delicate fabrics

[/ˈdelɪkət ˈfæbrɪks/]
nounpl: delicate fabrics
tecidos delicados
1. Fine, soft, and easily damaged textiles that require gentle handling and special care during washing and maintenance
Delicate fabrics like silk and lace should be hand-washed in cool water.
Tecidos delicados como seda e renda devem ser lavados à mão em água fria.
2. Lightweight materials with a fragile construction or intricate weave pattern
The wedding dress was made from delicate fabrics that required expert tailoring.
O vestido de noiva era feito de tecidos delicados que exigiam costura profissional.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, understanding proper care for delicate fabrics is important for preserving expensive clothing and heirlooms. Brazilians often hand-wash delicate items due to reliance on washing machines, while in the USA, delicate cycles and specialized detergents are commonly used. The term is frequently seen on laundry care labels and in fashion retail contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fine fabricsfragile textileslightweight materialsdelicate textilessoft fabrics
Antonyms / Antônimos
heavy fabricssturdy fabricsdurable fabricsrobust textilestough materials

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tecidos delicados
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
tecidos delicados / roupas finas
May also say 'roupas finas' when referring to delicate clothing items
São Paulo
tecidos delicados
Standard usage in commercial and fashion contexts
Portugal
tecidos delicados / tecidos frágeis
Both terms used; 'frágeis' slightly more common in European Portuguese

Related Words

silklacechiffonorganzahand-washgentle cyclefabric carelingerie

Related Idioms & Phrases

handle with care
treat something with kid gloves
as delicate as lace
fragile as spun glass
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