Blends are created to improve the feel, performance, or durability of the fabric.
Blends create a better texture and long-lasting feel. For example, when cotton and spandex are combined it often creates a fabric that is lightweight, cool, and with some degree of stretch.
What are Fabric Blends?
Fabric blends are created when two or more different kinds of fibre are mixed to create a new fabric with unique properties. For fabrics to be blended there have to be unique features and close relationships between these fabrics before they can be blended, fabrics are selectively and creatively chosen so they can exude unique properties.
Blends can influence colouring, strength, softness, absorbency, easy care, resistance to wrinkling, and ease of spinning.
Types of Materials and Different Purposes for Fabric Blend
There are so many different materials used for clothing, each with its purpose and characteristics. Some common materials include;
- Silk: luxurious and smooth, often used for special occasions.
- Wool: warm and insulating, ideal for winter garments.
- Denim: sturdy and versatile, commonly used for jeans.
When it comes to blending fabrics, it can create unique combinations. It’s fascinating how different materials serve different purposes in the world of fashion, enhancing the overall performance of a fabric.
Blends of Fabrics
- Cotton/Polyester Blend: This can result in a fabric that is soft, making it more resistant to moth and mildew, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to launder. It combines the comfort of cotton with the durability of polyester. Blending fabrics can also help with moisture-wicking, stretchiness, and maintaining shape.
- Silk/Cotton Blend: Blended silks are made because of the cost of pure silk. When you blend silk with other fabrics, it becomes affordable. Silk cotton crepe is a popular clothing fabric.
- Wool/Cotton Blend: The wool and cotton blend highlights their inherent qualities. It gives better comfort, aesthetics, and performance. The ability of the garment to retain its shape even after several washes is considerably improved by blending cotton and wool. Costly wool-like mohair, alpaca is blended with cotton to decrease cost.
- Linen/Cotton Blend: 100% linen fabric is expensive and difficult to maintain as the linen has a tendency to break down when folded or ironed at the same place. However, they are very absorbent, have a natural lustre, and are soft and cool to the touch. When blended with cotton, the strength of the fabric is improved, and the cost of the fabric is reduced.
- Rayon/Cotton Blend: Rayon has better moisture absorbency, and adds luster. Fabrics or rayons are wearable and washable and are prone to fewer wrinkles. It is soft and has a fuzzy surface. When cotton and viscose are blended, the result is a shimmery soft texture.
The Impact of Fabric Blend and Clothing on the Environment, Fashion Industry, and Labour Involved in Production
When it comes to the environment, the choice of materials and fabric blends can make a difference. Natural fibres like cotton and silk are biodegradable, which means they break down more easily compared to synthetic fibres like polyester. They are often derived from non-renewable resources and can take a long time to decompose, contributing to environmental pollution.
Additionally, the production of fabrics and clothing can consume significant amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, which can have negative environmental consequences.
In terms of the fashion industry, the demand for fast fashion has led to increased production and consumption, resulting in excessive waste and a shorter lifespan for clothing items. Many clothing items are discarded after just a few wears, contributing to landfill waste.
The fashion industry also faces challenges related to labour practices, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights. Consumers need to support brands that align with values and initiatives that prioritise sustainable and ethical practices, thereby contributing to a more environmentally friendly and socially conscious fashion landscape.
What are the Reasons for Clothing and Fabric Blends?
There are several reasons why clothing and fabric blends are used, we have;
- Combination of Best Properties: This happens when you blend cotton with polyester, it creates a fabric that is both soft and durable.
- Improvement In Fabric Performance: Fabric blends can enhance characteristics such as breathability, moisture-wicking, stretchiness, and wrinkle resistance. It can also help with maintaining the shape and longevity of the garment.
- Cost-Effective Alternatives: Fabric blends can offer cost-effective alternatives to expensive materials. By blending different fibres, manufacturers can create fabrics that mimic the look and feel of luxury materials at a more affordable price.
Conclusion
Blends or blending is all about finding the right combination based on the desired characteristics and purpose of the clothing. Fashion designers and manufacturers experiment creatively with different blends to create unique and functional garments.
Fabric blends serve both functional and economic purposes in the world of fashion. It’s pretty amazing how different materials can come together to create something special and elegant!
Researched by Iloh Chioma Sandra.
Read here, 9 Lifestyle Websites for Women that are Obsessed with Fashion.
