I hate acrylic. I hate polyester. And a new goal I’ve set for myself is to never buy anything (clothing, fabric or yarn) again containing either of these two fibers. (I’m not tossing out any clothes that I already own, just not buying anything new that has synthetics)
This is not as easy as it may seem. I received strange looks at Victoria’s Secret once when I said I was looking for pajamas that weren’t polyester. I think I managed to find one cami and bottoms set in cotton and 0ne pair of shorts in silk. Everything else was synthetic.
I’m not sure if everything in this article is legit, but it might make you reconsider synthetics.
Personally, I’m not keen on the idea of wearing fabric made from chemicals and or plastic. I would much rather have a material coming from a plant (cotton, linen) or an animal (wool, silk) any day.
I like to be able to understand where my fiber comes from. But I still have trouble grasping exactly what polyester is.
For more information about the benefits of natural fibers, I recommend checking out The Knitter’s Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes. While it is a book geared towards knitters, there is excellent information in here on different types of fibers, where they come from and what properties they have. Even if you don’t knit, this beautifully designed and photographed book can teach you a lot about where your clothes come from.
My exception: Modal is actually made from wood. I’m still a bit confused as to how it actually works, yet I love this super-soft, cotton like fabric.
What’s your opinion on synthetics vs. natural fabrics?
Filed under: Philosophical Waxing, Style Advice Tagged: | synthetics
I’m not opposed to synthetics, but I have a dear friend who is violently allergic to ANY unnatural fibers.
I don’t like synthetics because they’re often cheaper & therefore used in cheap clothing. Some of the clothes at cheap chain stores *feel* like plastic in addition to being of such poor quality that they pill or fall apart after a few wears. It really isn’t worth the money not to mention debatable health risks.
I really shouldn’t wear synthetics because I have severe allergies to petroleum products and many synthetics have a “natural” base that comes from that industry.
I always have people pointing out that I have hives racing across my face or neck when I’m out and about. I just go “yeah I know there is something I’m allergic to in the air”.
I don’t mind buying second hand polyester clothing but brand new is a no-no.
I used to have allergic reactions to certain synthetic materials when I had been younger. I no longer have that problem but I prefer buying clothing in natural fibres.
[...] til I got home that they are dry-clean only (always read the labels). These were also bought pre-polyester ban, so they’ve got a good bit of synthetics in them. And I had to get them professionally [...]
[...] noticeable gaps in my wardrobe, instead of just buying whatever. I’ve also stopped buying anything with polyester, which helps me discriminate more at thrift shops. Overall, I’ve felt much happier with [...]
[...] pants? Yes, they are lovely, flattering and made of cotton/spandex so they don’t violate my polyester rule. And yes, I got fifteen dollars off of them. But, with my limited budget, did I really need [...]
[...] For now, quantity over quality: Yes, I am a quality girl. But right now, the way my wardrobe is, I really just need to get more items in general. But I still won’t buy polyester. [...]
[...] Avoid synthetics: While it may be difficult to completely eliminate synthetics, most are best to be avoided. Most synthetics take a very long time to break down, so those 70’s polyester jumpsuits are still sitting in the landfills. Natural fibers are better for the environment and more pleasant to wear. [...]
I think we have to develop a synthetic fiber that is made from something other than fossil fuels because natural fibers can’t hope to meet textile demand on their own. I am afraid we can’t continue to use arable land for fiber crops (or fiber herds, which is even more land intensive) when so many people are hungry. The goal of producing a perfectly toxin free synthetic which is also infinitely recyclable would be a great accomplishment. The Modal you like might be one of those synthetics – it’s a regenerated cellulose which is biodegradable. Modal is based on cellulose from trees, but the cellulose can come from many different things – bamboo is very popular now, for example. I’ve seen articles on the use of plants that grow in salt flats (on land that is otherwise not able to support crops because of the salt) and research is being done in the area of bioplastics. But in the meantime, I agree that ANY natural fiber is a better choice thatn ANY synthetic. Leigh Anne
Leigh Anne
[...] Anything 60% or more polyester: [...]
[...] your fabrics are primarily cotton, linen or modal. Rayon seems to deal well with the heat too. I hate polyester anyway, but it’s to be especially avoided during the summer, since it doesn’t breathe [...]
I HATE polyester! I can”t believe though how hard it is to find natural fabric clothes that don’t look homely! I search high and low and find one or two pieces that ACTUALLY are not polyester.
UNBELIEVABLE!
Any great places you shop that has fashionable clothes that are natural?
Thanks!
C
[...] flattering, and would be oh-so-fun to wear on casual winter weekends. But as you may know, I have issues with polyester, and I forgot to read the fabric content on this one while I was in the store. It’s 40% [...]