We often hear a little trepidation in the shops around polyester, but let us set the record straight: not all synthetics are created equal. Fast-fashion polyester does not go through the same careful refinement process as the fibers used here — this charmeuse is woven in Italy and requires a finer micropoly yarn with an even smaller diameter than natural silk yarns. This gives the finished product a soft, graceful drape and a lustrous finish. And polyester has a few unique advantages: for starters, it’s machine-washable and super quick to dry. It has excellent color retention, so it takes dye beautifully and won’t fade with washing, wear, or sun exposure. It’s naturally resilient and abrasion-resistant (read: keeps its shape and doesn’t pill). And it has low absorbency, so it resists water-based stains and dries quickly… good news for anyone who’s fallen victim to a cocktail party spill or gotten caught in a spring rainstorm. In short: give polyester a chance.
Material matters
Polyester
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Material matters
SM x Original Madras Trading Company
We don't do a lot of collaborations, but this one is special. Original Madras Trading Company is a third-generation family business that’s been handweaving since the 1970s on traditional hand looms in — where else? —...
Material matters
Escorial Wool
Escorial wool, a cut-above alternative to cashmere, comes from a super-rare type of sheep originally kept by Spanish royalty. Soft and supple, with springy coiled fibers that naturally resist wrinkling, Escorial is remarkable for its longevity — in other...
Material matters
Tana Lawn® Liberty Fabric
Liberty Fabrics has been producing some of our favorite prints since 1875. Their signature Tana Lawn® quality is fine, cool, and especially soft. While it's woven from ultra-fine, long-staple Egyptian cotton, it almost behaves like silk, with a lightweight...
