Silk care

Silk, its properties, its maintenance

A natural fiber of animal origin, made up of two proteins (sericin and fibroin), silk is fully ecological. The silkworm, Bombyx Mori, which spins the fiber has only been fed on mulberry leaves. It is therefore an authentic fiber serving as a reference for other textile fibers. On a global scale, its production is small, which makes it a precious and rare product.

  • Its qualities are multiple: finesse and softness, incomparable shine, drape and suppleness.
  • Its performance is unmatched: high water absorption capacity, up to 30% of its weight, hence great body comfort. Breaking strength comparable to that of a steel wire of the same section.
  • Its properties: thermal comfort, cool in summer, warm in winter, hypoallergenic material. Note that its animal origin gives it small irregularities which are the mark of its authenticity.

Wearing silk is a pleasure, as a natural material, it needs to rest, to “relax”, which means not to be worn for several days in a row. Folded in a bag, silk can crease, but hung on a hanger, its natural elasticity allows it to smooth out. Dyed or printed, silk does not like rain, unless it has received a protective treatment that makes it waterproof (Teflon, Scothguard).

Dry cleaning

This is the most appropriate maintenance method. Apply a cycle "limiting mechanical stress and/or temperature and/or addition of water or solvent". However, some precautions must be taken: use a net to avoid friction, do not mix silk items with heavy items, respect the half load, use a pure solvent, avoid using pre-brushing or any contact with a pre-brushed item.

Washing

The use of chlorine is prohibited. It destroys silk. Contrary to popular belief, some silk items can be washed by hand. The use of the washing machine is not recommended. Don't deprive yourself of this experience: washing silk items by hand is a truly enjoyable moment, as the fiber is so soft, light, wavy, delicious! It is an exquisite moment that you will share with your scarf.

It's curious but there is a great similarity between taking care of your hair and taking care of silk. Washing your hair can be pleasant, you massage the scalp, you relax. The principles are identical, wet the hair or silk well, use gentle products, handle the hair and silk delicately, avoid thermal shocks by washing the hair with very hot water then rinsing it with very cold water. In the last rinse you can pour half a glass of white alcohol vinegar on the hair to give shine to the hair. Then we dry it. To absorb the excess water, we use a terry towel by pressing it on the hair, avoiding rubbing vigorously and then as much as possible do not use the dryer but shake it in the air. Why so much similarity? Because hair, silk and wool have a material in common which is keratin and this gives the same effects and the same reactions. Check it yourself by burning a hair, a wool thread and a silk thread: the same black and crumbly residue and the same smell. This is a test to perform to differentiate silk from viscose.

So prepare a long bath, that is to say a large volume compared to the item, at a lukewarm temperature, 30°C, in which soap flakes or a suitable mild detergent and previously dissolved completely. Do not soak the item before washing. Do not rub. Rinse thoroughly in clean water (if necessary add a teaspoon of white vinegar per liter of water in the last rinsing bath). Do not leave the wet item in a "ball", especially printed items. Roll flat in a terry towel, then wring out without twisting. Dry flat or on a hanger in a warm environment. Tumble drying (dryer) is not recommended, friction against the drum may cause breakage.

For the maintenance of TIES, BOW TIES and VELVET DRY CLEANING is recommended, not because of the colors, but because of the weave for velvet and the shape for ties and bow ties.

Ironing

The use of a steam iron is not recommended.

After washing and spinning, iron the damp item with an iron set to cotton or linen mode, paying attention to the finishes. If the item is dry, it is advisable to use a damp cloth, avoiding insisting on the hems or seams. Do not wet locally, this may cause a halo.

For velvet, we recommend ironing inside out, in the direction of the pile.