"Whether you're purchasing clothing, a pillow, a rug, or even yards of fabric online, it can be nerve-wracking to know exactly what you're getting without seeing and feeling it in person. Not to worry: There are a few informational cues and keywords that let you know what you'll be getting, whether it's a brand-new piece or a well-loved vintage item.
Material content: There are two big categories, and a lot of gray area, when it comes to fabric content. Generally, fibers—the fluff that is spun into thread—are either synthetic or natural. Synthetics, such as polyester, nylon, and elastane, are much more durable than natural fibers but have a colder, crispier surface feel and can often look a little shiny. Because of the lack of water retention in synthetics, they have a lot of static. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk have a softer hand feel but are also much easier to damage through wear and tear. There are blended fabrics that use both natural and synthetic to give us the best of both worlds: soft fabric that is also durable. If you see a blended fabric, you can bet that the larger the percentage of particular fibers, the more that piece takes on the characteristic of either a natural or synthetic cloth.”
From What We Keep by Jean Lin.
Studio photography by Brooke Holm.
