All about Anti-Microbial Fabric - A beginner's guide

The global pandemic forced us to put ample emphasis on our hygiene.

Although the festive season is right around the corner, it is important to ensure that the sanitary guidelines are, in no way, relaxed.

As a matter of fact, we should be more cautious at this point - if we are to protect ourselves and our friends.

That is the reason why we need to start wearing anti-microbial fabric! Don't worry, this does not necessarily mean a sanitised apron - at least in Fabriclore's fashion textbook!

We don't want you to go out and celebrate occasions, wearing a white apron. Our intent is to light up your wardrobe with the need-of-the-hour anti-microbial coating.

But before we get to our take on this obscure realm within the industry, let us skim through the concept of this specially-treated cloth. 

What is  Anti-Microbial Fabric?

Anti-microbial fabrics resist the hazardous microbes and prevent them from getting accumulated in our cloth surface - hence reducing the chances for spread. A piece of normal cotton fabric doesn't have this feature.

In fact, recently, doctors went against the notion of wearing cotton masks for protection. The reason being its poor efficacy and its ability to absorb moisture.

This moisture absorbing property would not bode well for protection.

Therefore, for front line workers and those of us, who visit hospitals or crowded areas like Airport, and Railway Stations - it is important to wear anti-microbial fabric to ensure that you are 100% safe.

To give you an idea, the average filtering capacity of cotton fabric is around 50-60%, while specially treated fabrics such as anti-microbial cloth would have a filtering capacity of more than 97%. 

This exceptional filtering capacity is the reason for the fabric's widespread applications.

Predominantly used in hospitals - for medical bedding, protective equipment, curtains and surgical masks, you can also find people wearing anti-microbial clothes on Precision tool rooms, and defence industry - as a means of protection against biological warfare.

In addition to these, as a result of the novel Corona virus outbreak, it has become a necessity for us to wear such fabric while going out in the public.

Hence, pertaining to the current conditions, it is safe to assume that the application of such specially treated clothes is not just limited to Defence, and Health industry.  

How are Anti-microbial fabrics  different?

Hampering the growth of dangerous pathogenic microorganisms are not at all easy. For overseeing such a herculean task, we need to analyse what is happening on a microscopic level.

It is the bulk fabric's unique composition that ensures that the pathogens are annihilated on a cellular level so that they can't reproduce and spread - similar to how sanitizers inhibit the growth of bacteria.

According to a recent study, it was revealed that a single bacteria cell is capable of multiplying into one million, in just 8 hours. The only way to stop this is to start wearing anti-microbial clothing. 

If you pay attention, there's a reason why I stress "Anti-microbial clothing", even though it takes away the lyrical essence of the sentence! The obvious reason being the difference in anti-microbial clothing and the one that you currently have on your wardrobe! To understand the difference, we should take a closer look at the structure of the fabric.

While untreated linen & cotton boasts a warm, hard-to-clean and porous environment, it also paves way for faster growth of pathogens.The reason being the surface conditions mentioned before. On the other hand, the anti-microbial fabrics are non-porous and filter out the pathogens effectively. 

Technically, an anti-microbial fabric is not woven from the ground-up - but is laced through an additive procedure that takes place towards the end of the normal textile finishing process.

Some of the common additives used for this purpose are silver, zinc pyrithione, polyhexamethylene biguanide, and silane quats. However, the choice varies in accordance with the merchant and the application. 

What does Fabriclore have in store for you? 

Fabriclore ensures that you retain your fashion goals despite the prevailing COVID-19 conditions.

We intend to provide you with an aesthetic fabric best suited for the festive season - while still keeping you safe from the contagious coronavirus. 

To attain the maximum filtering capacity, our team has worked with the comfortable and easy-to-wear Rayon, by injecting additives having anti-microbial properties during the weaving process.

In addition to that, we preserved the most important aspect of the festive wear - the aesthetic and enticing designs.

As of now, we have three designs - Illusion, Floral and Floral + Bird print. 

The embellished designs on the fabric make the built elusive and impart a festive vibe to your clothing. Making you feel comfortable while you are out, and at the same time embracing the fashionista in yourself! Designs are compelling and are either hand block or digital print.

While the hand block print showcases the century-old tradition, the digital print imparts a more vibrant and contrast colour with a tinge of digital touch!

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Over the years, we have experimented quite a lot with our merchandise.From eco-friendly jeans that could save thousands of litres of water to fabrics that let you embrace the shades of mother nature - we have pretty much covered everything that is well within our reach!

And, now - an anti-microbial fabric to keep you on a small "bio-bubble" of yourself to safeguard against the novel Corona Virus.