WashCareLab
Fabric Care
Reviewed care guidance organized by fiber type, with the finished-item care label kept first.
Reviewed fabric profiles
Each profile separates fiber-level cautions from the product-specific instructions on the actual care label. The library covers common natural, regenerated and synthetic fibers.
Open Fabric Care FinderDyes, finishes, trims, blends and construction can change the correct care method even when two items share the same main fiber.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that is lightweight and easy to launder, but it can pill, hold oily soils and be damaged by excessive heat. Finished-item care labels still control the actual wash and drying method.
Cotton
Cotton care varies with fabric construction, dye, finish and garment design. Use the item care label as the product-specific instruction; cotton textiles can also show dimensional change during laundering and drying.
Linen
Linen is a natural cellulosic fiber valued for strength and quick drying. It wrinkles readily and repeated sharp creasing can weaken fabric, so the finished product's care label and construction should guide washing and pressing.
Nylon
Nylon is a strong synthetic fiber with low moisture absorption, but it can hold oily soils and is sensitive to excessive heat. Wash, drying and pressing choices should stay within the permanent care label.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber used in many different constructions and blends. Heat exposure and care requirements depend on the finished product, so use the garment care label rather than fiber identity alone.
Rayon / Viscose
Rayon and viscose are regenerated cellulosic fibers that can lose strength when wet and may shrink or stretch depending on construction and finish. Some items require dry cleaning, so careful label reading matters before laundering.
Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber that can be weakened by high heat, chlorine bleach, sunlight and rough wet handling. Many finished silk garments call for professional cleaning, so the care label takes priority over generic fiber advice.
Spandex / Elastane
Spandex is an elastic synthetic fiber commonly used in blends. It is sensitive to high heat and chlorine bleach, so lower-temperature laundering and drying limits on the care label are especially important.
Wool
Wool is a natural protein fiber that can felt, shrink or distort when the wrong combination of moisture, agitation and heat is used. Wash only by the method allowed on the garment label and handle wet knitwear gently.