Comfortable, resilient

Press, 2 May 1984, Page 18

Comfortable, resilient

Despite the great diversity of synthetic and manmade fibres now available, wool fabric is still regarded as an excellent choice for fashion garments, particularly for those worn during the cooler months. This is because wool is both comfortable to wear and resilient. The comfort derives from wool’s considerable insulating effect. Wool fabric keeps the wearer comparatively warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition, it repels rain, yet can absorb a great deal of moisture without feeling damp. Because wool fabric is strong and resists wrinkles, garments made from it are hard-wearing and seldom, if ever, require ironing.

The Woolmark symbol is used to identify a qualitytested product in pure wool. A fabric or garment label may also describe the pro-

duct as either “woollen” or “worsted.”

Woollen refers to fabrics made of yams containing short wool fibres, which result in an uneven surface. Worsted fabrics are made of yams with only long wool fibres, and the surfaces of these fabrics are relatively smooth.

Worsteds, being stronger, usually stay in shape better than woollens.

If the label does not indicate that a wool fabric has been pre-shrunk, be sure to damp press it before starting to cut and sew. Wool garments are better to be lined to maintain a good fit, and interfacing and taped edges allow a more tailored, professional result.

One of the features of wool fabric is its ability to be moulded into shape during garment construction, but remember to use a pressing cloth, and to steam

the fabric from the reverse side. To keep the finished garment in top condition for

even longer, brush it frequently, remove stains promptly, and give it a 24hour rest before wearing it again.

Wool garments need room to air, and can be refreshed by being hung in a steamy bathroom to remove wrinkles. While not in use, garments in wool knit fabrics are better to be stored flat, whereas other wool garments should be hung on substantial, suitably-shaped hangers.