ARANEMI Reference
The Fabric & Care Guide
A practical reference for understanding how fabrics feel, how they behave, and how to care for them without overcomplicating the process.
Always start with the care label sewn into the garment. This guide explains common instructions rather than replacing the manufacturer’s directions.
The Fabrics
A Short Fabric Library
Seven materials that appear again and again in a considered wardrobe — translated into what they mean in practice.
Cashmere
Feels like Soft, warm and light for its insulation.
Best known for Warmth without bulk and a refined surface.
Watch for Pilling, stretching from hanging and overly aggressive washing.
Cotton
Feels like Familiar, breathable and usually easy against the skin.
Best known for Everyday durability and easy wear.
Watch for Shrinkage or fading when heat is higher than the care label allows.
Leather
Feels like Structured at first, then increasingly supple with wear.
Best known for Longevity, patina and shape.
Watch for Water saturation, direct heat and unsuitable household cleaners.
Linen
Feels like Dry, cool and lightly textured.
Best known for Breathability and relaxed drape.
Watch for Creasing and possible shrinkage from high heat.
Merino Wool
Feels like Fine, soft and less scratchy than many coarser wools.
Best known for Temperature regulation and lightweight warmth.
Watch for Heat, friction and washing outside the garment’s specific care instructions.
Silk
Feels like Smooth, fluid and light with natural sheen.
Best known for Drape, softness and visual depth.
Watch for Abrasion, strong chemicals, prolonged sun and heat beyond the label guidance.
Wool
Feels like It can range from crisp and structured to fine and soft.
Best known for Warmth, recovery and shape retention.
Watch for Heat, agitation and drying methods that conflict with the sewn-in label.
Care Label Decoder
Read the Instruction, Then the Detail
Choose a care category and open a card for the practical meaning. The icons are simplified ARANEMI illustrations, not reproductions of licensed care symbols.
Machine Wash
The garment can be machine washed when the label permits it.
What it means Use the temperature and cycle indicated on the garment label.
What to do Match the cycle to the label and separate colours when appropriate.
What to avoid Assuming every machine-washable piece tolerates hot water or a strong spin.
Hand Wash
Use a gentler hand-wash process when the garment label calls for it.
What it means The item needs less agitation than a standard machine cycle.
What to do Use cool or lukewarm water and handle the fabric gently.
What to avoid Wringing, twisting or treating “delicate cycle” as automatically equivalent.
Do Not Bleach
Avoid chlorine bleach and other bleach treatments when the label prohibits them.
What it means Bleaching can alter colour, finish or fibre strength.
What to do Choose a stain-removal method compatible with the garment label.
What to avoid Spot-testing bleach just because the area is hidden.
Tumble Dry — Low
Use low heat when tumble drying is permitted.
What it means Dryer use is allowed, but heat should remain low.
What to do Use the lowest suitable heat and remove the garment promptly.
What to avoid Extending drying time with high heat simply to finish faster.
Do Not Tumble Dry
Use the drying method specified on the garment rather than a tumble dryer.
What it means Dryer heat or movement may damage shape, fibre or finish.
What to do Follow the label’s flat-dry, line-dry or other drying instruction.
What to avoid Assuming hanging is safe for every knit or structured garment.
Iron — Low
Use a low-temperature iron when the label permits ironing.
What it means The fabric is heat-sensitive and needs a lower setting.
What to do Start low and use a pressing cloth where appropriate.
What to avoid Holding the iron in one place or increasing heat to remove a stubborn crease.
Do Not Iron
Avoid direct ironing when the garment label says not to use it.
What it means Direct heat can alter the fibre, finish or structure.
What to do Follow an alternative method only if the garment label permits it.
What to avoid Treating steaming as automatically safe for every no-iron garment.
Professional Cleaning
The garment requires a professional cleaning process indicated by its label.
What it means Professional textile care is specified; the exact process depends on the symbol and accompanying marks.
What to do Show the cleaner the garment label and follow its specific instruction.
What to avoid Interpreting every professional-care symbol as “water will permanently damage this garment.”
Before You Wash
A Quick Caution Check
Select anything that applies. The result is intentionally conservative — it is a prompt to check the garment, not a substitute for its care label.
Your starting point
Choose any concerns above to get a cautious first step.
Closer Attention
Caring for the Delicate Ones
Four materials where the label matters especially — and where gentle habits usually pay off.
Silk
Follow the sewn-in label first. Keep strong chemicals, prolonged sun and unnecessary friction away from the fabric, and test any suitable cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before wider use.
Cashmere
Fold rather than hang for long storage, wash only as the label allows, and remove surface pills gently rather than shaving aggressively into the knit.
Merino Wool
Some merino can be machine washed and some cannot. Use the exact cycle and drying method stated on the label, avoid excess heat, and let the garment recover between wears when possible.
Leather
Keep it away from washing machines and direct heat. Blot moisture rather than rubbing it in, and use products specifically intended for the type and finish of leather you own.
Fabric Changes How a Piece Lives
Cut and colour shape the first impression. Fabric often determines what happens after that — how a piece falls, wears, needs to be cared for, and whether you keep reaching for it.
Related TextureDrapeInvestment Piece
Continue Exploring
Comparing pieces across brands? Use the Size Guide to compare international clothing sizes and measurements.
Looking for more practical references? Return to Tools for wardrobe, color, sizing and style guides.