The Cotton Hat… How To Extend Their Life!
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009Cotton hats are simple head gears that provide, for the most part of it, protection against environmental elements such as rain, heat, and dust. Their functional purpose has expanded however, to include as a complement to one’s attire or uniform or simply a fashion statement. Cotton hats have the added benefit of comfort and convenience of wear as well as its ubiquitous protective and aesthetic function.
Cotton materials are cool, soft and comfortable to wear especially in terms of allowing body heat to permeate through its fibers. Cotton clothing have been well known for its ability to absorb perspiration and release it into the air to allow the cotton fabric to ‘breathe’. Furthermore, it is relatively easy to care for because it is sturdy even in extreme heat and can withstand abrasive forces. Because of these factors, the introduction of cotton materials in the design and production of the cotton hat and other headwear has proceeded without much of a glitch. Fashion designers have purposively integrated the hat into their designs and have allowed the expression of a much greater latitude of freedom in the modern fashion industry. However useful cotton hats deserve the same kind of attention like any other piece of fashion accessory.
As there are many different kinds of fabric, there are also different kinds of cotton fabrics. Hats made of cotton can have polyester enmeshed in the cotton fibers or can be any one of the following kinds: diaper cloth, dimity, drill, duck, flannel, flannelette, gauze, gingham, lawn, muslin, organdy, outing flannel, Oxford, percale, pima cotton, polished cotton, poplin, sailcloth, sateen, seersucker, Swiss, terry cloth, velveteen, and whipcord.
However extensive is the range of cotton materials, they can be cared for by the following general measures that extend the life of these cottony materials.
Follow the directions and or instructions of the manufacturer of the cotton hats and other cotton fabric materials you have. Take special consideration on the recommended temperatures for both washing and drying in order to prevent undue shrinkage. If at all possible, hand wash the hats and other small items from the bulk of laundry that are to be machine washed. Use gentle liquid detergents or even specially formulated hand washing detergents. You can use bleach but use them sparingly because bleach, like all other chemicals, can significantly weaken the cotton fibers, especially the pure cotton ones.
If you need to machine wash the hat and put them in the spin dryer, make sure to remove them with them when they are not yet 100 percent dry. They should not feel wet to the touch but you can somehow feel a certain degree of moisture in the fabric. This should render the cotton hat retain its fluffy and comfortable state. To maximize the softness of the cotton fibers in the hat, you can reduce the amount of detergent used. You can also try to mix the detergent first in the wash water before you put in the cotton hats in order to reduce the likelihood of residue buildup. Residue buildup can greatly diminish the cotton fabric’s softness.
Do not attempt to use silicon based fabric softeners because these only leave behind a waxy film which covers the porous nature of the cotton fibers. When these "pores" are blocked, the cotton cannot "breathe" and it becomes uncomfortable to wear. Also, there are some fabric softeners that have added scents which can be allergenic to some persons.
Make sure to separate the light colored hats from the dark colored ones to minimize the chances of cross staining. Cotton fibers are excellent absorbers of dyes and, depending on the detergent used and the type of cotton fiber, they can readily take on other colors as well. Never wash these items together with garments or clothing that have zippers or hooks or any other metallic extensions to minimize damage to the fibers.
in order to reduce the likelihood of residue buildup. Residue buildup can greatly diminish the cotton fabric’s softness.
Do not attempt to use silicon based fabric softeners because these only leave behind a waxy film which covers the porous nature of the cotton fibers. When these "pores" are blocked, the cotton cannot "breathe" and it becomes uncomfortable to wear. Also, there are some fabric softeners that have added scents which can be allergenic to some persons.
Make sure to separate the light colored hats from the dark colored ones to minimize the chances of cross staining. Cotton fibers are excellent absorbers of dyes and, depending on the detergent used and the type of cotton fiber, they can readily take on other colors as well. Never wash these items together with garments or clothing that have zippers or hooks or any other metallic extensions to minimize damage to the fibers.
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