When it comes to vintage clothing, knowing the fabric type is very important. Rayon for example is one of the
more desirable fabrics, so it is important to correctly identify it. Pictures don't do vintage items justice so
knowing the fiber content as well as the proper name for the weave makes for a better and trusted seller.
This will also let potential buyers know, within reason, the ability to clean or repair an item. Its OK not to
be certain of a fiber content but always describe it to the best of your ability.

Please check out my fabric glossary. This is in no way complete list of fabrics or weaves as there are many!
Instead, these contain the ones you are likely to come across in vintage clothing. I will be adding close up
photos of each fabric and weave type but they will probably not be on the website until after the new year.

Also available is a fabric burn chart. Aren't sure of a fabric? New to fabrics? The best way is to burn a
fabric and identify it's properties.
Need to know fabric content or what to call it? Below contains most of what you need.

Here is a neat little test other than burning to tell your naturals apart from rayons.
It is best to do these tests on small scrap pieces that you cut off prior to testing.
Source www.rebeccablood.net/domestic/fiber_content_tests.html
Cotton
1. Drop of water remains whole  a moment before sinking in.
2. Drop oil or glycerine on scrap to tell cotton from linen, cotton is opaque.
3. An unraveled thread is short, fuzzy and lacks luster.
Linen
1. Drop of water on scrap spreads and absorbs quickly
2. Drop oil or glycerine on scrap, linen is transparent  when held up to the light.
3. An unraveled thread fibers are longer and have luster compared to cotton.
4. A drop of ink spreads evenly and rapidly on pure linen. It spreads uneven if mixed with
cotton.
Silk
1. Drop will spot silk. Washing will remove sizing and cloud water. Dries quickly.
2. An unraveled thread is lustrous appearance compared to wool or cotton.
Wool
1. Use caustic soda to tell pure wool from blends. Wool disolves leaving the blend.
2. An unraveled thread feels springy ans hairy.
Rayon
1. Feels gummy when wet. Fibers weak when wet. Dries slowly.
2. An unraveled thread is lustrous, cool and slippery compared to other fibers.
3.Threads slip or separate easier than other fabrics when scratched with your nail.
4.Rayon remains bright white with age while natural fibers yellow.
PROUD MEMBER
OF THE VINTAGE
FASHION GUILD
2009