The
20th century has seen a huge upsurge in the importance placed by the
society on physical beauty, particularly for women. Fashion is always
about color, dresses and prints. Designers take the feminine touch to
the extreme by fabricating exquisite blouses, specifically meant for
today's modern, cosmopolitan women.
Designer blouses for women are basic items in most wardrobes. Even with
casual lifestyles, most women need a blouse for special occasions.
Although a blouse seems very basic, a variety of styles, fabrics and
choices exists in the market place. Important factors to consider when
buying a blouse are fiber, fabric, finishes, construction or
workmanship, size, styling for fit, comfort and appearance and care.
Styling for Fit, Comfort and Appearance
When purchasing a blouse, neck size and sleeve length should not be the
only determinants of a good fit. It is important to look at other areas
of the blouse to insure a good fit while still being comfortable.
Critical areas to examine when purchasing blouses are collar, sleeves,
shoulders, and torso.
Fabrics for Women's Blouses
Women's blouses are generally made from cotton or blends of cotton and
polyester. Occasionally, nylon or rayon may be present. Dressy styles
for women can be found in silk. Fashion may dictate the use of linen,
silk or specialty fibers, or brushed or sand-washed surface finishes.
The most basic fibers, however, are cotton and cotton/polyester blends.
Cotton has many desirable qualities. It is absorbent and breathes,
making it a comfortable fiber to wear, especially during warm weather.
Polyester is blended with cotton in shirting fabrics to provide wrinkle
resistance.
Finishes
A finish is a treatment applied to the fabric which enhances the
performance of the blouse fabric. Such finishes are opted that increases
luster, strength and enhances ability to take dyes and also increases
absorbency and therefore wearing comfort.
