounts of moisture and heat. Hence laying them out to dry will prevent shrinkage. If they must be dried, make sure to use the lowest heat setting on the dryer, and use the least amount of time needed to dry.
Tweed does need to be cleaned and pressed regularly to maintain the fabric and keep it in the best shape possible for the longest period of time. Treating stains is very important as well to prevent the stain setting in the fabric and becoming a permanent part of the cloth. Food and beverage stains provide the most pressing treatment argument, as these types of stains will attract moths, which can destroy an article of clothing.
Most dyes used in woolen fabric are durable, but there are still things such as bleach, ammonia, salts from perspiration, and underarm deodorants can cause loss or change of color in these fabrics. Unless the care tag says otherwise, avoid using bleach or getting the fabric in contact with cleaners and items containing ammonia. To prevent underarm deodorants from discoloring the fabric, always allow the deodorant to dry fully before putting on the clothing.
A little bit of common sense, attention to care instructions and a little knowledge will go along way to preserve tweed fabrics in clothing. As tweed gains more steam in the fashion market, there will be more and more items placed in the market, and cleaning and caring for the clothing correctly allows someone to wear and enjoy their clothing for as long as possible. A little education can go a long way in learning how to care for that new outfit.
