When it comes to knitwear, the quality of raw materials is critical in determining the overall feel, durability and performance of a knitwear. As consumers become more discerning about their purchases, understanding the properties of various fibers is essential. This article will guide you on how to choose high-quality raw materials for knitwear, focusing on popular fibers such as cashmere, wool, silk, cotton, linen, mohair and Tencel.
1.Cashmere
Cashmere is often seen as a symbol of luxury in the textile world. Taken from the soft undercoat of goats, this fiber is lightweight, soft and luxurious to the touch. One of its outstanding characteristics is its exceptional warmth, making it ideal for high-end knitwear. Cashmere knitwear are ideal for wearing next to the skin during the autumn and winter months, providing warmth without the itchiness of wool. When choosing cashmere, look for a fiber that has passed certification standards such as the Good Cashmere Standard to ensure it has been ethically sourced and produced as a high-quality product.
2.Wool
Wool is a classic fibre, known for its resilience, warmth and breathability. It’s durable and perfect for everyday basics. Wool knitwear are comfortable and practical, keeping you warm while wicking away moisture, helping to regulate your body temperature. When choosing wool, consider the type of wool. For example, merino wool is finer and softer than traditional wool, making it a popular choice for high-quality knitwear.
3.Silk
Silk is a natural fiber known for its smooth texture and natural sheen. It has excellent thermoregulation and moisture absorption properties, making it perfect for light knitted sweaters in spring and summer. Silk gives the wearer a cool and delicate touch, making it a great choice for creating elegant and sophisticated clothing. When choosing silk, make sure to select high-quality material, as different grades of silk can vary greatly in feel and drape.
4.Cotton
Cotton is one of the most widely used fibers in the world, known for its skin-friendly, breathable properties. It wicks moisture, is comfortable and durable, making it suitable for all seasons, especially for casual knit tops. Cotton clothing is easy to care for and durable, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. When choosing cotton, look for organic products that are certified to standards such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to ensure that the cotton is grown sustainably and ethically.
5.Linen
Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant, known for its crisp texture and quick-drying properties. It has a uniquely fresh feel and gets softer with every wash. Linen is ideal for knitwear in spring and summer, creating a natural and comfortable style. Its breathability makes it perfect for warm weather, while it can also be blended with other fibers for added softness and durability. When choosing linen, consider its weight and weave, as these factors will affect the drape and comfort of the knitwear.
6.Mohair
Mohair is derived from the hair of Angora goats and is known for its fluffy texture and exceptional warmth. It is often used in fashion-forward knitwear to add depth and luxury to garments. Mohair can be blended with other fibers to enhance its properties, such as durability and softness. When choosing mohair, look for high-quality blends that preserve the fiber’s unique properties and enhance the overall wearing experience.
7.Tencel
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is an environmentally friendly fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. It is soft, drapes well, and wicks moisture well, making it suitable for lightweight, next-to-skin sweaters. Tencel garments are cool and breathable, making them ideal for warm climates. When choosing Tencel, make sure it is produced by a reputable manufacturer that adheres to sustainable production methods.
8.Importance of certification
When buying a sweater, or any garment for that matter, it’s important to choose yarn that has been certified to globally recognised standards. Certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA), OEKO-TEX® and The Good Cashmere Standard ensure that the raw materials used in the garment meet high standards in terms of product quality, sustainability and ethical sourcing.
These certifications not only guarantee the quality of the fiber, but also promote responsible sourcing and production practices. By choosing certified materials, consumers can support brands that value environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices.
9.Blended yarn, better performance
In addition to pure fibers, many brands are now exploring blended yarns that combine the advantages of different materials. For example, cashmere-wool blends combine the softness of cashmere and the durability of wool, while silk-cotton blends combine luxurious touch and breathability. These blended fabrics can significantly improve the wearing experience and durability of clothing, becoming a popular choice for consumers.
When considering a yarn blend, pay attention to the ratio of each fiber in the blend as this will affect the overall performance and feel of the garment. High-quality blends retain the best properties of each fiber while enhancing the functionality of the garment.
10.High-quality raw materials sources
High-quality raw materials for knitwear mainly come from high-end yarn factories in regions such as Inner Mongolia and Italy, which are famous for their textiles. These regions are known for their expertise in producing luxury fibers such as cashmere, wool, and silk. When selecting raw materials, their origin and manufacturing process must be considered.
Quality-conscious brands often establish direct relationships with yarn producers to ensure they have access to the highest quality raw materials. This not only improves the quality of the end product, but also supports local economies and promotes sustainable practices.
In conclusion
Selecting high-quality clothing raw materials is essential to ensure comfort, durability and style. By understanding the unique properties of fibers such as cashmere, wool, silk, cotton, linen, mohair and Tencel, consumers can make informed decisions when purchasing clothing. In addition, prioritizing certified materials and supporting brands that adhere to sustainable production practices can help create a more ethical and environmentally friendly fashion industry.
When purchasing your next sweater or knit, always consider the quality of the raw materials used. Investing in high-quality fibers not only elevates your wardrobe, but also supports a more sustainable and responsible fashion future.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn
Read more on yarn: https://onwardcashmere.com/how-to-choose-yarn/