What Are the Benefits of Using Authentic Fabrics?
Authentic materials are an important part of any language classroom. They are real-life examples of the language used in everyday situations and can be a powerful motivator for students.
These materials include such things as newspaper articles, menus, songs, radio & TV broadcasts and even film content. Using these authentic materials can help learners connect better with the world around them, enrich their classroom discussions and prepare them for global citizenship.
1. Durability
It can take a lot of time and energy for families to keep their home fabrics in good condition. Authentic fabrics can withstand the wear and tear that comes with children, pets, and regular use. This can save you money in the long run because you won’t have to replace your fabrics as often.
Synthetic fabric textiles are typically woven with tightly knit fibers to increase their durability. This can make them more resistant to abrasions, and some can even be treated with substances that protect the fabric from staining and other potential damage. These are ideal for busy households with kids and pets that can be rough on furniture like sofas.
When choosing a designer ikat fabric, be sure to check the rub rating on the label. This will give you a reliable guide that connects lab durability tests to everyday use. If the rub rating is high enough, your fabric should resist abrasions well. You can find a fabric’s rub rating on the label along with other important information such as country of origin, weave, ply, mill and type of cotton.
2. Eco-Friendly
Authentic fabrics are made from natural or recycled materials and have less of an impact on the environment. They don’t contain any chemicals that can be released into the air or absorbed through the skin, and they generally have a lower carbon footprint than synthetic fabrics.
In particular, organic cotton is grown in a sustainable manner with no chemical pesticides and fertilizers. It’s also better for the environment than conventional cotton, and it’s a good idea to look for GOTS-certified organic fabric. This certification ensures that workers are paid a fair wage and work in safe conditions, including no child labor.
Synthetic fur, on the other hand, requires harsh chemicals and is harmful to animals. In contrast, many sustainable and eco-friendly upholstery fabrics are made from natural fibres that have a positive impact on animal welfare and biodegrade in the environment.
There are a variety of eco-friendly fabrics that you can use in your sewing, but it’s worth choosing a brand that focuses on closed-loop manufacturing. For example, ARIAPRENE is made from decommissioned fishing nets collected in Taiwan and turned into a fabric. It’s a closed-loop solution that provides the benefits of nylon without all the environmental damage.
3. Versatility
Many students enroll in language classes because they want to accomplish a specific goal, such as helping their children with homework or speaking English at work. Using authentic materials like change-of-address forms, job applications, restaurant menus, and videos of real-world conversations can help them bridge the gap between their classroom and their everyday lives.
Cotton fabric is a versatile choice for both everyday casual wear and upscale fashion items, like dresses and bags. It fits into seasonal trends and can be dressed up for a premium look or down for a casual style.
Linen-cotton blends are a popular choice for warm-weather clothing because of their comfort and relaxed aesthetic. They can be made into summer dresses and skirts, or used to make a laidback linen shirt or pants.
When selecting linen, it’s important to pay attention to the feel of the fabric. If it’s scratchy or rough, it likely uses short/low-quality fibers that can be itchy on the skin. Try a sample piece of the fabric before you buy it to make sure it feels soft and smooth against your skin.
4. Style
Using authentic materials improves students’ cultural awareness, connects them better with the world and prepares them to be global citizens. Authentic materials include print and audio/video material students encounter in daily life, such as menus, change-of-address forms, job applications, radio programs, news articles, videos, etc.
Using authentic fabrics can be an easy and effective way to increase the quality of your garments. However, it is important to set priorities and determine which pieces of clothing you want to last a long time (e.g., coats, underwear) and which you are willing to replace after a few seasons. Also, it is important to understand that not all fabrics are created equal. Not all linen is made of high-quality fibres. If a linen fabric feels scratchy or rough on the skin it is likely that short/low-quality cotton fibres were used which come with all of their disadvantages. Shop Kitenge Store’s collection of high-quality authentic African wax printed fabric that has been produced in West Africa. Subscribe to our newsletter for 10% off your first purchase.
