Textiles and Clothing: Fibres, Fabrics and Garment Care
What this domain tests
You must classify fibres, link fibre properties to fabric use, and describe correct washing and care of garments, including stain removal.
Fibre classification
- Natural - cellulosic: cotton, linen, jute; protein: wool, silk.
- Man-made - regenerated: rayon, viscose; synthetic: polyester, nylon, acrylic.
Properties that decide use
Cotton absorbs moisture, is cool and comfortable, and becomes stronger when wet - good for summer wear and towels. Wool is warm, absorbs moisture, but felts and shrinks with heat, moisture and rubbing, and is weaker when wet. Silk is lustrous, light and weaker when wet. Rayon loses much strength when wet. Polyester is strong, quick-drying, non-absorbent and thermoplastic, so it should be ironed at low heat.
Weaves
Plain (strong, simple), twill (diagonal, durable - denim), satin (lustrous, floats, snag-prone).
Garment care steps
Sort by colour and fabric → soak briefly → wash with mild detergent → rinse well → starch if needed → dry in shade → iron at correct temperature → store with care. Follow care-label symbols.
Worked example
A woollen sweater shrunk after a hot wash. Reasoning: heat, moisture and agitation cause wool scales to interlock and felt. Correction: wash in cool water with mild detergent, squeeze without wringing, dry flat in shade.
Traps that cost marks
- Saying cotton weakens when wet; it gains strength.
- Using strong bleach on wool or silk - both are protein fibres and are damaged.
- Ironing polyester at cotton temperature.
- Forgetting that stains must be removed before washing, not after.