permanent press
Noun: 1. A fabric treatment: A chemical process applied to fabric (especially cotton or cotton blends) to make it resistant to wrinkling and to help it retain its original shape after washing and wearing. The term refers to the process itself. 2. A fabric with this treatment: A fabric that has undergone this chemical process, resulting in garments that require little or no ironing.
The term "permanent press" is used to describe both the manufacturing process and the resulting quality of clothing or fabric. * It is commonly found on clothing labels and in descriptions of apparel like slacks, shirts, and dresses. * It functions as a compound noun, often used attributively before another noun (e.g., permanent press fabric, permanent press cycle).
- As a noun (referring to the treatment/quality):
- This shirt is made from permanent press, so it stays neat all day.
- The advantage of permanent press is that it saves time on ironing.
- Used attributively (modifying another noun):
- For best results, wash these permanent press trousers on the gentle cycle.
- Check the label to see if the garment is permanent press.
- "Permanent press cycle": A specific setting on a washing machine or dryer that uses a cool-down period to minimize wrinkling in permanent press fabrics. This is the recommended care method.
- Always dry your permanent press shirts on the permanent press cycle to prevent wrinkles.
- Durable press: A synonym for "permanent press," often used interchangeably.
- No-iron: A similar descriptive term for garments that do not require ironing, which may be achieved through the permanent press process or other fabric technologies.
- Wrinkle-resistant: A broader term describing the quality that permanent press treatment provides.
- Durable press
- Wrinkle-resistant (describing the quality)
- No-iron (describing the result)
The term specifically denotes a chemical finish (often involving resins) that cross-links fibers within the fabric. It is not a type of fiber (like cotton or polyester) but a treatment applied to them. The "permanent" in the name indicates the finish is designed to survive multiple washings, though it may diminish over time.
- a fabric that has been chemically processed to resist wrinkles and hold its shape