Why do some fabrics become more comfortable the more they are washed (such as bedsheets) and some fabrics get less comfortable (such as fleece)?
In: Physics
I think it has to do with fiber conditioning. Nylon and Polyester are artificial fibers and are really “stiff” after the manufacturing process. Washing them in detergent causes to plastics in them to “degrade” and become more soft.
Natural fibers, like cotton and cashmere, come from animals. Those fibers were never intended to be washed in detergents. With every wash, the natural oils are removed and the natural fiber of the fabric becomes more stiff and course.
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