Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care
What the exam tests
This domain combines performance properties, finishing processes and care. Questions ask you to match a fabric to an end use, explain what a finish does, and interpret care labels so a garment keeps its fit and colour.
Performance properties
- Absorbency: cotton and viscose absorb well; polyester and nylon are hydrophobic and dry quickly.
- Strength: cotton is stronger wet; viscose and rayon are weaker wet, so avoid harsh wringing.
- Elasticity: elastane gives stretch and recovery; knitted structures also stretch.
- Others: drape, thermal insulation, abrasion resistance, pilling and shrinkage.
Finishes
Mechanical finishes change the surface: calendering presses it smooth and glossy; sanforising controls cotton shrinkage; brushing raises a nap for warmth. Chemical finishes include mercerising (cotton becomes stronger, smoother and more lustrous), flame retardancy, stain release, anti-static and easy-care resin finishes. A finish is not permanent unless the label says so.
Care labels
Read the five-symbol sequence: wash tub with temperature and dots, triangle for bleach, square for drying, iron with dots, circle for dry cleaning. A bar under the wash tub means mild cycle; a cross means do not. Wool usually needs cool hand wash or dry clean, no chlorine bleach, low iron.
Worked example
A wool blazer label shows hand wash at 30 °C, do not bleach, line dry in shade, iron at 110 °C, dry clean. Reasoning: wool felts with heat, agitation and alkali, so cool hand wash and no chlorine bleach protect the fibre; shade drying prevents fading; low iron avoids scorching; dry cleaning is permitted as an alternative.
Traps
Do not confuse water-repellent with waterproof. Do not assume “natural” means easy care. Do not iron over a stain or use chlorine bleach on wool or silk.