Does the surface of mulberry silk and bamboo fiber stretch shirt fabric undergo a gentle sand-washing or bio-polishing treatment to enhance the silky, smooth feel without compromising fiber strength?
Publish Time: 2025-09-16
In the production of high-end shirt fabric, the surface treatment often determines subtle differences in the final touch and wearing experience. Mulberry silk is known for its natural luster and smoothness, while bamboo fiber provides cooling and moisture-wicking properties. A blend of the two already offers an excellent sensory foundation. However, without meticulous finishing, the fabric may retain a slight stiffness or hairiness after weaving, affecting next-to-skin comfort. Therefore, whether or not to use gentle sand-washing or bio-polishing is a key step in enhancing the fabric's texture. These processes do not alter the fiber's nature, but rather impart a more delicate and soft feel to the skin without compromising its structural integrity.Gentle sand-washing is a physical treatment that removes tiny fiber ends and weaving stress from the fabric surface through controlled mechanical friction. Unlike traditional coarse sandwashing, the sandwashing process used for high-end silk blended shirt fabric is extremely gentle. It utilizes a low-intensity medium and precisely controlled speed, time, and temperature to ensure that friction is limited to the surface hair, avoiding deep penetration into the fibers. This treatment evenly smoothes the surface hairiness of the fabric, reducing friction against the skin and creating a smoother feel. Simultaneously, a slight fiber relaxation imparts a soft and fluffy texture to the fabric, creating a natural drape and avoiding stiffness or knots. Importantly, the entire process avoids excessive friction, preventing fiber breakage and pilling from repeated pulling, thereby preserving its original strength and durability.Bio-polishing is a more sophisticated enzymatic treatment technique. It utilizes specific cellulase enzymes to selectively degrade the fiber surface, specifically targeting the exposed microfibers in bamboo fiber. These microfibers are prone to pilling and fuzzing during weaving and wearing, affecting appearance and feel. The enzyme molecules precisely target the non-crystalline areas of the fiber surface, gently removing protruding microfibers and leaving the surface smoother and more even. Unlike chemical treatments, bio-polishing does not damage the silk protein structure, is environmentally friendly, and does not significantly reduce the fabric's strength. The treated fabric not only feels smooth and velvety, but also appears cleaner and fresher, with a softer, more restrained luster, showcasing the premium quality of natural materials.Both treatment methods share the goal of "removing the dross and retaining the essence"—removing rough elements that affect comfort while preserving the fiber's core properties. Rather than pursuing the ultra-smooth, reflective finish of synthetic fibers, they emphasize a warm, subtle, and skin-friendly feel, like silk polished through time, both lustrous and soft. This texture is particularly well-suited for close-fitting shirts, significantly reducing skin irritation in high-friction areas such as the collar, cuffs, and chest, enhancing all-day wear comfort.Uniformity in the treatment process is also crucial. Uneven sandwashing or polishing can result in partial whitening or variations in the fabric's feel, impacting the overall quality of the garment. Therefore, in modern high-end fabric production, this type of process is typically performed in precisely controlled impregnation or continuous equipment, ensuring consistent results from batch to batch, meeting the stringent quality standards of luxury brands.When a shirt fits snugly, the cuffs gently brushing the wrist, the collar gently fitting the neckline—that delicate touch is no accident. Shirt fabric is the result of a synergistic effect of fiber selection, weaving techniques, and finishing technologies. Gentle sand washing and bio-polishing are the final steps that infuse the fabric with soul—unobtrusive yet evocative, they transform every wear into a silent dialogue with the skin, allowing the warm, natural essence of the material to quietly blossom in everyday life.
