When used to describe vintage clothing, it refers to a type of deterioration that typically occurs on old or poorly maintained fabrics.

Dry Rot on vintage clothing usually manifests as areas of fabric that become fragile, crumble, and break easily. This can happen due to exposure to moisture, sunlight, excessive heat, or improper storage. Vintage clothing is often made from older and more delicate fabrics, making them more prone to developing this type of deterioration.

To prevent Dry Rot on vintage clothing, it is recommended to store them in a dry place, shielded from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Additionally, handle them with care to avoid further fragility. If Dry Rot is already present on a garment, it can be challenging to repair, but an experienced textile restorer may be able to take measures to stabilize the fabric and prevent further deterioration.

What Causes Dry Rot?

It appears that Dry Rot, or what could more accurately be termed "Acid Rot," is often the result of using sulfur-based dyes when fiber-reactive dyes are considered too expensive. Among sulfur dyes, black variants are particularly challenging to oxidize, a process that occurs after the dyeing stage. When these fabrics are not adequately washed, sulfur gradually becomes insoluble, causing the fabric to turn acidic. Over the years, this acid slowly degrades the cotton to the extent that the integrity of the fibers weakens. (Hence, the more precise term "Acid Rot" might be more fitting.) Unfortunately, fabric that has already reached this state cannot be salvaged