Material Guide: What Are Your Clothes Made Of?

Our Choice of Materials

At Zizzi, we carefully select the materials used in our collections to ensure quality, durability, and the best possible fit. Our design team collaborates closely with suppliers to create plus-size fashion that balances craftsmanship, functionality, and great prices. From breathable natural fibers to innovative synthetic blends, every piece is designed to support your style and comfort.


This guide explores the primary clothing materials we use, highlighting their benefits and best care practices. Understanding what your clothes are made of can help you make informed choices and keep your wardrobe in top condition.


Cotton

Linen

Polyester

Viscose

Elastane

Polyamide

Acrylic

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most commonly used natural fibers in clothing production, prized for its softness and breathability. Made from the cotton plant, this versatile material is ideal for everything from casual wear to structured pieces.



3 Benefits of Cotton:

  1. Softness: Naturally gentle on the skin, making it perfect for underwear, T-shirts, and everyday wear.
  2. Breathability: Allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
  3. Durability: Strong and resilient, ensuring longevity even with frequent washing.

How to Wash Cotton Clothes

Cotton garments should generally be washed at 30-40 degrees. Some cotton fabrics may shrink, so always check the care label before washing. Use a color-specific detergent to preserve vibrancy and softness.

Linen

Linen is a durable, breathable natural fiber derived from the flax plant. Its moisture-wicking properties and lightweight texture make it a summer wardrobe essential.



3 Benefits of Linen:

  1. Moisture Absorption: Quickly absorbs sweat and dries fast, keeping you fresh and dry.
  2. Temperature Regulation: Helps maintain body temperature in both warm and cool climates.
  3. Long-Lasting: The fibers get softer with each wash, ensuring continued comfort over time.

How to Wash Linen Clothes

Wash linen garments at a maximum of 30 degrees using a mild detergent. To minimize wrinkles, stretch the fabric gently while damp and air dry flat.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and ability to retain color vibrancy. Often blended with other materials, it enhances the longevity and structure of clothing.



3 Benefits of Polyester

  1. Shape Retention: Holds its form, making it a great choice for structured garments.
  2. Color Fastness: Keeps colors bright, even after multiple washes.
  3. Wrinkle Resistance: Reduces the need for ironing, ensuring low-maintenance wear.

How to Wash Polyester Clothes

Polyester can be washed at 40-60 degrees. Avoid using fabric softeners as they may affect the fabric’s breathability.

Viscose

Viscose, also called rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. It has a silky texture, offering a luxurious feel with breathable properties.


3 Benefits of Viscose

  1. Breathability: Allows airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable.
  2. Softness: Has a smooth, silk-like touch, making it a great choice for dresses and blouses.
  3. Moisture Absorption: Helps maintain a dry and fresh feel throughout the day.

How to Wash Viscose Clothes

Wash viscose at 30-40 degrees on a gentle cycle. Since the fibers are delicate when wet, avoid wringing out the fabric.

Elastane

Also known as spandex or Lycra, elastane is blended with other fibers to provide stretch and flexibility, ensuring a comfortable and adaptive fit.


3 Benefits of Elastane

  1. Flexibility: Enhances the stretchability of garments for a better fit.
  2. Shape Retention: Prevents sagging, keeping clothes in their original form.
  3. Quick Drying: Absorbs minimal moisture, making it ideal for activewear and swimwear.

How to Wash Elastane Clothes

Wash at 30-40 degrees using a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners to preserve elasticity.

Polyamide

Polyamide is a strong synthetic fiber commonly found in sportswear, tights, and outerwear due to its durability and water-resistant qualities.


3 Benefits of Polyamide

  1. Durability: Withstands frequent wear and washing.
  2. Water Resistance: Absorbs minimal moisture, making it ideal for activewear.
  3. Hardwearing: Maintains its shape and elasticity over time.

How to Wash Polyamide Clothes

Wash at 40 degrees on a gentle cycle. Use fabric softener to reduce static electricity.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a synthetic fiber often used as a wool alternative, providing warmth without added weight.


3 Benefits of Acrylic

  1. Lightweight: Keeps you warm while remaining light and comfortable.
  2. Softness: Mimics the texture of wool for a cozy feel.
  3. Heat Insulation: Effectively retains warmth, making it great for knitwear.

How to Wash Acrylic Clothes

Wash at 30-40 degrees using a detergent designed for synthetics. A gentle cycle will help maintain the garment’s shape and softness.

Mixed Fibres

Many garments combine different fibers to optimize their properties. When washing blended fabrics, follow the care instructions for the most delicate fiber in the mix.


Frequently asked questions

Clothes containing elastane and viscose tend to stretch and conform to the body's shape, making them both comfortable and flexible to wear.

Clothes made from cotton and viscose tend to shrink after washing, especially if washed at too high temperatures or tumble dried.

Polyester clothing retains colour and prints best, as it is colourfast and does not fade easily, even after many washes.

If you experience your clothes rubbing off, it is recommended to wash them before wear. This helps remove excess dyes that can rub off on other garments or skin.

Polyester is durable, easy to care for and resistant to wrinkles and tears. However, it can feel less breathable than natural materials.

Polyester is less breathable than natural materials like cotton, but it is durable, quick-drying and easy to care for, making it ideal for sportswear and outerwear.

Polyester can be blended with other fibres such as cotton to improve the properties of the textile, such as making them more breathable or less prone to wrinkling.

Viscose is soft and has a silky feel. It is breathable and absorbent, but can be less durable and can wrinkle easily.

Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft, breathable and durable. Viscose is a regenerated fibre made from wood pulp that mimics the sheen and softness of silk, but can be less durable and more prone to wrinkling.

Elastane and spandex are actually the same material. Spandex is the American brand, while elastane is the European term for the same elastic fibre.

Acrylic and polyester have different properties. Acrylic is soft and can mimic the look of wool, but it can be less durable and tends to absorb more moisture than polyester. Polyester is generally more durable and easier to care for.

Polyamide is strong, elastic and resistant to wear and water. However, it is not as breathable as natural materials.

Clothes are often made of polyester because it is durable, wrinkle-free, colourfast and relatively inexpensive to produce. In addition, it dries quickly and is easy to care for, making it popular in many types of clothing.

A sustainable material is one that has a less negative impact on the environment than traditional materials, for example by reducing water consumption, CO2 emissions or the use of chemicals. Read more about our Reflect labelled products and their benefits on our Reflect page.