If you like to wear black as much as
I do, listen up. I have become quite aware of the way different fabrics hold
black dye as well as which fabrics and textures look good together. With this
in mind, I live by these six rules.
Matching Your Blacks
No matter what the fabric, shades of
black differ so be careful when putting an all black outfit together. For
example, when pairing a black shirt with black trousers, the black shirt might
have a purple cast while your black trousers have a brown cast. These
differences are subtle, but important.
Mix Textures and Fabrics
There is a right and wrong way to
wear black clothes. As with any ensemble, it's important to mix different
fabrics and textures. For example, a heavily textured sweater with a smooth
pant looks dashing as does a plain merino wool sweater with a tonal stripe
pant. Doing this will make you look less like you are wearing a uniform more
like you put a little effort into your outfit.
Cotton - Proceed with Caution
When it comes to cottons, they fade
rather quickly which is why I like to buy black cotton shirts that have a touch
of Lycra in them. The synthetic fiber helps cotton hold the dye better. I also
like to buy mercerized cotton shirts since the blacks are deeper and richer
than other cottons.
Caring for Your Black Clothes
If it is black (or dark), dry clean
it. Even if you launder your shirts, dry clean the black (or dark) ones. It
will keep the color from fading as quickly. When it comes to washing black (or
dark) cotton items at home, use a cup of vinegar the first time you wash a new
article. The vinegar helps set the dye. If that sounds unappealing, you can use
WOOLITE Dark Laundry Fabric Wash which is specially formulated to minimize the
fading of colors and maintain color intensity. Also, always use cold water with
your dark items.
Know When to Say Goodbye
Retire clothes when they start to fade. Faded
blacks just
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