Size fabrics: what you're wearing and how to read the composition
Every Werop item tells you what it's made of. This guide explains what each fibre is, how it behaves and what blends mean, so you can choose better and care for your clothes properly.
Updated 6 November 2026
In short
- The composition is mandatory on every textile item in the EU, and at Werop it is on every product page: what you read is what the sewn-in label says.
- Natural (cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp), man-made cellulosic (viscose, modal, lyocell, made from cellulose) and synthetic (polyester, polyamide, elastane, acrylic): each has its use.
- Blends are not a trick: 2-5% elastane or 20% polyamide change how an item hangs, stretches or lasts.
- How to care for each fabric is in the clothing care guide.
The fibres, one by one
| Fibre | What it is | How it behaves | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Natural, from the cotton plant. "Organic" if grown without synthetic pesticides (GOTS, OCS certifications). | Breathable, absorbent, soft; may shrink with heat. Weight in g/m²: the more grams, the more body. | T-shirts, sweatshirts, shirts, jeans |
| Linen | Natural, from the flax stem. Europe (France, Belgium, the Netherlands) produces most of the world's supply. | Very cool, creases (part of its look), softens with washing. | Shirts, dresses, summer trousers |
| Hemp | Natural, from the hemp stem. | Similar to linen, slightly more rustic; very hard-wearing. | Shirts, trousers, bags |
| Wool | Natural, from sheep. Merino: fine, soft fibre that doesn't itch. Mohair, cashmere and alpaca are other animal fibres. | Warm, regulates moisture, doesn't hold odours; shrinks and felts with hot water and friction. | Jumpers, cardigans, coats, socks |
| Silk | Natural, from the silkworm cocoon. | Light, shiny, delicate; hand wash or dry clean. | Scarves, blouses, dresses |
| Viscose | Man-made: cellulose (wood, bamboo) dissolved and spun. | Drapes fluidly, cool, creases; fragile when wet. | Blouses, dresses, linings |
| Modal | Man-made, from beech cellulose; a stronger viscose. | Soft, stable in the wash, good drape. | Underwear, pyjamas, T-shirts |
| Lyocell (Tencel) | Man-made, from cellulose, with the solvent recovered in a closed loop. | Soft, absorbs well, drapes like viscose but lasts longer. | Dresses, shirts, trousers |
| Polyester | Synthetic, derived from petroleum; "recycled" (rPET) if made from bottles or used fabric. | Dries quickly, doesn't crease, lasts; less breathable than natural fibres. | Sportswear, jackets, linings |
| Polyamide (nylon) | Synthetic. | Very strong and elastic; light. | Tights, swimwear, windbreakers, knit blends |
| Elastane (Lycra) | Synthetic, elastic. | Stretches up to five times its length and recovers; in small blends (2-10%). | Jeans, tops, sportswear |
| Acrylic | Synthetic; imitates wool. | Light, warm, doesn't shrink; pills with wear. | Jumpers, hats, scarves |
The fibre names and percentages you see on a product page are those set by Regulation (EU) 1007/2011; the store is required to declare them, and Werop does not publish a textile item without its composition. For footwear, the materials of the upper, lining and sole are declared.
Reading a composition
"100% linen" is what it looks like. "95% cotton, 5% elastane" is a cotton that stretches: the elastane gives elasticity and recovery. "70% wool, 30% polyamide" is a wool knit reinforced so that it lasts and keeps its shape. "50% cotton, 50% polyester" is the classic sweatshirt blend: the softness of cotton and the strength of polyester.
Two things the composition doesn't tell you and that do matter: the weight (the g/m² of a T-shirt or sweatshirt: the higher, the more body and warmth) and the weave or knit (jersey or woven, piqué, fleece, twill, poplin), which determine how it hangs and feels. Many Werop stores state it in the description; if not, ask them from the product page.
Frequently asked questions
What does "100% organic cotton" mean on a product page?
That the item is made only of cotton and that the store declares it was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. The composition (100% cotton) is required by law and must match the sewn-in label; "organic" is a claim made by the store, usually backed by a certification (GOTS, OCS) that it can show you.
Is a natural fibre better than a synthetic one?
It depends what for. Cotton and linen are breathable and good in summer; wool keeps you warm and regulates moisture; polyester and polyamide dry quickly, weigh little and stand up to use in sportswear and coats. A small blend of elastane gives stretch to jeans and tops. What matters is that the composition suits the item and that it is well made.
Why do some items shrink and others don't?
Cotton and wool shrink with heat and hot water if they haven't been treated; viscose and lyocell can lose their shape when wet. The care label tells you what temperature to wash at; if an item is made of a fibre that shrinks, the store usually says so on the product page or in its size guide.
What is lyocell (Tencel)?
A fibre made from wood cellulose in a closed-loop solvent process. It drapes like viscose, is soft and absorbs moisture well. Tencel is a registered trademark for lyocell.
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