Wrinkle-resistant fabric

[2] Synthetics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and olefin have a natural resistance to wrinkles[3] and a greater stability since they do not absorb water as efficiently.

Clothing made from this fabric does not need to be ironed and may be sold as non-iron, no-iron, wash-and-wear, durable press, and easy care.

[4][5][6][7] Advances in producing permanent press fabrics involved a series of agents that crosslink the cellulose-based fibers that comprise most clothing.

Technical issues overcome included yellowing, odor, and the tendency of some agents to accelerate the degradation of fabrics by bleaches.

[3] In 1953, Brooks Brothers manufactured wash-and-wear shirts using a blend of Dacron, polyester, and a wrinkle-free cotton that was invented by Ruth R. Benerito, which they called "Brooksweave".

[citation needed] In the 1960s and 1970s, the developments in the chemistry of textile-treatments led to the discovery of DMDHEU, a chemical agent that made possible a low-cost but superior-quality production[10] of permanent-pressed fabrics, which are now known as durable-pressed finishes.

[14] Wrinkle resistance is achieved by the crosslinking of cellulose chains to stop the molecules from moving when in contact with water or other environmental stress.

[15] Compounds baring N-methylol groups, such as dimethylol ethylene urea (DMEU) and the related Dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU), are commonly used for the treatments because of their relatively low costs; however, they produce free formaldehyde,[10] which has been identified as a potential human carcinogen, and it can also cause harmful dermatological effects.

[16] The use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) (as a catalyst/ co-catalyst for these reactions) has become an alternative way to minimize the formation of free formaldehyde and fabric strength loss.