Bleaching

Bleaching is a step in textile finishing in which the natural dyes and accompanying substances of cotton are partially or completely removed by chemical means. Only this gives the fabric a pure, even white – and at the same time a neutral base for dyeing light and bright shades evenly.

The peroxide process

Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide is considered particularly gentle: it attacks the fibre less than classic chlorine bleaching; the bleaching agent essentially decomposes into water and oxygen. Schiesser relies on this process for its underwear.

Why this matters for your underwear

Carefully bleached cotton keeps its white through many wash cycles, stays strong and feels just as soft on the skin – a quality feature you cannot see at first glance on the finished garment.

Learn more about the refining of underwear fabrics in our Underwear Glossary.