Hidden Dangers: Polyurethane in Children’s Clothing & How to Protect Your Loved Ones

Posted on August 20, 2023August 20, 2023 by Magdy K.

Polyurethane, a widely used synthetic material and has found its way into various aspects of our lives, including clothing production. While it offers flexibility and durability, there are hidden dangers associated with its use, especially in children’s clothing. While unpleasant, it may be wise to explore the risks of polyurethane in clothing and provide you with actionable steps to avoid its potential harm.

The Dangers of Polyurethane in Clothing Production:

Skin Irritation and Allergies: Polyurethane-coated fabrics can cause skin irritation and allergies, particularly in sensitive individuals. The chemical composition of polyurethane can lead to redness, itching and discomfort. This makes it a concern in children’s clothing where young skin is delicate and susceptible.
Toxic Chemical Exposure: Some polyurethane production processes involve the use of toxic chemicals such as isocyanates, which can be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. In children’s clothing the risk of accidental ingestion or inhalation is higher due to their tendency to put things in their mouths.
Environmental Impact: Polyurethane is not easily biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution. When these clothing items are discarded, they can end up in landfills and release harmful substances into the soil and water. More plastic is the last thing we need and a clear reason to avoid continuing to be polyester investor.

How to Avoid Polyurethane in Children’s Clothing:

Read Labels Carefully: When shopping for children’s clothing, read labels thoroughly. Look for garments that explicitly state they are free from polyurethane or polyurethane coatings. Opt for natural fibers like organic cotton, which are safer for sensitive skin.
Shop Over Seas: It can be challenging to find reputable brands that prioritize safety and transparency in their manufacturing processes. Brands that offer GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified clothing are more likely to avoid harmful materials and a great option when available, yet shopping in many European websites and nations in particular can provide a much larger selection of higher quality clothing. Many European brands can be found on Amazon or other popular outlets once you discover the brands you are looking for.
Prioritize Natural Fibers: Opt for clothing made from natural fibers such as organic cotton, bamboo, and wool. These materials are not only gentler on the skin but also have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives. While certifications and transparency may be an issue, a great start would be to avoid the purchase of any synthetic fabric when possible.

Being informed and proactive about the materials used in the clothing you choose for your little ones in particular is essential. By opting for polyurethane-free clothing and favoring natural fibers, you can help ensure your children’s safety and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For more personalized strategies to develop or enhance your personal brand image, visit The Clothing Coach Studio in downtown San Francisco, or book a call to learn about our coaching, custom suiting, Tailoring services and more!

Unleash the Power of Your Wardrobe: Inspire Positive Thinking and Success

Posted on July 22, 2023July 22, 2023 by Magdy K.

Hey there, beautiful souls! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s all about empowering ourselves through our wardrobe. Let’s explore how dressing with intent can ignite positive thinking and pave the way for attracting success and smashing those goals! 🚀

The Impact of What We Wear

We all know the feeling of slipping into an outfit that makes us feel like we can conquer the world, right? Well, that’s not just a fleeting sensation! What we wear has a profound impact on our mood, confidence, and overall mindset. When we dress in a way that aligns with our aspirations, it sparks an inner transformation that’s truly magical. ✨ With just a little bit of coaching, upgrading your wardrobe can be a fast and lasting transformative experience which I consider the low hanging fruit.

Dress for Success: Boosting Confidence

Your wardrobe is your secret weapon for building confidence from the outside in, -reflecting inside out. When you don an outfit that reflects your ambition and showcases your personality, you radiate self-assuredness. Confidence becomes your armor, shielding you from doubt and negativity. As you embrace this newfound power, watch as your perspective on life shifts towards a more positive and optimistic outlook. Remember, confidence is magnetic – it attracts opportunities and opens doors you never thought possible! 🌟

🎯 Dressing with Intention: Manifesting Goals 🎯

Setting goals is one thing, but aligning your wardrobe with those goals takes manifestation to a whole new level! Dressing with intention is all about visualizing your dreams and embodying the person you want to become. Whether you’re aiming for that dream job, starting your own business, or embracing a healthier lifestyle; dressing the part can send a powerful message to both the world…and yourself. When you look in the mirror and see a reflection that embodies your aspirations, it sparks a drive within you to take actionable steps towards achieving those dreams. Dressing for success is not just about the outside appearance; it’s about tapping into your inner potential and becoming a living, breathing vision of your goals. 🔥

💫 The Law of Attraction: Dressing for Abundance 💫

The Law of Attraction states that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into our lives. So why not use our wardrobe as a tool to attract abundance and success? Perspective is weapon and we are here to make you lethal! (calm down, we’re talking killer style!) When you dress in a way that makes you feel like a magnet for positivity and prosperity, you amplify your ability to draw those very things into your life. Embrace colors, patterns, and styles that resonate with success, match your personality and watch as the universe responds in kind! Remember, the key to unlocking the Law of Attraction is to exude gratitude and confidence in all that you do. 💕

It’s important to remember fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling incredible, inspired, and ready to conquer the world. By aligning your wardrobe with your and personality and aspirations, you harness the power of positive thinking and the Law of Attraction. Embrace the magic of dressing with intent, and you’ll become a beacon of positivity, radiating success wherever you go. Now who doesn’t want to be around that!? You are gorgeous souls, so let’s dress like the star of your story (BECAUSE YOU ARE!) and embrace the journey to a life of abundance, joy, and fulfillment! 🌠

It’s not the fashion, it’s the passion!

law of attraction, attract success with your wardrobe dress for success

Mastering Style Transformation: How Fashion Empowers You to Achieve Goals

Posted on July 10, 2023July 10, 2023 by Magdy K.

Let’s face it, first impressions matter. Fashion has always been a powerful tool for self-expression. Your wardrobe choices can go beyond mere aesthetics and necessity; (we get it, you don’t “need” pants…) yet they can be instrumental in helping you communicate, achieve your goals all while staying true to your authentic self. Here’s 7 ways to consider how to reinvent yourself through fashion; helping you unleash your potential, highlight your best attributes and leave a lasting impression without uttering a single word.

Know Yourself: Before diving into a fashion overhaul, take a moment to reflect on your personality, values, and aspirations. Understanding who you are and what you want to convey is essential. Embrace your unique qualities and consider how you can amplify them through your clothing choices.
Define Your Goals: What are your goals and aspirations? Are you looking to exude confidence in a professional setting, express your creativity, or radiate a sense of elegance? Clearly defining your objectives will guide your fashion choices and help you curate a wardrobe that aligns with your desired image.
Dress for Success: While it’s true that “clothes make the man,” they can also make the woman. Dressing appropriately (complimentary) for each occasion, whether it’s a job interview or a social gathering, demonstrates your respect for the environment and an easy way to showcase your care and professionalism. Find a balance between fashion trends and personal style, ensuring your attire fits well and flatters your body shape.
Express Your Authenticity: Fashion is a language that speaks volumes about who you are. Use it to tell your story. Find the right colors, patterns, and textures that resonate with your personality. Whether you prefer bold and edgy or classic and understated, infuse your personal touch into every outfit. Don’t dress to an algorithm, dress to your life rhythm. Embrace your quirks and let your style reflect your authentic self.
Highlight Your Best Features: Understanding your body shape and proportions is crucial when reinventing yourself through fashion. Identify your best features and accentuate them strategically. Whether it’s your killer legs, elegant collarbones or magnetic smile, choose clothing styles that enhance your natural assets. This self-awareness will boost your confidence and create a lasting impression, because it shows! You will inspire more feeling.
Embrace Versatility: A well-curated wardrobe should offer versatility, allowing you to adapt to various situations effortlessly. Invest in timeless, staple pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. By building a wardrobe that combines both classic and trendy items, you’ll have the flexibility to experiment and adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to your personal style.
Attention to Detail: The power of fashion lies in the details. Pay attention to accessories, especially footwear and grooming. These elements can elevate your overall (…or kill it) look and tie your style together. Use accessories to express your creativity and add a unique flair. Remember, it’s the small details that can make a big difference.

Fashion is a powerful tool for reinvention. By harnessing the potential of your wardrobe, you can communicate your personality, reach your goals, and highlight your best attributes without even speaking. Stay true to yourself, remain confident, and let your style speak volumes about the incredible person you are becoming. Embrace the transformative power of fashion, and watch how it propels you towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.

It’s not the fashion, it’s the passion!

Money Saver: Properly Washing Your Clothes and Extending Wardrobe Lifespan

Posted on July 2, 2023July 2, 2023 by Magdy K.

Keeping our clothes clean and well-maintained is not just about personal hygiene, but also plays a big role in extending the lifespan of our wardrobe. By understanding the importance of washing clothes properly and following care instructions, we can save money, reduce waste and keep our clothes looking newer…for longer. Here are the major pros and cons of washing incorrectly and some very simple, yet effective tips to maximize the longevity of your wardrobe.

The Pitfalls of Washing Incorrectly:

Fading Colors and Dullness: Improper washing techniques, like using excessive heat or harsh detergents can cause colors to fade and fabrics to lose their vibrancy, making your clothes appear dull and worn-out prematurely.
Shrinkage and Distortion: Ignoring specific care instructions can lead to shrinkage, warping, or stretching of clothes. This not only alters their original fit but may render them unwearable altogether. If It’s Dry Clean only, that means: DRY CLEAN ONLY.
Fabric Wear and Tear: Over time, incorrect washing practices like using rough scrubbing motions or neglecting delicate items can result in fabric pilling, fraying, or tearing. This compromises the overall quality and appearance of your clothing. Different fabrics require different attention, and some like silk require special and delicate treatment to maintain it’s integrity.

The Benefits of Properly Washing Your Clothes:

Prolonged Lifespan: By following care instructions and using appropriate washing methods, you can extend the lifespan of your clothing. This helps you get more wear out of each piece and reduces the need for frequent replacements, ultimately saving you money. Pro tip: if it looks past it’s prime and your still wearing it, would be the only unfavorable way to extend the lifetime of your garment.
Retained Color and Quality: Properly washed clothes maintain their original colors and fabric quality. By avoiding harsh chemicals, excessive heat, and over-washing, you can preserve the vibrant hues and textures of your garments, keeping them looking newer for longer.
Enhanced Fit and Comfort: Following the right washing techniques ensures that your clothes retain their original shape and size. This means you can enjoy the perfect fit and comfort every time you wear them, without worrying about unwanted distortions or shrinkage.

Tips for Properly Washing Your Clothes:

Read Care Labels: Always check the care labels attached to your garments. They provide crucial instructions on washing temperature, drying methods, and specific requirements for different fabrics. Check reviews and talk with your local cleaners. Many wash clothing at the wrong temp. if your paying extra, be sure to work with a pro.
Sort by Color and Fabric: Separate your laundry into color groups and fabric types. Washing darks, lights, and delicates separately prevents color bleeding and damage caused by rougher fabrics.
Use Gentle Detergents: Opt for mild, phosphate-free detergents that are suitable for your clothing and the environment. Harsh chemicals can weaken fabrics and cause skin irritations. Avoid scents and fragrances as much as possible, dryer sheets, softeners and unnecessary chemicals that only provide a false aromatic sense of clean.
Wash in Cold Water: Unless otherwise specified, use cold water for most wash cycles. Cold water helps retain color, prevents shrinkage, and reduces energy consumption. Only heavy cotton undergarments and workout gear may require a higher temp, otherwise sticking to cool/col is your best bet.
Use Delicate Cycles: When washing delicate items, utilize gentle or hand-wash cycles to minimize friction and protect the fabric’s integrity.
Air Dry or Tumble Dry on Low: Whenever possible, air drying is the gentlest option for your clothes. If using a dryer, select a low heat setting to avoid excessive shrinkage and damage. Hang drying can be best for most tees, denim and other outerwear.

Properly washing your clothes is more than cleanliness; it’s a vital practice to extend the lifespan of your wardrobe, save money, and maintain a fresh appearance. Follow the care instructions, use appropriate techniques and adopting mindful habits, you can keep your clothing looking newer for longer, preserving their color, fit, and overall quality. Embrace these simple tips and enjoy a wardrobe that lasts, while also contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective lifestyle.

Mindset: The Power of Attitude when Shopping

Posted on June 18, 2023June 27, 2023 by Magdy K.

Are you ready to take your shopping game to the next level? It’s time to shake off the notion that shopping is a chore and embrace it as a personal investment that enhances your image and wardrobe. And guess what? With a little guidance from a fashion expert, it can be an effortless skill that fits your budget and can even be passed on to others, AND…you may actually enjoy the process. So buckle up and let’s dive into the wonderful world of mindset and attitude, plus…shopping!

Picture this: you stroll into a store (or head to your laptop) with a positive mindset, eager to explore new styles and unleash a powerful brand image. Instead of sticking to the same old outfits, you embrace the idea of trying out a new style that’s complimentary to your goals, while remaining authentic to your personality. Now before you even begin, you remember that your attitude plays a significant role in making shopping a breeze.

Instead of dreading the experience, think of it as a fun and pleasurable activity. Channel your inner confidence and view it as a chance to curate a wardrobe that speaks volumes about who you are. Remember, it’s not the fashion it’s the passion so think of it in terms of your goals. It’s not about being trendy and a fashionista, it’s understanding: Is my shopping event driven? Would I like to enhance my image at work? Do I need a new job? New career path? Meet a new partner? Attract more invitations and opportunity? etc…

Understanding the possibilities of a new or enhanced brand image relative to your desires can help you realize, this is more than new buttons and threads.

Now, let’s talk about the experts who can take your shopping experience to new heights: clothing coaches. These wizards of style have an unparalleled understanding of fashion, body types, and personal preferences. They are like fairy Godmothers and Godfathers, guiding you through the overwhelming fashion maze and helping you make informed, -High Value decisions.

Imagine having a knowledgeable companion who can introduce you to the lasting trends that are right for you, identify wardrobe essentials and maximize the potential of your existing clothes. With their expertise, you can build a versatile wardrobe that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle. Not to mention, they can help you create a budget-friendly shopping plan ensuring you make savvy investments in pieces that will stand the test of time. You will learn how to see your wardrobe as puzzle, full of curated pieces punched in with statement pieces to make a complete picture. Once complete, you rarely shop and have a minimal clothing spend.

But the benefits don’t stop there! By adopting the right mindset, embracing a positive attitude, and seeking guidance from a clothing coach, you’re not just shopping for today; you’re acquiring a lifelong skill. With time, you’ll become a pro at selecting clothes that flatter your body type, suit your style, and align with your values. Say goodbye to fashion faux pas and hello to conscious and intentional choices that contribute to sustainable fashion practices. Your confidence and non verbal cues are elevated effortlessly.

Now for the cherry on top: you become a fashion inspiration for others. Your newfound confidence and knowledge can empower those around you. Share your experiences, tips, and tricks with friends, family members, and anyone who could use a sprinkle of fashion magic. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels confident and stylish (and makes high value better informed shopping decisions).

I encourage you to decide it’s time to embrace shopping as a personal investment. Let’s ditch the old mindset, revamp our attitudes and let the expert clothing coaches guide us to a wardrobe that truly represents who we are.

It’s not the fashion, it’s the passion!

clothing coach image consultant clothing line custom

The Transformative Power of Wardrobe: 4 ways Your Style Fuels Success

Posted on May 28, 2023May 28, 2023 by Magdy K.

Fashion is more than just a means of dressing; it’s a tool that can influence our mindset, boost confidence and help us achieve our goals. Let’s explore the profound impact (whether you like it or not) of wardrobe choices on our attitude and inspiration, backed by scientific research and popular examples that demonstrate its transformative potential.

The Psychology of Dressing: Scientific research on “enclothed cognition” reveals that what we wear can significantly affect our behavior and mindset. By donning clothes associated with competence and success, we can enhance cognitive performance and bolster self-assurance (confidence). Dressing the part not only boosts confidence but also aligns our appearance with our desired outcomes, setting the stage for success. This is why there is no such thing as “fake it til’ you make it” for a true professional, your simply outwardly projecting the desired outcome you are already working towards.
Harnessing the Power of Colors: Color psychology plays a vital role in influencing emotions and mindset. Incorporating specific colors into our wardrobe can have a profound impact on our daily lives. For example, wearing red enhances energy and confidence and generally a power color, while blue promotes calmness and focus. By strategically incorporating colors aligned with our goals, we can tap into their psychological effects and empower our mindset to achieve greater success.
Wardrobe as a Form of Self-Expression: Our wardrobe is a canvas for self-expression, allowing us to showcase our personality, values and aspirations. When we curate a wardrobe that authentically reflects who we are and what we aspire to be, it becomes a powerful reminder of our true selves. This connection between our inner self and outward appearance again fosters confidence, fuels creativity and supports personal growth. As a professional of substance, this extends to the fabrics, fit and make of your garments, not simply style or trends.
Inspiration from Role Models: Prominent figures in various fields use their personal style to inspire others and convey their messages effectively. Icons like Michelle Obama, Tim Gunn, Steve Jobs and Iris Apfel have harnessed the power of wardrobe to make a lasting impact. Their unique styles embody confidence, authenticity and passion, underscoring how our clothing choices shape our identities and influence perceptions. Their style and wardrobe choices are clear reflections of there personality and goals. Even for tech gurus this extends beyond ‘decision fatigue’ (commonly overused and misused explaining the simple and repetitive style worn by some icons). By studying the fashion choices of role models aligned with our goals, we can draw inspiration and adapt their principles to our own aspirations. This is to draw inspiration, you must try to be the best you.

Scientific research confirms that our wardrobe choices have a more influence on our mindset, confidence than we realize. This directly impacts your ability to achieve goals. By understanding and accepting these principles of psychology, we can harness the transformative power of our style. Embracing wardrobe as a form of self-expression and drawing inspiration from role models allows us to authentically reflect our inner selves while inspiring personal growth and fostering success.

Unlock your true potential by embracing the transformative power of your wardrobe. Let your style become a catalyst for positive change and a reflection of your authentic self. Besides, you have to get dressed anyhow; why not turn a necessary cost into an investment in your self?

4 Ways to Enhance Your Wardrobe

Posted on April 30, 2023May 1, 2023 by Magdy K.

Have you ever thought about how you can leverage your wardrobe and clothing choices to develop a strong personal brand image? Ever consider that you clothing costs can be turned into a marketing investment?

Your personal brand is all about how you present yourself to the world, and your clothing plays a crucial role in this. The right choices can help you project the image you want and create a strong personal brand that sets you apart from the crowd.

So…how can you use your wardrobe to develop a strong personal brand image? Here are a 4 tips:

Know Your Style

The first step in building a strong personal brand image through your wardrobe is to know your style. This means understanding what looks good on you, what you feel comfortable in, and what reflects your personality and values. Your wardrobe should be a reflection of who you are and what you stand for. Ask yourself, what are my goals? How has my style been serving me? Do I really not care, or it’s just that I don’t know?

Invest in Quality Pieces

Investing in quality pieces is another important aspect of building a strong personal brand image through your wardrobe. Don’t be a polyester investor! Quality pieces not only look better but also last longer, which will save you money in the long run. When shopping for clothing, look for pieces that are well-made, fit you perfectly (after a visit with my tailor), and reflect your personality.

Pay Attention to Details

Details matter when it comes to creating a strong personal brand image through your wardrobe. This means paying attention to things like fit, color, and accessories. Make sure your clothing fits you properly,( yes, the repetition is intentional) choose colors that complement your skin tone and hair color, and accessories is where you can best reflect your personality. (pocket squares/jewelry/glasses/pins etc.)

Dress for the Occasion

Dressing for your environment and occasion is also important when it comes to creating a strong personal brand image through your wardrobe. This means dressing appropriately for different situations, whether it’s a business meeting, a networking event, or a social gathering. Dressing appropriately shows that you respect the situation and the people you are with, and is where non verbal comminucation can be most impactful. This is where you make a strong statement, without speaking.

Your wardrobe plays a crucial role in developing a powerful personal brand image. This will literally boost your confidence, improve your posture and raise your profile. By knowing your style and investing in quality pieces, you can create a wardrobe that reflects your personal brand and sets you apart from the crowd.

For more you can always book a call, or plan a visit to The Clothing Coach Studio in San Francisco’s Union Square!

5 Ways to Develop Your Personal Brand Now

Posted on April 24, 2023April 27, 2023 by Magdy K.

If you want to stay competitive in today’s business world, creating a strong personal brand and professional image can be the key to unlocking new opportunities in your career and towards your goals. Your personal brand and professional image are the combination of your reputation, your expertise, your network and your personality. These elements can work together to help you stand out in a crowded marketplace and open doors to new opportunities.

Here are some ways you can leverage your personal brand image to create new opportunities in business and the workplace:

Develop a clear personal brand statement: A personal brand statement is a brief statement that summarizes who you are, what you do and what makes you unique. It should be memorable and easy to understand. For example, “I’m a digital marketing expert who specializes in social media strategy for small businesses.” A clear personal brand statement can help you differentiate yourself from others in your field and create a strong first impression. Deliver that with a polished presentation, your already increasing your chance to close by 5,000% (at least)

Case Study: Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia, has built a personal brand as a social media guru and entrepreneur. His personal brand statement is “Empowering Entrepreneurs to Chase Their Dreams.” (Not “fashionable” but clearly has a personal brand style complimentary to his professional goals)

Build a strong online presence: In today’s digital age, your online presence can be just as important as your in-person presence. Create a professional website or online portfolio that showcases your work, experience and accomplishments. Make sure your social media profiles are up-to-date and reflect your personal brand and why pay for a professional headshot if your not looking your professional best? Pictures speak, as do you when you are not talking.

Case Study: Rand Fishkin, founder of Moz and SparkToro built a strong online presence through his blog and social media presence. His personal brand is focused on marketing and SEO expertise. (has a clear brand image presentation, great headshot for linked in, complimentary to his professional goals)

Network strategically: Networking is crucial for building new business relationships and uncovering new opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with others in your field on LinkedIn. This is imperative when starting out, but should never be forgotten. Be strategic about who you network with and focus on building quality relationships. Utilize a powerful look that is inviting and encourages others to start conversations with you. (Great coat, it’s so soft! It’s cashmere, oh wow! Wait, what do you do?? -You take it form here.)

Case Study: Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, is known for her extensive network of business leaders and influencers. She has leveraged her personal brand and network to create new opportunities and partnerships, and clearly has always maintained a strong personal brand image over the years that’s complimentary towards her professional goals.

Speak at conferences and events: Speaking at conferences and events can help you establish yourself as an expert in your field and reach a wider audience. Look for speaking opportunities at industry events or start by speaking at local business or networking events. Any excellent speaker, will tell you the power of looking good and feeling good. Look so confident that your posture improves, and you walk it like you talk it.

Case Study: Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker, has built a personal brand around his message of “Start With Why.” He speaks at conferences and events around the world and has built a following of millions through his TED Talks and online videos. Again not your definition of fashionable, but has a thought out personal brand image, that’s yes, you guessed it; complimentary towards his goals.

Write thought leadership content: Writing thought leadership content such as blog posts, whitepapers, or e-books can help you establish yourself as an expert in your field and attract new business opportunities. Share your content on your website, social media, and industry publications to reach a wider audience. And if your going to be in the public eye, respect the publics eyes. It’s a service to make yourself more approachable, relatable and someone to inspire and aspire to be.

Case Study: Neil Patel, digital marketing expert and founder of Neil Patel Digital, has built a personal brand around his expertise in SEO and content marketing. He has written numerous blog posts and articles on these topics and has been featured in top industry publications. He has a signature smile and look. Find me a pic of his without that wonderful positive smile. This is an easy one that is complimentary towards anyone’s professional goals.

Creating a strong personal brand and professional image can open doors to new opportunities in business and the workplace. I know you know this, now stop fighting it, there is a solution. Start by following The Clothing Coach for more info and content, and book a call or visit our San Francisco Studio to learn more. By following the examples of successful professionals like the ones referenced (and many more) you can create a personal brand that sets you apart and helps you achieve your career goals. Good luck and always remember, It’s not the fashion, it’s the passion!

Good Friday: Clothing & Communication

Posted on April 7, 2023April 7, 2023 by Magdy K.

Good Friday is an important day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of mourning and reflection with many Christians around the world attending services, fasting, and refraining from certain activities as a sign of respect. While the focus of Good Friday is on the religious significance of the day, it’s interesting to consider the role that clothing has played in the establishment of this important observance.

Clothing has always been an important part of religious rituals and traditions and Good Friday is no exception. The clothing worn by Christians on Good Friday reflects the solemnity and reverence of the occasion. Many people choose to wear black or other dark colors as a sign of mourning and may also choose to wear more modest and conservative clothing. This is a clear indication that clothing and presentation have always played role in communication.

In some Christian denominations, the clergy wear special vestments on Good Friday. These vestments are often black or purple and are adorned with symbols of the crucifixion like the crown of thorns or a cross. The vestments worn by the clergy on Good Friday are a powerful symbol of the importance of the day and serve to reinforce the solemnity of the occasion.

In addition to the clothing worn by individuals and clergy, the way that clothing is used in Good Friday rituals and traditions is also significant. For example some churches have a large wooden cross that may be draped with a black cloth on Good Friday, as a symbol of mourning. This black cloth serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made and the importance of reflecting on the significance of his death.

Another important use of clothing on Good Friday is the use of the shroud. The shroud is a piece of cloth that is traditionally used to cover the crucifix or other religious artifacts on Good Friday. This shroud is often made of black or purple fabric, and serves as a powerful symbol of mourning and reflection. Interestingly you will notice that cheap synthetic fabric used for fast fashion are never used adding to the importance and respect of the purpose of this cloth. Usually fine silks, cotton or linen fabrics will be used for these purposes. No polyester investors here!

The use of clothing in Good Friday rituals and traditions is an important part of the observance of this solemn day and an important reminder that clothing and presentation have always and will continue to represent much more than just fashion. It is important to consider and to learn from the use of clothing as a form of communication and symbolism, just as cloths are used as a reminder of the solemnity of the day.

To learn more, visit us at 500 Sutter St. in San Francisco’s Union Square and check out our fine fabrics, men’s suits and more!

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Polyester Investor, Good or Bad Investment?

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Magdy K.

Do you ever wonder what happens to those cheap synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic as they get older? Well wonder no more! We do so much shopping in our coaching program and have purchased every fabric in dozens of brands. We also follow up with every client that has visited The Clothing Coach Studio in San Francisco to better understand price per wear and longevity of clothing purchases. In this blog post, I’ll explain what happens to these fabrics as they wear over time.

Let’s start with polyester. Polyester is a popular fabric because it’s cheap to purchase and produce and is treated with chemicals making it easy to care for. While how it’s treated impacts it’s durability, it’s not the most durable fabric out there. As you wear polyester clothing the fabric starts to break down. Often this can cause the fabric to lose its shape after 1 wear or wash and become less comfortable to wear quickly (the stretch can mask this for a bit). You might notice that your polyester clothing starts to pill, which is when small balls of fabric start to form on the surface. This happens because the fibers in polyester are not very strong, so they start to break apart and form those annoying little balls.

Acrylic is another form of synthetic fabric that’s commonly used in clothing among many other products. Acrylic is cheap and easy to care for but it’s not very durable, at least as far as clothing is concerned. As acrylic clothing starts to wear out, you might notice that the fabric becomes less soft and starts to feel rougher to the touch. This happens because the fibers in acrylic are not as flexible as natural fibers like cotton or wool. As the fabric wears, the fibers start to break and become more rigid which can make the fabric feel rough. You should also keep in mind that the best paint is often acrylic based just to give you an idea how these molecules are tweaked and chemically treated to create (or mimic) any texture.

Both polyester and acrylic are also prone to static electricity, which can be a real pain in the winter months. This happens because the fabrics are not very conductive, so they build up a static charge when rubbed against other surfaces. Static shock much? This can cause your clothes to cling to your body or even give you a shock when you touch something metal. Easiest way to spot a polyester investor for an untrained eye.

Cheap synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic and so many others are “convenient” and affordable, but they don’t hold up well over time. As you wear these fabrics, they start to break down, emit toxicities into the air (and micro-plastics into the water supply when washed) and lose their shape and softness. So while these fabrics might feel like a good choice for a one-time use or a quick fashion fix, they’re not the best option for long-term wear making them generally a low value; with huge hidden costs.

Especially when shopping for suits, sportcoats and other formal attire yet also undergarments and gym wear, stick to natural fibers and fabrics. While we generally don’t recommend any synthetic fabrics, outerwear (like rain jackets) can be some of the safest bets, as are fabric blends of mostly natural fibers and 40% (or preferably less) synthetic component.