Silk: How to Care
I find silk garments difficult to buy because of how delicate they are, gorgeous but very delicate; you need to be careful of what you put on before wearing the piece and how you wash it. I recently got an alluring white silk dress from Maison Silk, and since the piece is so beautiful I want to take proper care of it, so I decided to do a little research on how to.
Animal fiber is produced by certain insects and arachnids as building material for cocoons and webs, some of which can be used to make fine fabrics. In commercial use, silk is almost entirely limited to filaments from the cocoons of domesticated silkworms (caterpillars of several moth species belonging to the genus Bombyx).
Silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability, and it has a long trading history across the world. Silk is the epitome of luxury due to its high cost to produce, soft feel, and elegant appearance, and it is thus a popular textile in high-end and couture fashion design.
How to Use and Care for Silk Fabric
Hand Washing is Best
1. Fill a bucket or sink with cold water under 30 degrees.
2. Add a decent amount of silk detergent in cool water.
3. Soak your silk product to bathe for 5-10 minutes (no longer than 30 minutes).
4. Rinse through cold water until detergent completely disappears.
5. Press between a clean towel or your hands directly to remove excess water. Make sure to never twist the silk fabric.
6. Hang dry or lay flat to dry. Please avoid direct sunlight exposure.
7. To bring your silk garment back to sheen and softness, iron using low heat or steamed to keep your pieces wrinkle-free.
We Can Also Make Machine-wash Possible
1. Before you toss your silk pieces into the washing machine, sort them with the same color of silk. We recommend washing one piece at a time.
2. Use a protective mesh bag/laundry bag to avoid silk fibers tearing.
3. Add a decent amount of silk detergent to the machine.
4. Machine wash with cold water under 30 degrees and begin washing on a delicate cycle.
5. We do not recommend spinning silk fabrics because it can cause wrinkles and tears. However, if you are unable to wait for them to naturally air dry, spin your silk product in less than a minute.
6. Use a clean white cloth or towel to soak up the excess water and moisture.
7. DO NOT TUMBLE DRY.
8. Hang dry or lay flat to dry. Please avoid direct sunlight exposure.
9. To bring your silk garment back to sheen and softness, iron using low heat or steamed to keep your pieces wrinkle-free.
10. When it comes time to wear your Silk Maison, a smoothing technique isn’t always necessary since creases tend to fall when hung. But if you’d like to; steaming is the best method in keeping your pieces wrinkle-free.
Before and Aftercare:
Never spray your garment with perfume or deodorant.
The less agitation the better.
Don't spray with water when ironing; a slightly damp garment is better.
Cool iron on the reverse (watch the crystals).
When traveling, roll up your garment and pop it into a lingerie bag to protect it from snagging.
You don't need to wash after every wear, an ‘air out’ or light steam will do.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Silk Fabric?
Silk is known for its beautiful drape and absorbent nature, along with other positive factors, including:
Texture. Silk is incredibly soft with a flattering sheen, giving it a high-end and luxurious appeal.
Strength and durability. It is also one of the strongest natural fibers, though some of its strength diminishes upon getting wet. Silk is often blended with other fibers, such as cotton, for added sturdiness.
Elasticity. The material’s flexibility makes it ideal for garments and upholstery.
Absorbency. Silk is one of the most absorbent fabrics, therefore it handles moisture well in clothing items.
However, silk has some drawbacks as well, including:
Static cling. Since the material does not conduct electricity well, it can experience a lot of static.
Shrinkage. The fabric shrinks in the wash so a silk clothing item should always be dry-cleaned or the material should be washed before the clothing item is constructed.
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