Two Swiss brothers, Drs. Camille and Henri Dreyfus, began chemical research in a shed behind their father’s house in Basel, Switzerland. In 1905, Camille and Henri developed a commercial process to manufacture cellulose acetate, a compound that seemed to offer a broad and untapped commeprcial potential.
The Dreyfus brothers initially focused on cellulose acetate film, which was then widely used in celluloid plastics and motion picture film. By 1913, Camille and Henri’s studies and experiments had produced excellent laboratory samples of continuous filament acetate yarn. The first commercial production of acetate fiber in the United States was in 1924 by the Celanese Corporation.
Most acetate garments should be dry cleaned.
Acrylic garments may be dry cleaned.
[see also MICROFIBER]
Although French Angora rabbits were initially kept as curious pets by royalty, it was the French, calling them “lapins de soie” (silk rabbits), who first saw the commercial possibilities of this luxuriously long silky fiber. And in Germany, the Angora rabbit was known as the “menschenheilkaninchen” – the mystical magical human healing rabbit — because of the reputed effectiveness of clothing made from its fiber to remedy the pain of arthritis and rheumatism by keeping muscles and joints warm and dry.
For proper care of angora garments, professional dry cleaning is recommended. Proper storage of angora sweaters and garments is also recommended.
Victorian-era summer and sash dresses were often made of batiste. Antique garments of this vintage were often trimmed with batiste pleats, ruffles, fringes, tassels, beads, and passementeries.
Batiste lace and garments may be dry cleaned. Heirlooming and preservation of antique clothing and lace are available for museums and individuals.
Beaded and sequined garments may be dry cleaned. Heirlooming and preservation of antique clothing is also recommended for museums and individuals.
Brocade may be dry cleaned. Heirlooming and preservation of antique clothing and brocade are available for museums and individuals.
Most calico garments should be dry cleaned.
For proper care of camel hair garments, professional dry cleaning is recommended. Proper storage of camel hair garments is also recommended.
Cashmere itself derives its name from the Kashmir goats of Tibetan origin, which are found in the mountainous regions around the Himalayas and Central Asia, most notably the regions around the Gobi desert. Knitted into sweaters and dresses, cashmere is often combed and sold in tops and noils.
Machine washing, even on a gentle cycle, can cause excessive fabric damage. Used in millinery, rugs, decorative fabrics, trimmings, and upholstery.
Most chenille fabrics should be dry cleaned.
Most chiffon garments should be dry cleaned.
Used in draperies, slipcovers, dresses, and sportswear.
For proper care of chintz, professional dry cleaning is recommended.
Uses include children’s clothes of all kinds, dresses, jackets, skirts, suits, slacks, sportswear, men’s trousers, jackets, bedspreads, draperies, and upholstery.
Most corduroy garments and household items should be dry cleaned.
Around 300 BC, the army of Alexander the Great brought cotton goods into Europe, but the cloth was so expensive that only the very rich could afford it. In the early 17th century, the southern American colonies began growing cotton, and making a coarse cloth for their own use. The development of the cotton industry took a dramatic upward turn in the 18th century as Britain acquired colonies suitable for the growing of cotton and improvements in textile machinery made it possible to spin stronger yarns. In the early 19th century, the southern American states became the biggest single supplier of cotton to the now-thriving English textile mills. By the end of the 1920s, the United States was growing more than half the world’s cotton. Since then, many other countries have increased their production, with manufacturing being carried out chiefly in Europe and Asia.
Cotton garments may be dry cleaned.
Chicago
3325 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
866.267.4560
Chicago Business Hours
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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Evanston
1920 Harrison Street
(between Prairie & Green Bay)
Evanston, IL 60201
866.267.4560
Evanston Business Hours
Monday – Wednesday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday
Closed