Sneak-peek : Classic fabric tests

Things I do at the studio: Fabric Tests

One of the challenges of buying stock fabric rolls is that, very often, the fabric composition is missing. 

So here I am, performing a burn test on a small swatch of the khaki fabric that I used for the Kaftan Dress .

• DO NOT REPEAT AT HOME❌ 

The burn test went as follows: The sample shrank and burnt, leaving hard black and a bit of white residue that can be partially crushed 👩🏻‍🔬

The result: It is ACETATE 💡

• Now what is ACETATE? 👩🏻‍🏫

Quoting the “Fabric for fashion, the complete guide” by Clive Hallett and Amanda Johnston, 

Acetate is produced from wood pulp or cotton linters. It […] can be smooth and soft, with good draping qualities. It was first introduced in the early years of the 20th century, although initial developments date back to 1860s. 

Acetate and Triacetate show excellent resistance to pilling, dry quickly, have poor thermal retention and are hypoallergenic. Acetate wicks moisture and is therefore favoured as lining as it allows perspiration to dissipate quickly.

• Environmental sustainability 🌱

Both acetate and triacetate are made from renewable resources that can be composted or incinerated at the end of the garment’s life cycle.