I am looking into some fabric choices for wraps for the spa where I work. Terry and micro fibre terry are the usual choices. I am looking for something really glamourous and luxurious, yet infinitely washable. Any suggestions for other fabrics that might fit the bill? I want to go into the project with an open mind and am willing to look outside the box with this. Cathy
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A couple of years ago a local (sort of) general store was selling dressing gowns that had come from perhaps a bankrupt cruise line. It still had the logo on it and they were selling for about $10. The fabric is 100% cotton in a waffle weave. I have one that I keep in the guest bathroom and with washing it has turned into a fluffed-up cozy garment. It's soft, light weight, eminently wrapable, and if you can find a good quality waffle weave I think it would work beautifully.
You could use velour, Cathy, or a very lightweight fleece or the stretchy terry that babies' sleepers are made of.
Gloria
Presumably you need something fairly absorbent? I agree with Starzoe - waffle weave cotton is very comfortable. Or a high quality cotton/linen mix? But then, at a spa you want something really snuggly. Turkish towelling?
Katina
These are all great ideas! I wanted to get some thoughts before I went sample shopping. Was also thinking about a microfibre in the sueded finish, like some of the heavier dress weights. they dry quickly and wick moisture as well. Cathy
I have several dressing gowns made of fleece given to me as gifts. I never use them after a shower as I find they don't absorb (wick) very well at all. They are a snuggly gown to wear around in the evening. Depends on what the gowns will be used for. I finally purchased a RTW in a lovely cotton knit that is good after a shower. I would go for the waffle weave. If looking at French terry, which is a lovely fabric, look for cotton as well if you are looking for absorbency (wicking). I also have several pairs of pants made of sueded microfibre. I find if I drop fluid on them the fluid rolls right off. Take a glass of water with you when shopping. Name of fabric doesn't always indicate what it will actually do.
I agree with Sancin about using cotton rather than microfiber, especially if you're using the wrap after bathing. Another breathable fabric that can be very dressy is rayon, but I agree that you should experiment with a few drops of water before committing to a full garment.
Besides yardage, you can look at linens for some wonderful fabric sources; there are lots of different fabrics being used for bedsheets and towels nowadays, and it's fairly easy to find them marked down--$20 for a queen-size waffle weave cotton blanket, for example.
Long ago, I made kimono-style wraps from luxurious, over-sized towels; they were heavenly but somewhat heavy. Now, you've inspired me to think about lighter versions that would work just as well!
Should have explained the cotton knit that I bought was a fluffy knit and very cozy. I haven't seen any fabric like it but if you can find some it is cozy, pretty and absorbent - not unlike French terry. I do have a plain cotton knit, from Land's End, that is great for cover up and travel. In the past I have made several gowns out of sheets, mainly because I liked the prints, was cheap yardage, and folded flat for traveling. I wonder what type of flannelet sheets you could find. Would be cost efficient and may be pretty.
Edited 2/28/2009 9:32 pm ET by Sancin
Might you keep an eye out for a sale on bath wraps? Those very long & wide towels that come up on the scene in what is ephamistically called a "white sale."
I made hooded pool ponchos for my grands from quality beach towels bought in the off season. They were very well received. When my son had the children at the developments pool, more than one person asked him where they were bought. One lady asked if she could look one over when he replied to her question as their being home sewn by his mother.
My daughter's girls swim instructer asked if he could wear either of theirs when they were in the water. The girls giggled when telling me this because they thought the ponchos being so short and soemwhat ill fitting was rather amusing to them. They expressed the thought to the instructor and they were then asked if their grandmother would make an adult one.
I agreed with the proviso, the person purchase the 2 towels. Before that could be done the instructor was transferred because the pool closed as a new school was being built.
Please let us know how you decide.
nepa
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