Hi there,
the whole reason behind why I decided to start with this brand is that I found these amazing & luxurious fabrics, and thought something needs to be done of them.
Here’s a little check list on the materials used, and how they should be treated.
Silk
Silk is a natural fiber that can be woven into a fabric. Silk is produced by moth caterpillars. Silk is cold in the heat, but warm in the cold weather. Silk is best washed in cold water and by hand using a silk & wool washing powder. If you have a stain, I advice you to try to rinse it with water and mild soap, and then wash the whole garment. Light coloured silks are best dried flat. Silks can be ironed with heat, but if the silk is shiny on the outside, iron it on the reverse side. Also, some silks are better ironed without using water to avoid any water stains. These stains do go away when washed again, however. Steaming is an excellent choice for smoothing your dress.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a natural fiber and a type of wool. Cashmere, however, is finer, stronger, lighter, softer and more insulating than sheep wool. It is the softest & warmest fabric you can wear in the winter time. Cashmere is the most expensive fabric used in Lili Marleena -products. To make one cashmere sweater you need the wool produced by two cashmere goats in one year. It is criticized for not being the most sustainable fabric due to this factor, but luckily we use only leftover fabrics from others! Cashmere is said to be over 8 times warmer than regular wool. Cashmere can be washed and ironed in the same way as wool – hand wash in cold with a wool & silk washing powder, and iron with heat (if your cashmere dress is shiny, iron on the reverse side).
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep. The wool used in Lili Marleena -garments is always of extremely high quality, not your regular wool. Wool is warm to wear. It is best treated by washing it by hand in cold with wool & silk washing powder, and then ironing it with heat.
Viscose
Viscose is a semi-natural fiber made from cellulose. It is not considered completely natural as it requires a lot of processing to me made into fabric. Viscose is comfortable to wear and it is breathable. Viscose in an easy fabric to treat – wash it in 30 degrees in your washing machine and iron with strong heat. A great fiber for everyday use!
Acetate
Acetate is a similar fabric to viscose. It is made from cellulose. The material feels and looks luxurious, and it is often thicker thank silk or viscose. Acetate should be washed by hand and iron very carefully on the reverse side with low heat. Acetate might melt if ironed with too much heat – be careful!
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber collected from cotton plants. It is thick and durable – so the perfect choice for everyday use! Cotton is soft, comfortable and breathable to wear. Cotton is criticized for being unsustainable as it requires a lot of water to grow. Cotton can be washed in 40 degrees in the washing machine and ironed with high temperature.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber and used in Lili Marleena -products with careful consideration. It is mainly used in kimono coats or dresses under which I suggest you put something under. I recommend you to ventilate your dress/coat rather than wash. When polyester is washed, it releases micro-fibers that are harmful for the environment. The polyester we use looks fantastic, and gives a festive feel to your garment. It feels soft, but it doesn’t breathe in the same way as natural fibers, so not the fiber for the heat. Wash by hand in cold water and iron with attention – synthetic fibers have a tendency to melt when ironed with too much heat.
I hope this gave you some insight into the materials used in Lili Marleena -garments! Please ask if you’re unsure about something or need some specification on anything (@lilimarleena on Instagram).
Love to all,
Marleena
