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Fabric identification

Discussion in 'PUBLIC Vintage Fashion - Ask Questions Get Answers' started by kittenteethvintage, Apr 25, 2020.

  1. kittenteethvintage

    kittenteethvintage VFG Member

    I have this 50's/60's Cay Artley dress that has no materials tag inside. It is pretty light, with a slight vertically crinkly texture- maybe some kid of crepe? It has some light staining and I really need to hand wash it, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this material and would know- 1. Can it stand up to Oxiclean, or would gentle detergent be about it, and 2. Will washing have any affect on the pleating on the skirt (I would be hanging or laying it dry).

    Any help is appreciated! Please see pics for detail-
    20200425_132955.jpg 20200425_133021.jpg 20200425_133212.jpg
     
  2. denisebrain

    denisebrain VFG Vice President Staff Member VFG Past President

    Does it have a very soft feel? I believe it is nylon, and that the crepe texture is embossed.

    If it is nylon, I have seen shrinkage along a zipper with this fabric, probably the result of washing in warm water and/or drying. I would hand wash in cool water and hang to dry.
     
  3. Linn

    Linn Super Moderator Staff Member VFG Past President

    It might be polyester, or a blend. I would definitely hand wash in cool water and hang to dry.
     
  4. claireshaeffer

    claireshaeffer VFG Member

    A thought about Maggie's post that you sometimes see shrinkage at a zipper.
    Fabrics like nylon don't shrink. In the 50's, zippers were still cotton. Cotton does shrink; this wasn't a problem if the garment required ironing because once the zip was wet, it could be pressed to lengthen it again.
     
  5. denisebrain

    denisebrain VFG Vice President Staff Member VFG Past President

    Yes, of course—thank you for that correction Claire!
     
  6. kittenteethvintage

    kittenteethvintage VFG Member

    To update- I hand washed in cool water, with gentle detergent and all the stains lifted beautifully- even the nasty sweaty back stain that I thought would be there for good. I hung it up outside to dry in the warm air and it retained the pleats no problem. Thank you all for your suggestions!
     
    Rue_de_la_Paix and denisebrain like this.

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