Fashion through materials - tweed, gabardine, shearling, silk. The story of the material, basic care, and tips for long-lasting wear.
Introduction
Even if it's the same "black coat," the impression you get when you get up close can be different because each material has its own story to tell. Today, we'll use four materials - tweed, gabardine, shearling, and silk - as clues to explore their backgrounds, how to care for them, and some tips for keeping them together for a long time. We've kept the complicated technical terms to a minimum and put together information that can be used directly for everyday care.
Tweed: Embodied with the spirit of the land
Tweed is a plain or twill weave of undulating wool that originated in the climates of Scotland and Ireland. Developed as a practical item in areas exposed to fog and rain, it is durable and warm, and its appeal lies in the marbling created by the blending of colored threads. Chanel refashioned it for an urban look, and it has become widely loved as a fabric that combines simplicity and elegance.
Care is simple. After wearing, brush off any surface dust, let it rest, and gently steam it to restore its fluffiness and bring back the texture of the weave. A "floating steam" is safer than a strong press. To protect against insects, prioritize breathability over sealing, and store it in a nonwoven fabric cover during off-season for gentler storage. Stopping small thread breaks early will prevent damage from spreading.
Gabardine - A clever weave that wards off rain
Gabardine is a densely woven twill weave. It originated for practical purposes and is famous as the fabric for trench coats. Its smooth surface repels raindrops and has a beautiful drape. It looks elegant, but it also softens and moves with you as you move.
The basic rule of care is to "hang it up to restore." On the day you wear it, put it back on a hanger and wear something thicker that fits the shoulder line. Use a light steam to remove wrinkles, and minimize heavy pressing with a pressing cloth. For stains, do not rub them, but gently pat them with a damp cloth to blend them in. If you feel that the water-repellent properties have weakened, it is reassuring to consider having it reprotected before the season begins.
Shearling - A piece that is completed with body heat
Shearling is a sheepskin material with wool still remaining. It has excellent heat retention, and the inner fur traps air, keeping you at a comfortable temperature. The feeling of it "growing" as it fits your body the more you wear it is one of the joys of autumn and winter.
The basic care is to avoid moisture and heat. Don't push it on rainy days, and if it gets wet, press it down with a dry cloth and dry it in the shade. Lightly groom the fur with a special brush, and don't overly apply oil or cream to the leather surface. It's best to consult a professional only if you're concerned. When storing it, avoid overcrowding it and use a breathable cover. Because it is heavy, choosing a thick hanger will help prevent it from losing its shape.
Silk - a luminous extension of bare skin
Silk has thin fibers and is characterized by its soft reflection of light. When worn close to the skin in a scarf or blouse, it makes even your movements look beautiful. It's also great for regulating temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
To care for your garment, wash it by hand with a mild silk detergent, or use the delicate cycle for a short time. Use low water temperature, a short spin cycle, and lay it flat to dry to maintain its texture. Iron it on low heat and with a pressing cloth. Perfume and sunscreen can easily stain, so it's best to let it dry next to your skin before wearing it.
Common rules for long-lasting wear
Creating a rhythm of one day "wearing" and one day "resting" allows time for the fibers to return to their original state, making clothes last longer. If you can make it a habit to spend five minutes caring for your clothes after coming home (brushing, steaming, and smoothing), you can reduce the frequency of dry cleaning and improve their texture. Don't overcrowd your storage, and choose hangers that can support the shoulder lines and weight of each material. When the seasons change, check the threads on buttons and hems and make small repairs to any fraying you notice -- these "small maintenance" actions are the most effective.
Playfulness and styling born from the texture of the material
Adding just one texture can really add dimension to an outfit. A silk scarf tied in a thin knot with a tweed jacket creates a dialogue between the roughness and sheen of the materials. Adding a shaggy shearling accessory (scarf or mini bag) to a gabardine trench coat adds a touch of warmth to the clean lines.
The color combination is "deep neutrals + one bright piece." Use a base of charcoal or mocha with a touch of off-white silk or a subtle touch of gold. By limiting the number of shiny pieces to one or two, the texture of the material will take center stage, maintaining a quiet elegance.
Conclusion ── A few thoughts on MOOD
At MOOD, we see materials as "beauty that lies in the forefront of the design." We find this distance comfortable, updating the impression with texture and shadows without changing the shape. Tweed for the structure, gabardine for the lines, shearling for the warmth, silk for the lingering impression. We want you to be able to easily choose which story to layer today. We hope that the joy of wearing our pieces over the years will quietly grow in your wardrobe.
