Fabric Care “How can I tell the difference between real and imitation suede?” A. Natural suede is made by the abrasion of leather to produce a napped, velvet-like surface. Imitation suede is made one of two ways––synthetic fibers in a non-woven construction or with a flocked pile adhered to a woven or knit base. The flocked pile type is easily recognized by the base fabric. The non-woven is often difficult to distinguish from the real thing. If both sides look... View Article
Dresses I have a dress with a sequin trim that I want to have cleaned. What do I need to know about cleaning this type of dress? A. The first step is to read the clothing care label. Some labels say, “spot clean only.” Some sequins are sensitive to heat and may curl or distort during the cleaning process. However, the major problem is the possible loss of sequins if they are glued to the garment rather than sewn. If... View Article
Coats and Outerwear “Can you offer some tips on how I can make my coats last longer and still look sharp?” A. A coat is something that people see you wearing every day. Here are some practical precautions to keep your winter coat looking its best: Wear scarves to avoid soiling the collar––particularly for leather and suede coats. Avoid hanging the coat by its “neck” on a coat rack. Use sturdy hangers (not wire) and allow “breathing” space in the... View Article
Blouses “A cotton blouse that I haven’t worn for a while has a mysterious tear. I don’t recall snagging it on anything. What could have happened to it?” A. Mysterious holes sometimes develop in cellulose fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon, acetate and blends of these fabrics. The damage may appear as a circular hole, tear, or weak, thin area with no particular shape. There are two basic causes: one is the result of the fabric coming in contact with... View Article
“My job requires a professional wardrobe. When I purchase a suit, how can I be sure that it will last?” A. When you’re putting together your professional wardrobe, plan for the long term. “Investment pieces” or well-made timeless classics are designed to last and withstand the whims of fashion trends. Choose conservative, neutral colors such as black, gray or navy, and make sure each piece you add can be mixed and matched with pieces you already have. Good suits with... View Article
