Question

Though attractiveness is the major criteria for the selection of fabrics, explain how serviceability also should be kept in mind.

Answer 1

Though the look of the fabric is an important criterion while choosing one, its serviceability in terms of durability, laundry, care, and storage also forms an important factor for its selection. The criteria of serviceability of fabrics are as follows:

1. Durability: It refers to the length of time that a fabric will wear (or can be used). The durability of a fabric depends on the kind and quality of the fibre, yarn, and weaves used in its preparation. The fabric should be able to bear the strength, stress, and strain to which it is subjected and should serve the purpose for which it is bought. For example, uniforms require strong and colour-fast fabrics. One should keep in mind the qualities of fibres and yarn while purchasing a fabric. Ply yarns make more durable fabric than simple yarns. Crease-resistant and moth-proof finishes make a fabric more durable.
2. Laundry: Certain fibres like cotton, nylon, and polyester and weaves like plain or twill are easy to launder. They do not require any special method or material for cleaning. However, fibres like silk, wool, rayon, and weaves like satin, velvet, lace, and. Turkish require special methods and specific treatments. Certain finishes, like dyeing, printing, embossing, anti-shrink finish, etc., also determine whether the fabric has to be dry cleaned. Fabrics such as zari, velvet, tissue, fur, etc. are generally dry-cleaned.
3. Care and Storage: Cotton and synthetic fabrics are easy to care for and can easily be stored without much fuss. Storing silk, wool, zari, etc., on the other hand, requires good care and special precautions.
4. General Quality: If the fabric conforms to all the above factors reasonably, then it is said to be of good quality. Fabrics that are sold without any authorisation, stamps, or labels are usually not of very good quality.