Paisley Raye - DTY, ITY, and Rayon Span.  What's the difference?

Paisley Raye - What is ITY, DTY and Rayon Span?

**This post has been updated with current links, as this brand is retiring from our store**

With the volume of on-line shoppers, consumers are becoming more educated about the fabric content of what they wear.  Many popular fabrics consist of Polyester, Spandex and Rayon.  There are of course tons of variations including textures and colors.

For now, let's address ITY, DTY and Rayon Span, as they are sometimes confused for each other.  Don't worry, this isn't 'highly technical' info, but a good overview, so feel free to make your own notes if you have a particular favorite, or one you really hate! 

ITY – ITY stands for “interlock twist yarn”.  This is a favorite Poly blend because not only is it pill-resistant, and the twisted yarn makes it a more breathable fabric than other Poly blends, but it also is wrinkle-resistant and drapes well on the body.   Paisley Raye is using a blend that is 96% Polyester and 4% Spandex (Poly Span) but the percentages can vary.  It’s very soft and has been brushed one (1) time and generally has a ‘slinky’ feel to it.  

Super Soft Luxe DTY – DTY stands for “drawn textured yarn”.  This is another favorite Poly blend because it is also pill-resistant, drapes well on the body, and has great stretch and recovery.  Paisley Raye uses a bend that is 96% Polyester and 4% Spandex (Poly Span) but the percentages can vary.  It is very soft and is usually double-brushed (brushed on both sides) and is commonly referred to as ‘legging fabric’. 

Rayon Span – Rayon Span is a blend of Rayon and Spandex.  It is very light weight (180 grams), wrinkle-resistant, drapes well on the body, and stretches and recovers well.   Paisley Raye uses the most common blend, 95% Rayon and 5% Spandex.  This fabric blend is breathable and feels cool to the touch.  While it doesn’t “pill”, it can get hairy fuzz if not laundered properly.  This fabric is also very soft and is also known as a ‘modal’ fabric.  For most of us, there isn’t much of a difference between ‘pilling’ and ‘hairy fuzz’, so this fabric is known to “pill” on occasion. It is indicative of the fabric, not the brand producing the garment.

The best way to launder all your Paisley Raye clothing is to cold wash (machine or by hand) and flat or line dry.  You can use an iron on a synthetic setting but is rarely needed if dried properly. I think a steamer is a much better bet. Do not machine dry! I’ve accidentally dried some of mine and well, they are my weekend clothes now!

So here is the quick take away:

ITY - very soft and has been brushed one (1) time and generally has a ‘slinky’ feel to it.  

DTY - also very soft and is usually double-brushed (brushed on both sides) and is commonly referred to as ‘legging fabric’. 

Rayon Span - very light weight, breathable and feels cool to the touch, may “pill” on occasion if not laundered properly.

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