 Silk is considered the most desirable and sensuous natural fabric in existence. The qualities of silk are unrivalled by any other fabric. It is always held in high esteem. No other fabric drapes or falls on the body the same way. 'Soft as silk', silken', 'smooth as silk' are some of the metaphors derived from this fabric. Silk is an important commodity; it is royal, heavenly, exotic, erotic and sensual. Most of all, it is simply sheer beauty!
No other fabric has the lustre of good silk, nor can any other fabric be dyed quite so gloriously. A good silk and a good dye seem to enhance each other. Further, if you want to print a pattern or even hand paint it, silks can be drawn or printed on with the most clarity of all fabrics. The Italians print on silk with vibrant and rich colours, and they add special finish which makes the tones seem even deeper. These fabrics are known as Italian silks.
 Silk woven with a specially twisted yarn resulting in a lightly crinkled, lustrous surface is known as crepe de chine. It is more expensive than plain silk. Silk is the lightest of all fabrics and absorbs moisture easily. The following are the qualities that make silk a desirable fabric:
Lustre: The smooth silk fibre reflects light, creating a luster and beauty, unmatched by other natural
fibres.
Strength: Silk is the strongest natural fibre for its weight. Nylon is the only synthetic fibre that is as strong.
Colour: Silk is easy to dye, so fabrics are often brightly coloured. Prints take so well that the back looks almost as good as the front.
 Durability: Silk is tougher than cotton and it resists molds and mildews that cause fibres to rot.
Elasticity: Silk will stretch up to 20% without breaking. It also springs back into shape. It breathes: Silk is porous, which allows the skin to breathe.
Warmth: Silk provides warmth without the weight or itch of wool.
Silk has its limitations too. The smooth surface does not attract dirt and is easily cleaned. But silk can be damaged by most laundry detergents - always use a mild soap. Silk loses strength when wet, so do not wring or agitate the fabric. It gets easily damaged by strong bleaches. It is sensitive to heat. Use a warm, rather than a hot iron. Drapery and upholstery fabrics should be protected from direct exposure to light which weakens silk faster than cotton or wool. Silk will not mildew except in extreme conditions. Moths don't care for it but carpet insects prefer silk. Perspiration causes silk to deteriorate and affects the colour, causing staining. Excessive perspiration fades coloured silk. Any silk worn next to the skin should be cleaned frequently.
 To restore the silk's luster, rinse it well in cold water, then add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to a clean rinse and rinse again. Be cautious with silks in dark colours or in vibrant patterns, as they tend to fade and streak. If a stain has occurred on a silk fabric, put cold water on the spot immediately. Cold water dilutes the stain. Also the longer a dress lies in your wardrobe with a spot on it, the more likely the spot is to set. Always look at your silk clothes before putting them away. After they have come back from the cleaners, take them out of the plastic bags, as natural fibre needs to breathe. Many silks often look better when washed by hand than dry cleaned. Do not squeeze or wring silk, but press dry in a towel and put it on a hanger to dry.
Do not use pins onto a silk outfit or a silk sari as these holes will not disappear easily once the pin is taken off. Enjoy wearing your silk dresses, as they will bring out the empress in you.
For further details you may visit us at :
La Princesse
Prince Plaza
No 73 Pantheon Road
Egmore, Chennai 600 008
Phone:8553127
E.mail: fashiontabu@hotmail.com
Fashiontabu
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