NIOS Home Science Module 5 • Lesson 26
The difference in fabrics is due to differences in fabric properties, which depend on fibre, yarn, fabric construction techniques, and finishes. Selecting the right fabric requires understanding these inherent properties.
Staple Fibres (Cotton, Jute, Wool): Have a rough look. Short, wavy fibres tend to become dirty easily.
Filament Fibres (Nylon, Polyester, Silk): Have a smooth and shiny look. Long, smooth fibres resist dirt and are easy to clean.
High Absorbency (Cotton): Absorbs sweat, keeping skin cool in hot, humid weather. Essential for undergarments and socks.
Low Absorbency (Synthetics): Uncomfortable in summer as they do not soak sweat.
Good Conductors (Cotton, Rayon): Conduct heat away from the body; keep the body cool.
Poor/Bad Conductors (Wool, Silk, Synthetics): Retain heat; keep the body warm. Wool is the worst conductor.
Strong when wet: Cotton and Synthetics. Can withstand hard scrubbing. Ideal for daily wear.
Weak when wet: Wool, Silk, Rayon. Require delicate washing. Nylon is the strongest (used for parachutes/ropes).
Construction: Knitting provides stretchability (socks, sweaters), while weaving provides firm, smooth fabrics (dresses).
Finishes: Enhance appearance/function (e.g., waterproof, shrinkage control). Warning: Manufacturers sometimes over-starch inferior cloth. If you rub the fabric and a white powder shakes out, avoid buying it as it indicates poor quality concealed by sizing.
Our clothing choices are heavily dictated by external and personal factors ensuring comfort, appropriateness, and functionality.
Cottons for summer, woollens for winter. Desert dwellers wear thick turbans (head protection) and long robes to stay cool.
Bright, elaborate outfits for marriages (lehnga cholis). Simple, formal attire for interviews. Dark, wrinkle-resistant clothes for traveling.
Specialized activities require specific apparel. Examples: Doctors (white coats for hygiene/soothing effect), Nuclear workers (radiation overalls), Astronauts (space suits), Firemen (fireproof fabrics), Kitchen workers (snug cotton, no hanging dupattas).
Labels and markings are quality indicators that help consumers make informed choices regarding durability, maintenance, and origin.
| Type | Definition & Characteristics | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Label (General) | Paper/plastic/fabric attached to an object providing information (maker, use). | Tag inside a shirt. |
| Marking | Shapes/designs printed directly on the surface of yardage at the beginning of a 'Thaan'. | Printed logo on fabric roll edge. |
| Brand Label | Identifies the product via emblem, picture, or name. | Bombay Dyeing, DCM. |
| Certification Label | Claims approval of an external agency; verifies accepted standards are met. | Woolmark (pure wool). |
| Care Label | Gives specific information regarding washing, ironing, and storing. | "Machine wash cold". |
| Informative Label | Tells consumers about composition, expected performance, and end-use suitability. | "100% Cotton, Shrink-resistant". |
Design depends on style line, shape form, colour, and texture. It should achieve balance, proportion, emphasis, rhythm, and unity.
A visual map of the key external and personal factors that dictate what type of apparel is appropriate.
Sequential criteria for judging and selecting a ready-made garment.
Style, shape, colour, texture
Shoulders, bust, waist, length
Seams, puckers, seam allowance
Value relative to quality
Maintenance & laundering
Always apply tension between thumbs to check fabric strength (yarns shouldn't slope). To check for excessive starch/sizing hiding poor quality, rub the fabric—if a white powder falls out, it's inferior.
Remember core thermal properties: Cotton and Rayon are good conductors (keep you cool/summer), while Wool and Silk are poor conductors (keep you warm/winter). Wool is the worst conductor.
When judging ready-mades, always turn the garment inside out to check workmanship. Look for double seams, finished edges, lack of puckers, and adequate seam allowance.
Infants need soft/absorbent front-openings. School children need highly durable fabrics with room to grow. Elderly need loose clothing with large fasteners and front openings.
Differentiate labels: "Woolmark" is a Certification label (guarantees standards). Care labels dictate maintenance. Lack of descriptive fastness info indicates incomplete/misleading labeling (a malpractice).
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