FABRICS are very much a personal choice and we often have customers who won't wear anything but silk or cotton. However, I'd like to ask you to open your mind up to the wonderful new technologies that have been made in fabrics over the past few years. Synthetics are not like they used to be, with yarns becoming finer and softer, and traditionally woven yarns now being technically adapted used in knitted fabrics. The old fashioned idea that synthetics make you sweat and stick to your skin no longer applies. And now, synthetic fabrics offer so many benefits that may outweigh the original reasons for purchasing the natural fibres. Have a scroll down to find a fabric and learn about the properties to see if it will work for you.
COTTON is a natural fibre that comes from the seedpod of the cotton plant and is used to make many fabric types. Because cotton is a natural product it has the ability to control moisture, as well as insulate so it is cool in summer and warm in winter. It is also hypoallergenic, durable and will soften with each wash and wear.
There are different types of cotton fabrics, from Woven cotton – like our white satin stripe pyjama’s, and knitted cotton used for t-shirts. The Pyjama Shop imports some of the cotton fabric, but we also buy our plain cotton fabrics for winter from local fabric manufacturers. All cotton garments are manufactured in South Africa.
Washing instructions: Wash on light cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm water (NOT HOT). Line dry, hanging by the seams. Warm iron, steam okay. Do not tumble dry.
MODAL is a type of rayon, a semi-synthetic cellulose fibre spun from reconstituted cellulose, typically of the beech tree. Although it can be used alone, it is often blended with other fibres such as spandex since modal is known for its softness and high wet strength.
Modal sleepwear is breathable like cotton. Unlike garments made from synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester, Modal sleepwear does not trap perspiration and odours. Wearing modal is like wearing your oldest softest t-shirt that you’ve had for 20 years!
Washing instructions: Wash on light cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm water (NOT HOT). Line dry, hanging by the seams, or to keep shape, dry flat. Warm iron, steam okay. Do not tumble dry.
BAMBOO COTTON is made from bamboo and mixed with the cotton fibre. It is 40% more absorbent than even the finest organic cotton taking moisture away from the skin much faster and keeping you dry and comfortable. It breathes beautifully and in its knitted form (like a t-shirt fabric), it is much softer and has more drape than regular cotton. It is highly regarded for its silk like feel and is super soft against the skin.
Washing instructions: Wash on light cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm water (NOT HOT). Line dry, hanging by the seams, or to keep shape, dry flat. Warm iron, steam okay. Do not tumble dry.
RAYON & VISCOSE are highly absorbent often look like silk and but feels like cotton. Both rayon and viscose are manufactured in the same process but they differ in materials used. While rayon can be made with cellulose from a variety of plants, viscose is made from wood pulp or cotton linter. Both rayon and viscose are soft and easy to wear.
Washing instructions: Wash on light cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm water (NOT HOT). Line dry, hanging by the seams, or to keep shape, dry flat. Warm iron, steam okay. Do not tumble dry.
SILK fabric is widely regarded as the most luxurious textile on the planet. The most abundant form of silk, a natural protein fibre, is cultivated from the cocoon of mulberry silkworm larvae.
Silk is super soft against the skin and breathes like any natural fibre. Silk satin is the softest form of woven satin and still regarded as a luxurious and beautiful fabric worldwide. Our silk is made in China, and, as the Chinese have been making silk garments for thousands of years, we have our pyjama’s made by reputable and sustainable factories in Hangzhou, which is the silk capital of China.
Washing instructions: Hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm water (NOT HOT), or Dry Clean. Line dry, hanging by the seams. Warm iron, No steam. For best results to iron out creases, pop your pj’s in a plastic bag in the freezer for half an hour. It makes it so much easier to iron. NO STEAM as water will stain the silk and you’ll have to wash them again.
KIKOI is a hand woven stripe cotton fabric from Kenya. It is a natural fabric as it is 100% cotton so it is soft, breathable and comfortable.Like any natural fIbre, it will shrink if washed in hot water or put in the tumble dryer. As a natural woven fabric, it should be worn in loose fitting garments - it is best not to wear it tight or where there is any stress on the seams.
We import our Kikoi directly from the mill in Nairobi, Kenya, and then make all our garments in South Africa.
Washing instructions: Wash on light cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm water (NOT HOT). Line dry, hanging by the seams. Warm iron, steam okay. Do not tumble dry.
CORAL FLEECE is a super soft, luxurious and warm synthetic fibre used for blankets and gowns. Often referred to as “mink” or “cashmere” fleece, it is silky and soft and the most comfortable gown to wear.
Made from polyester fibres, it is easy care wash and wear.
Washing instructions: Wash on any cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm or Hot water. Line dry, or Tumble Dry. Warm iron, steam okay, do not use a HOT iron. Keep away from Heaters and direct fire.
POLYESTER is a generalised term for any fabric or textile, which is made using polyester yarns or fibres. It is a shortened name for a synthetic, man-made polymer, which, as a specific material, is most commonly referred to as a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Polyester is a great fabric used in sleepwear often in a satin finish which is super soft. It does not breath like natural fibres, however, it is much lighter weight and durable, and wash and wear – it often does not require ironing, and dries much faster than natural fibres, making it the perfect fabric for traveling.
Washing instructions: Wash on any cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm or Hot water. Line dry, or Tumble Dry. Warm iron, steam okay, do not use a HOT iron. Keep away from Heaters and direct fire.
MICROFIBRE SATIN is a type of polyester though a newer and more technologically advanced synthetic. Microfibre satin, sometimes referred to as Armani satin due to its luxury feel, has a very fine yarn that is tightly woven, making a stunning fabric that has drape and sophistication. It feels like silk and does not stick to the skin like the old fashioned satins of yesterday.
Washing instructions: This fabric needs to be treated with care like any luxury fabric. Wash on a gentle cycle or hand wash in cold or luke Warm water. Line dry. Warm iron - do not use a HOT iron. As a luxury fabric - be careful of water marks from too much steam. Keep away from Heaters and direct fire.
BABY FABRIC is also a type of polyester though a newer and more technologically advanced synthetic. It is a knitted fabric (like a t-shirt but infinitely softer) and has been brushed to give extra comfort against the skin. It really is as soft as a babies bottom! This is the best fabric for anyone who is tactile intolerant. Although it is a synthetic, it does not make you sweat and has no negative properties like the polyesters of old. Generally mixed with a small amount of spandex to give the fabric extra stretch, this fabric has taken the world by storm and is used now in baby wear, men's, women's and children's sleepwear in most advanced countries because it is the softest fabric on the market.
Washing instructions: Wash on any cycle or hand wash in Cold or Luke Warm water. Line dry, or Tumble Dry inside out. Warm iron, steam okay, do not use a HOT iron. Keep away from Heaters and direct fire.