Substances

Are you faced with the choice of different fabrics and wondering which one to choose? This is a familiar challenge. On this page we offer you tools to make the right choice, although it can remain a complex decision. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the basics: cotton and polyester , the two most common materials.

Natural and Breathable

Cotton

Cotton, a natural fiber obtained from the seeds of the cotton plant, is known for its softness and breathability. This makes it an especially popular choice for making garments such as T-shirts and jeans, as well as bed linen and towels. Cotton is highly absorbent, making it ideal for warm climates. However, traditional cotton production requires a lot of water and land use and often involves the use of pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment. At Trust & Tailor, we prefer organic cotton, which has a significantly lower impact on our environment. Cotton is also strong, durable and easy to maintain.

Wear and colourfast

Polyester

Polyester, a synthetic fibre, is popular for its durability and resistance to shrinking and wrinkling. This fibre dries quickly, is easy to care for and is ideal for both everyday and sportswear. Polyester is often combined with other fibres to make the fabrics stronger and easier to care for. Although the production of traditional polyester is energy-intensive and can have a significant environmental impact, Trust & Tailor is committed to a more sustainable approach by primarily using recycled polyester. This material, derived from materials such as recycled plastic bottles, helps to reduce waste and our carbon footprint, in line with our sustainability goals.

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Cotton

Cotton, a natural fiber obtained from the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium), is one of the most widely used materials worldwide due to its versatility and comfort. The fibers are spun and woven into fabric, resulting in a wide range of garments.
Benefits of Cotton:
Cotton is particularly soft and comfortable, ideal for direct contact with the skin. It is highly breathable, promotes the evaporation of perspiration and stays cool in warm climates. Cotton clothing is robust and durable, which guarantees a long life with careful maintenance. In addition, cotton is hypoallergenic and rarely causes allergic reactions, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Disadvantages of Cotton:
A major disadvantage is that cotton can shrink, especially after the first wash, unless it is pretreated. It wrinkles more easily than synthetic fibers, which often requires ironing. Cotton cultivation is also water-intensive and often requires a lot of pesticides, which has a significant ecological impact.
Use in Clothing:
Due to its comfort and durability, cotton is ideal for workwear that is worn daily. It is often used for the production of shirts, trousers and jackets, where the breathable properties of the fabric are of great advantage.
Washing instructions for Cotton:
It is recommended to wash cotton clothes in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinkage. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach. Cotton clothes can be tumble dried on a low heat, but to minimize shrinkage, air drying is recommended. To remove wrinkles, it is best to iron cotton on a medium to high heat.
These properties make cotton a popular material for a wide range of clothing applications, including specialized corporate clothing.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its strength and durability, as well as its resistance to shrinkage and wrinkling. It is manufactured from petrochemicals, where the material is melted and extruded into fibers. These versatile properties make polyester one of the most widely used fibers in the clothing industry.
Advantages of Polyester:
Polyester is exceptionally strong and durable, ideal for clothing that needs to withstand frequent use and washing. The material hardly shrinks or creases, which makes it easy to care for and keeps garments looking newer for longer. Polyester dries quickly, which is especially useful for sportswear and other clothing that is washed regularly. It is also highly resistant to most chemicals.
Disadvantages of Polyester:
While polyester is strong, it can be less breathable, making it less comfortable in warm environments. The material can build up static electricity and is sensitive to oils and greases, making stains difficult to remove. From an environmental perspective, polyester is energy-intensive to produce and contributes to plastic pollution as it is not biodegradable.
Use in Clothing:
Polyester is particularly suitable for workwear and uniforms because of its durability and ease of maintenance. It is often used for shirts, trousers, jackets and sportswear where durability and ease of maintenance are priorities.
Washing instructions for Polyester:
It is best to wash polyester garments in warm or cold water with a standard detergent. Polyester is suitable for machine drying on a low temperature, but air drying is recommended to save energy and extend the life of the garment. Ironing polyester is rarely necessary; if necessary, iron on a low temperature to prevent melting of the fibres.
These properties make polyester a popular choice for a wide range of apparel applications, including specialized corporate uniforms.

In addition to cotton and polyester, there are several other fabrics that are widely used in clothing and textile products, each with unique properties and applications:
Wool: Obtained from the hair of animals such as sheep, goats and alpacas, wool is extremely warm, breathable and naturally water-repellent, ideal for winter clothing such as sweaters, jackets and socks.
Silk: This luxurious, natural fiber, produced by silkworms, is known for its smoothness, luster and strength, and is often used for evening wear, blouses and underwear.
Linen: Made from the fibers of the flax plant, linen is strong and extremely breathable, although it wrinkles easily. It is valued for its coolness and comfort in hot weather and is widely used for summer clothing and home textiles.
Rayon (Viscose): A semi-synthetic fiber made from naturally occurring polymers, rayon is versatile, soft, and has a silky sheen, often used for dresses, blouses, and sportswear.
Acrylic: A synthetic fiber similar to wool in warmth and texture, but lighter. Acrylic is colorfast, machine washable, and resistant to wrinkling and shrinkage, often used for less expensive sweaters and blankets.
Nylon: Known for its strength and elasticity, nylon is often used in sportswear, tights and swimwear because of its resistance to wear and tear.
Spandex (Elastane): Exceptionally elastic, usually blended with other fabrics to make clothing stretchy, such as in leggings, sportswear and underwear.
Bamboo: Made from the pulp of bamboo plants, bamboo is known for its softness and breathability, is antimicrobial and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Tencel: A brand name for lyocell, made from the cellulose in wood pulp. It is known for its environmentally friendly production process, softness, strength, and breathability with excellent moisture-absorbing qualities. Tencel is often used for underwear, sportswear, and comfortable summer clothing.
Hemp: Derived from the stems of the hemp plant, hemp fiber is sustainable and characterized by low water consumption and minimal pesticide requirements during cultivation. It is strong, durable, breathable and has antimicrobial properties. Hemp is increasingly used for casual clothing, bags and eco-friendly building materials.
This diversity in materials offers extensive possibilities for different applications, from everyday use to specialized clothing and household items.
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