1. INTERNATIONAL FABRICARE INSTITUTE BULLETIN
SYNTHETIC SUEDE
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?,
The problem occurs when rough, thin, or weak
areas begin to appear on synthetic suede fabrics.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The surface of the fabric appears pilled, rough,
thin, and abraded. In some cases, the non-
woven fabric actually wears through creating
holes. Many times this problem originates in
areas of wear, such as the shoulders, elbows,
seat, edges, etc.
WHAT CAUSED IT?
Some non-woven fabrics are constructed of
thin, synthetic fabrics in order to create a soft
drape and hand. However, these thin fabrics are
not always durable and can damage from repeat-
ed friction in use. The agitation of normal
cleaning processes can cause the already weak-
ened and degraded fabric to fray further and
form holes.
CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
There is no prevention other than the use of
thicker, heavier fabrics.
TABS-209 November 1994
The surface of the fabric on this blazer appears pilled and
abraded as a result its thin, non-woven construction.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
On items that are relatively new, the manufac-
turer must be held responsible for using materi-
als that do not perform satisfactorily to normal
wear and care conditions. Non-woven fabrics
constructed of heavier materials do not appear
to wear so rapidly.
IS THERE A REMEDY?
Once this type of damage occurs, there 1S no
way to repair it. 0
© Intemational Fabricare Institute, Silver Spring, MD 1994. Printed in the United States. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in
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