Material guide: What are your clothes made of?

Our choice of materials

At Zizzi, we value good craftsmanship in all parts of our design process, including the careful selection of materials for our clothes. Our collections are created through a combination of good craftsmanship, great fits and a keen eye for detail. Our design team works closely with our suppliers to ensure the quality of the materials and the perfect fit of our clothes. From comfort and functionality to the feminine details - our collections are an expression of quality, comfort and great prices in every single style.

Explore our material guide here and see the benefits and functions of our primary materials.

Cotton

Linen

Polyester

Viscose

Elastane

Polyamide

Acrylic

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fibre that comes from the seeds of the cotton plant (genus Gossypium), which is mainly grown in warm climates. Cotton fibres are soft, airy and have a white or cream colour. Cotton is a very popular textile fibre in clothing production worldwide due to its comfort and versatility.



3 benefits of cotton:

1. Softness: Naturally soft, making it comfortable to wear directly against the skin, as in underwear and T-shirts.
2. Breathability: Allows air circulation, keeps the body cool, and prevents moisture. Cotton is ideal for warm weather and activity.
3. Durability: Cotton is strong and durable, making it resistant to wear and frequent washing, perfect for jeans and workwear.

How to wash cotton clothes

Clothes made from cotton are usually quite easy to wash at just 30-40 degrees, if you follow the garment's washing instructions. Cotton is known to shrink, but this is not always the case. It is important to check the washing instructions, which will tell you whether there is a risk of shrinkage or whether the garment should be washed on a specific cycle. Choose detergent based on the colour of the clothes to be washed.

Linen

Linen is a natural fibre that comes from the flax plant and is known for its strength and light, airy feel. Linen fabric has been used for thousands of years and is loved for its durability and natural texture. The fibre is also temperature-regulating and effectively absorbs moisture, making it ideal for warm climates and summer clothes.



3 benefits of linen:

1. Moisture absorption: Linen effectively absorbs moisture and dries quickly, making it ideal for hot summer days as it helps keep you dry and less sweaty.
2. Heat regulation: Linen naturally helps regulate body temperature by keeping you cool in warm weather and warm in cooler climates, making it a versatile choice all year round.
3. Durability: Linen fibres are strong and only get softer with time and washing, ensuring long-lasting use.

How to wash linen clothes

When washing linen clothes, it is important to take special care to preserve the quality of the material. Linen is a natural and durable material, but it can become stiff and wrinkled if not handled properly. Wash linen in cold or lukewarm water, preferably at a maximum of 30 degrees, and use a gentle detergent without bleach. If you want to preserve the slightly melange look of the linen quality, you should use detergents without bleach and optical brighteners. Choose a gentle wash cycle and avoid spinning at high speed. To avoid wrinkles, it is recommended to gently stretch the garment into shape while it is damp and let it air dry flat.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic polymer fibre that is made from polymers, typically from petroleum, air and water. It is one of the most widely used fibres in the textile industry, second only to cotton. Polyester's popularity is due to its durability, resistance to stretching and shrinking, and its ability to retain colour and shape.



3 benefits of polyester:

1. Durability: Polyester is extremely durable and resistant to stretching, shrinking and wrinkles, ensuring that the garment stays looking good for longer.
2. Colour fastness: Polyester keeps colours vibrant and fresh for longer as it does not fade as easily when exposed to sunlight or repeated washing.
3. Shape stability: Polyester retains its shape well, even after many washes, ensuring that the garment remains in its original fit and appearance.

How to wash polyester clothes

Polyester can be washed in warm water, usually at 40-60 degrees, without risk of damage. Blouses, dresses and trousers are treated as nylon. Use a normal detergent, but avoid fabric softener as it can affect the material's breathability and ability to transport moisture. Polyester dries quickly, so it can be air dried or tumble dried on low heat. To avoid static electricity, you can use an anti-static rinse aid or dry it with a piece of natural fabric, such as cotton.

Viscose

Viscose is a type of regenerated cellulose fibre that is made from natural sources such as wood pulp (often from beech, bamboo or pine trees). It is a semi-synthetic fibre because it starts with a natural source but undergoes a chemical process to be converted into fibre. Viscose is also known as rayon. Viscose is often used to make clothes such as dresses, blouses, shirts and underwear.



3 benefits of viscose:

1. Breathability: Viscose is a breathable material that allows air to circulate, which helps keep you cool and comfortable.
2. Softness: Viscose has a natural softness reminiscent of silk, making the clothes comfortable to wear.
3. Moisture absorption: Viscose effectively absorbs moisture, which contributes to a comfortable and dry feeling.

How to wash viscose clothes

Viscose is a soft and comfortable material that is reminiscent of natural fibres such as cotton and silk. Wash viscose clothes at 30-40 degrees. It is recommended to use a laundry bag. Choose a gentle wash cycle, as viscose fibres can become weakened when wet, making them more prone to stretching or losing their shape. Some viscose shrinks a lot during washing, but it will usually straighten out again when dried and possibly ironed. Avoid spinning or use a low speed to reduce the risk of creasing.

Elastane

Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fibre known for its elasticity. The fibre is often blended with other materials such as cotton, polyester or nylon to improve the garment's flexibility and comfort. Elastane is often used as a blend fibre to make clothes such as tights, swimwear and shapewear.



3 benefits of elastane

1. Flexibility: Elastane can stretch significantly and return to its original shape, giving the garment a flexible and comfortable fit. Clothes with elastane give a little.
2. Durability: Elastane makes the garment more resistant to wear, which means that it lasts longer without becoming slack or losing its shape, even with frequent use.
3. Quick-drying: Clothes containing elastane dry quickly, as the fibres do not absorb much moisture. This is an advantage in sportswear and swimwear, where quick drying is desirable.

How to wash elastane clothes

When washing clothes containing elastane, it is important to take certain precautions to preserve the stretch of the material. Wash elastane at low temperatures, typically 30-40 degrees, and use a mild detergent without bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the fibres and reduce (weaken) elasticity. Choose a gentle wash cycle and avoid high spin speeds as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the material. Elastic fibres e.g. Lycra in underwear, trousers and swimwear can usually be treated like the material they are mixed with.

Polyamide

Polyamide is a strong and durable synthetic fibre, which is often used in tights, sportswear, underwear and outerwear due to its strength and elasticity.



3 benefits of polyamide

1. Durability: Polyamide is one of the strongest synthetic fibres. Clothes made from polyamide can withstand significant wear and tear, making it ideal for activewear, close-fitting garments such as tights, and outerwear.
2. Water repellent: Polyamide absorbs very little liquid, making it suitable for sportswear and outerwear as it dries quickly.
3. Hardwearing: Polyamide is one of the most resistant synthetic fibres, making the garment hardwearing and resistant to tearing and stretching.

How to wash polyamide clothes

Polyamide is a durable, synthetic material that is resistant to stretching and shrinking, but it requires proper care to maintain its durability and appearance. Underwear, blouses and socks are washed at 40 degrees on a gentle cycle or a normal cycle where the machine is only half full. Use fabric softener as it removes static electricity in clothes, which often occurs in synthetic textiles. Polyamide can withstand gentle spinning.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a synthetic fibre that is often used as an alternative to wool. It is known for its softness, warmth and resistance to creasing, making it a popular choice in knitwear and winter wear.



3 benefits of acrylic

1. Lightweight: Acrylic is a lightweight material that provides warmth without feeling heavy, making it comfortable to wear.
2. Softness: Acrylic has a soft texture reminiscent of wool, making it comfortable and ideal for knitwear.
3. Heat insulation: Acrylic is effective at retaining heat, making it ideal for cold weather conditions.

How to wash acrylic clothes

Acrylic is a synthetic material that is often used as an alternative to wool due to its softness and warmth. When washing acrylic clothes, it is important to take certain precautions to preserve the quality of the material. Wash acrylic clothes at 30-40 degrees and use a mild detergent suitable for synthetic materials. Choose a gentle wash cycle to prevent the garment from becoming matted or losing its shape. Use fabric softener or vinegar in the last rinse water. This removes static electricity in clothes, which can occur in synthetic textiles.

Mixed fibres

Much of our clothing is made up of different materials. It is safest to wash the garment according to the most delicate material.