How fabric changes fit
The garment's care label always overrides this guidance, including for blends, coatings and trims. A fibre name does not establish a safe temperature or washing method. If instructions are missing, ask the garment manufacturer before washing or applying heat.
Cotton
Breathable, soft and absorbent. Weight and weave decide whether it reads crisp or relaxed.
Woven cotton usually has little stretch unless blended, so chest, shoulder and hip measurements matter more. Some shrinkage is possible after washing; we do not measure or promise an amount.
Washing
Follow the care label for method and temperature. UNIQLO recommends separate detergents for coloured and white cotton.
Drying
Use the drying method on the label. Cotton can be tumble dried only where the garment label permits it; fibre content alone is not permission.
Ironing
Use the label's setting. UNIQLO gives a high-heat example for cotton jackets with a pressing cloth, not a rule for every cotton garment.
Linen
Cool, dry handle with natural slub and creasing. Softens with wear.
Woven linen usually has little stretch. Choose by your widest measurement and allow ease for movement. Shrinkage is possible.
Washing
Follow the care label. For machine-washable linen, UNIQLO recommends lukewarm water and a short spin cycle; never exceed the label's limit.
Drying
Follow the label. Reshape promptly after washing and air dry indoors or in shade. UNIQLO advises avoiding tumble drying because of shrinkage.
Ironing
If the label permits, iron slightly damp with a pressing cloth. UNIQLO suggests medium to high heat for its linen, but the garment label sets the limit.
Wool
Warm, resilient and naturally odour resistant. Fine wools feel softer against skin.
Knitted wool gives some natural stretch; woven wool tailoring does not. Heat and agitation can felt and shrink wool.
Washing
Follow the label: hand wash, wool cycle or dry clean as specified. For washable wool, use a mild wool detergent and avoid rubbing or twisting.
Drying
Follow the label. Reshape and dry flat away from sunlight and heat. ARKET advises avoiding tumble drying.
Ironing
If permitted by the label, use low to medium heat with a damp pressing cloth, preferably on the reverse. Do not exceed the label's heat or steam limits.
Silk
Lustrous, light and smooth with fluid drape. Can mark with water or perspiration.
Woven silk usually has little stretch unless blended. Fluid drape can make a size feel looser or closer than the chart suggests.
Washing
Follow the label exactly; some silk requires dry cleaning. If hand washing is permitted, use cold water and a silk-friendly detergent without scrubbing or stretching.
Drying
For washable silk, follow the label. Press water out without wringing, roll in a towel, then dry flat in shade away from heat. ARKET advises against tumble drying.
Ironing
Only if the label permits: iron when dry on the lowest setting, on the reverse with a thin pressing cloth. Steam can leave water spots.
Viscose / Rayon
Regenerated cellulose with soft drape and a cool touch. Weaker when wet.
Woven viscose usually has little stretch. Shrinkage is possible, especially with heat.
Washing
Follow the label. For washable viscose, use cool water and gentle detergent. Machine wash only if permitted, on a cold delicate cycle with a low spin.
Drying
Follow the label. Do not wring or twist; roll in a towel to remove water, then reshape and dry flat away from heat and sunlight. Avoid hanging wet viscose or tumble drying.
Ironing
Only if the label permits: use the lowest heat setting on the reverse while slightly damp, with a pressing cloth for protection.
Lyocell
Regenerated cellulose, smooth with good drape and moisture handling.
Woven lyocell usually has little stretch unless blended with elastane.
Washing
Follow the label. ASKET recommends low-temperature hand washing, or a delicate machine cycle only if permitted, with a mesh laundry bag.
Drying
Follow the label. Gently press out water without wringing; dry flat or over a rail away from direct sunlight. ASKET warns that tumble drying can cause shrinkage and discolouration.
Ironing
Only if the label permits: use a low or synthetic setting without steam and with a pressing cloth. ASKET warns that high heat can damage lyocell and steam can leave spots.
Polyester
Durable, quick drying and crease resistant. Breathability depends on construction.
Woven polyester usually has little stretch on its own; knits and elastane blends give more.
Washing
Follow the label. Wash separately from rough fabrics such as denim, close zips and buttons, and avoid overloading to reduce friction.
Drying
Follow the label. Air dry when possible; ARKET recommends avoiding tumble drying to reduce heat and friction damage.
Ironing
Follow the label's ironing setting, including any do-not-iron instruction. Some synthetics are damaged by high heat; do not choose a setting from fibre content alone.
Nylon / Polyamide
Strong, light and abrasion resistant. Common in outerwear, hosiery and swim.
Woven nylon usually has little stretch; knitted or elastane blends give more.
Washing
Follow the garment's label, especially for coated or technical fabrics. For washable items, separate from rough fabrics and close zips and buttons to reduce friction.
Drying
Follow the label. Air dry when possible; ARKET recommends avoiding tumble drying to reduce heat and friction damage.
Ironing
Follow the label, including any do-not-iron instruction. General synthetic-fibre advice does not establish safe heat for coatings or trims.
Elastane blends
A small share of elastane adds recovery and comfort to cotton, wool, viscose or synthetics.
Elastane can make a close fit more comfortable, but it does not replace sizing by measurement. Recovery can reduce over time.
Washing
Follow the garment label rather than deriving a wash method from the blend. For washable synthetics, avoid rough fabrics and overloading to reduce friction.
Drying
Follow the label. Air dry when possible; ARKET's synthetic-fibre guide includes elastane and recommends avoiding tumble drying.
Ironing
Follow the label's setting or do-not-iron instruction. There is no universally safe ironing temperature for elastane blends.