What is staple?
Staple — is a soft, flowing plain weave fabric traditionally made from a blend of cotton and viscose. These fibers are most often blended in proportions of 50/50, 40/60, or 80/20.
The term comes from the German word "Stapel" (bundle, stack). In the textile industry, this term refers to short lengths of fiber used to spin thread.
Staple fabric gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century due to its affordability, comfort in hot weather, and ability to produce vibrant, durable designs. This material is traditionally used to create loose-fitting garments: summer sundresses, midi and maxi dresses, wide-leg trousers, tiered skirts, and lightweight blouses.
Distinctive features
Staple's main visual characteristic is its ability to form beautiful, fluid folds. This drape doesn't create excess volume on the figure, allowing the silhouette to remain light.
The material is highly breathable and hygroscopic. It perfectly absorbs moisture and cools the skin, making it an ideal choice for a summer wardrobe.
However, the fabric has two significant drawbacks due to its composition: a high degree of wrinkling during wear and significant shrinkage upon contact with water, which can reach 5-7% along the length of the garment.
Staple fabric is divided into plain-dyed (solid-color fabric) and printed. The printed variety is the most common, featuring small floral prints, polka dots, or geometric patterns.
How to care
Staple fiber items should only be hand-washed or machine-washed on a delicate cycle. Water temperature should not exceed 30°C, and mild liquid detergents should be used for cleaning.
When wet, the viscose fibers in the staple fiber lose their strength. For this reason, the fabric should not be rubbed aggressively, twisted, or spun at high speeds.
Dry items flat or on hangers. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the printed print.
Iron the staple fiber from the reverse side at a medium temperature setting suitable for cotton or viscose. It's best to do this while slightly damp or with an ironing pad to avoid shiny streaks (glazes) appearing on the surface of the material.
