The Pros and Cons of Technical Fabrics

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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The Pros and Cons of Technical Fabrics

— by Angie

on July 13, 2020

Technical fabrics are designed for FUNCTION as opposed to aesthetics. They are composed of synthetic fibres that are engineered to improve performance, including polyester, spandex, Lycra, nylon, polypropylene, neoprene, Gore-Tex and bamboo. Bamboo is considered a synthetic fibre because of how it’s processed. Sometimes natural fibres like wool and cotton are blended with synthetic fibres to create technical fabrics that insulate better and combat odour.

Technical fabrics are used for apparel like activewear, protective wear, sports gear, rain gear, and military wear. It’s also found in some athleisure items and fashionable pieces.

Technical fabric has enormous advantages in terms of practicality and performance. Here are the pros:

Good breathability
Wicks away perspiration
Can be weatherproof, waterproof and flameproof
Non-crease, fast drying, and easy to launder
Wears like iron and is great quality
Feels lightweight
Stretchy, comfortable, and can create a compression fit

Technical fabrics also have some disadvantages. Here are the cons:

Sometimes not as breathable as advertised
Some people don’t like the feeling of synthetics
Producing nylon and polyester has a negative impact on the environment
Can cause micro-plastic pollution

Personally, I avoid wearing technical fabrics unless I absolutely have to, so for me this reduces to yoga outfits, raincoats, and some of my puffer coats. I don’t like the feeling of technical fabric against my skin, and aesthetically, I don’t like the look of most sports and activewear. I don’t mind wearing my raincoats and puffers because the fabric doesn’t touch my skin, and some of them are cotton-rich.

Over to you. Do you like or dislike wearing items made of technical fabric? Are there any pros and cons not listed above?

Update: I originally put “Not aesthetically pleasing” in the cons, but in retrospect this is way too much of a generalization. Perhaps more importantly, it’s very subjective and therefore doesn’t belong on a list like this. I also clarified the points about how synthetics feel.

Fabrications

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Forum conversations about this post

WIW: Skort — by JAileen
Ok, but what do you think of mixing ... — by rachylou
WIW - technical fabric casual — by Janet
WIW...technical wear? — by Runcarla
Second-hand tech...or maybe not? ETA Fabric composition and neckline notes — by Suz
My favorite technical fabric outfit — by MsMary

April

Veteran

I love the look of technical fabrics but I loathe the static cling.

July 13, 2020 at 4:02 am

Vildy

Veteran

I tried a wicking shirt once and it might be the worst thing I ever had on my body. Couldn’t wear it twice.

On the other hand, I thrifted a long sherpa garment that was originally sold as a coat and for quite a bit of money. My first thought was in what world is this a coat. Only for people wanting to fantasize they live on the beach in SoCal. Not even lined. But I had it on one day in cold weather with a strong wind and it was surprisingly warm. Re-checked the fiber content and it was quite high in polypro. A coat, after all.

July 13, 2020 at 4:25 am

Style Fan

Veteran

I only wear technical fabric for yoga, hiking and winter activities. I also dislike the feeling the fabric against my skin.

July 13, 2020 at 4:40 am

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m a fan of technical fabric for the gym, but team all natural (as much as that is possible) for day wear.

July 13, 2020 at 4:42 am

suntiger

I could not get dressed without technical fibers! Nearly everything I own has spandex/lycra- because it makes it easy to fit and get off and on a curvy body. And, it is forgiving of weight fluctuations, so saves a lot of money. Some don’t feel nice, but most I don’t find uncomfortable at all. I like all my clothes to be as lightweight as possible, stretchy, and “forgettable.”

But, technical fibers are not all flame resistant. DO NOT use synthetics for fire spinning!!! They will fuse to your skin if burned.

July 13, 2020 at 4:48 am

RobinF

Veteran

I don’t mind fabrics with mixed content but I keep purely tech for my workout gear. I just don’t find it very comfortable or attractive. I do have some wicking tees that feel like cotton rather than polyester and they are great for sleeping.

July 13, 2020 at 4:51 am

Brooklyn

Veteran

I generally don’t find this fabric comfortable against my skin. I do wear it for exercise because of the advantages that you stated but try to avoid it for regular day wear.

July 13, 2020 at 5:06 am

Brooklyn

Veteran

Coming back to say I was talking about purely tech fabrics. I do wear many blended fabrics with a small percentage of spandex or nylon (usually mixed with a larger component of viscose or cotton). I’m fine with those. They usually wash and wear better than pure viscose or pure cotton.

July 13, 2020 at 5:16 am

Scarlet

Veteran

Pro: dries faster (important for sweat)
Con: more difficult to wash odors out of

I like technical fabric only when I am doing serious work or athletic activity that would cause me to sweat profusely (sorry for being indelicate). I also sometimes wear technical fabric undershirts because they dry faster if I sweat under professional clothes.

The environmental implications are a real bummer.

July 13, 2020 at 5:33 am

lisa p

I’ll politely disagree that technical fabrics aren’t aesthetically appealing . That’s purely personal . I also don’t agree that they are uncomfortable to wear nor do they “ feel awful “ against the skin. Yes , they do all have a positive impact on the environment in terms of the manufacturing process , but many companies are rapidly improving in that regard . I can’t imagine my wardrobe functioning without them as they suit both my lifestyle and my personal style.

July 13, 2020 at 5:42 am

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I will wear synthetic fabrics in my activewear capsules, but I prefer the feel of natural materials otherwise (i.e. for workwear & formalwear).

That said, I still prefer fabrics with stretch *even in formalwear* when it comes to my more hard-to-fit body parts. This is because a garment made completely from natural fibres will likely require more tailoring to fit the 10+ inch difference between my waist & hips, whereas elastane blended with natural fibres is a good compromise re: weight fluctuations.

July 13, 2020 at 5:44 am

deb

Veteran

I do not care for the look of technical fabrics. There is a shine that appears when light hits it just right. But, this may be the fabrics I have seen.

July 13, 2020 at 5:46 am

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I don’t like the feeling of most technical fabrics against my skin either. I tend to buy a size up (especially tops) when I need to purchase them. I’d rather not wear them, but sometimes I can’t do without them – like my rash guard for example – it dries quickly, doesn’t cling and holds its shape when wet. I don’t like the feel of the fabric, but it’s a size up so I don’t really notice.

July 13, 2020 at 5:47 am

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I spend a lot of time exercising, and always wear technical fabrics to do so. I lean toward Sweaty Betty, Lulu Lemon and Aday, for fabrics that hold up over time and have some style to them. It used to be that many of the lower end brands would get pilly or smell bad over time, but that problem seems to have abated. But just for reason of being in the technical stuff for two hours a day, I prefer natural fibers and, e.g., not leggings for the work/relax/socialize aspects of my life.

July 13, 2020 at 5:56 am

Toban

Veteran

Like Lisap, I’m a big fan of technical fabrics. I respectfully disagree with several of the cons on this list that are personal preferences rather than experienced by all users. While not all created equal (and there are plenty of awful versions), most of my technical fabrics are the most comfortable, breathable clothes I own, they feel awesome against my skin, and definitely do not feel plasticy. I also find many items aesthetically pleasing. However, the best are not inexpensive. Think Lululemon, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx. And all fabrics have an environmental cost, though some companies like Patagonia are doing their best to mitigate those impacts for both cotton and synthetic fabrics. I also find my technical fabrics have super longevity. I have items going strong 10-20 years after purchase, which also mitigate impacts.

July 13, 2020 at 5:58 am

avicennia

Veteran

For environmental reasons, avoid technical fabrics as much as possible: I don’t use technical fabrics for yoga/Pilates gear — I wear loose cotton pants and a T-shirt. For hiking, my jackets and windbreakers are the only technical fabrics, I use durable cotton shorts and pants and cotton shirts. But swimming — it’s all technical and I’m in love with my Roxy rash guard.

and hiking gear as much as possible. F

July 13, 2020 at 6:18 am

Bijou

Veteran

I enjoy wearing some technical fabrics either exercising or on the weekend, usually doing something active. I like the aesthetic of technical garments and the futuristic or dystopian vibe of many techwear designs. My DH is quite the connoisseur of Techwear and Japanese sports wear and so has introduced me to some interesting brands in this genre. Acronym, a brand based in Germany is highly influential and useful design elements get incorporated by other designers. In addition, the push towards sustainability and product longevity is very strong with some designers and customers in this community. Whilst much of the clothing is not suited to my style or climate, I appreciate the functional design elements and aesthetic.

My techwear is very lowbrow when compared to DH. I am a Nike AG and Uniqlo wearer. Uniqlo heat-tech tops feel soft and comfy and are a welcome addition to my wardrobe. I really liked Uniqlo’s collaboration with Alexander Wang for basic woven tops, so techwear is part of my everyday wardrobe.

July 13, 2020 at 6:18 am

Cat

The only non-sport technical fabric I have are a couple of cool nights wicking nightgowns. I loathe them. I do have a lot of sports gear in technical fabric; I wear them until they wear out, so don’t feel bad about the impact. One pair of Adidas sport pants has been with me over 15 years.

July 13, 2020 at 6:18 am

lisa p

Correcting a typo : “ they do not all have a positive impact “

July 13, 2020 at 6:21 am

lyn67

Veteran

I have no ideea for myself other than few % elastane, spandex for blends (for everyday fashion) or work out/trecking equipment (it’s a need) but knew some of fabbers (Lisap) will be a fan for everyday fashion, too!:-)

July 13, 2020 at 6:21 am

Becky

Veteran

I’ll second Toban’s statement that not all technical fabrics are created equal. While some may be aesthetically unappealing (though this is, of course, in the eye of the beholder) and some may not feel right against the skin, other technical fabrics are both aesthetically appealing and feel good. I would venture to say that if you include spandex and lycra in a garment as a technical fabric, I wear technical fabric every day. Technical fabrics are very practical for my lifestyle.

July 13, 2020 at 6:22 am

Murph11

Veteran

I love my tech fabric gear for the way it performs and makes me feel strong and athlete-like 5-6x/week. That said, I cannot take it off fast enough when I get home from a big workout, and there is zero cross-over wear; If I wear it for working out (heavy sweat), I never wear it for lounging/casual wear. I do have an Athleta tech skort I wear casually/no workouts which feels fine.

July 13, 2020 at 6:30 am

Eliza

Veteran

I like the functionality of some tech fabrics and don’t find all uncomfortable. I have come to rely on Uniqlo’s assortment of Heat tech fabrics, as well as their Airism for summer camisoles. I marvel at how much warmth their thinnest Heat tech layer adds on a cold day.

July 13, 2020 at 6:32 am

LaPed

Veteran

I would be miserable hiking, paddling, and cycling in East Coast humidity and precipitation without synthetics. And heading into the mountains without wicking fabrics can be downright dangerous because moisture on the skin can cause hypothermia.

I’ve been concerned about micro-plastics for years and wash all of my synthetic textiles (including sneaky cotton-poly blends, lacy undergarments, etc) in a Guppyfriend bag, which is designed to trap shedding plastic particles in the washing machine. https://us.guppyfriend.com/

The zipper on my Guppyfriend is wearing out, and I might try a Cora Ball next: https://coraball.com/

There are lots of recycled synthetic options now that remove post-consumer plastics from the waste stream and repurpose them as textiles. Companies like Polartec and Patagonia have been doing R&D in this arena for years, and there are some new start-up gear companies, like Girlfriend Collective, that have built that product line around performance fabrics with the highest recycled content possible.

Merino and bamboo are good options for hybrid fabrics that still involve quite a bit of industrial processing but are less reliant on petrochemicals. And silk is a great technical fabric! I love my silk and wool-silk baselayers.

July 13, 2020 at 6:42 am

JAileen

Veteran

I had some of those Columbia hiking shirts. They’re supposedly breathable, etc. I hated wearing them, and switched back to cotton tees. Cotton really is breathable.

July 13, 2020 at 6:59 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don’t find them all uncomfortable or unpleasant to the touch at all. I agree with Becky and others that not all technical fabrics are equal. I consider the Ripskirt to be a technical fabric, right? I suppose some people might not like the feel of that fabric — it’s somewhat like men’s swimsuit or board shirt fabric but not plasticky feeling (to my opinion). The Athleta Brooklyn line is another good example of pants in an appealing technical fabric, and there are some great Lululemon street-to-active pieces that I think are very wearable and look great. I think the rise of athleisure is to credit for incorporating these fabrics into daily wear pieces and making them more comfortable and fashionable.

One benefit I don’t see mentioned: I have found that black technical fabric items hold their black color longer with no fading than any other black pants I’ve ever owned. I have running pants that are nine years old and still wearable, and a jacket of the same vintage that still looks great.

July 13, 2020 at 7:00 am

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

This is the only kind of polyester & the like that I can wear. When they are used the “normal”/old way, they make my skin break into a little sweat and I feel hot and cold and gross all over. I was long leery of technical fabrics because they contain exactly those fibers, but have been pleasantly surprised at how very comfortable they are.

July 13, 2020 at 7:15 am

lisa p

I will second Janet’s comments about the longevity of apparel made of tech fabrics , along with the colorfastness properties . Right now I’m wearing a pair of Lululemon pants (NOT workout or gear ) that are at least 3 years old and still have their crisp saturated black colour after being washed many , many times . The tech fabric cropped loose fit sleeveless top – also 2+ years old – I’m wearing also looks as good as it did the day I bought it . Both are cool against my skin, wrinkle free , and look pretty fabulous . Compare that to the crappy cotton blend cardigan I have to wear over this outfit which is faded , pilled and generally lousy looking after less than a year of wash and wear . I guess this has turned my mood a little salty this morning ; the too-frequent bashing and criticism of athletic and technical wear on this forum is getting tiresome .

July 13, 2020 at 7:24 am

Roxanna

Veteran

I will agree with Lisa and others here – I actually find many technical fabrics aesthetically appealing and wonderful against the skin – and this from a person who hates most man-made fabrics!

My Lululemon on The Fly trousers are probably the most flattering pants I have – they are cut a bit looser and the fabric drapes like a dream. I have a skirt and dress in the same fabric and both are super flattering and comfortable. So i do this this is more personal preference …

July 13, 2020 at 7:48 am

slim cat

Veteran

I have couple hiking pants from REI and shorts for water activities from Athleta that I’m comfortable to wear ( slightly loose on the body ). The tech tops are completely different story – I don’t like to use them unless it’s something like a woven shirt worn over tee ( the less contact with skin ).
Some sporty items brought from GAP years ago still feel good on my skin – however they were made from rayon with spandex and felt soft and breathable on my skin ( I’d call that semi-synthetic fabric ).

July 13, 2020 at 8:08 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I used to feel as you do, Angie, about most technical fabrics. But that was in the days when many of the less expensive versions (all I could afford at the time) tended to pill, get smelly, and lose their shape.

In the past decade, as I have become more active and experimented with different tech fabrics for different purposes, I’ve become something of a convert. Particularly for working out or hiking or biking, of course — purposes for which they are originally designed — but even, in some cases, for streetwear. In the last few months, since I’ve moved to a more suburban location, I find I’m embracing tech fabric “crossover” fashion items more and more. They may not always match my dressier aspirational aesthetic, but that aesthetic has to adapt to my actual life, and these fabrics simply *work* for a casual and active lifestyle that makes it harder to compartmentalize between “gym” or “workout” and “regular” wear. When your “workout” is a long walk through both suburban neighbourhoods and woodsy trails, or a bike ride to a friend’s place across town, you need to wear something practical but also presentable.

Not all brands are created equal, and not all fabrics, either. My Icebreaker tees and shorts are among my most comfortable — they are a blend of wool and tech fabrics.

I love the ripskirt — made of a tech fabric. It’s lightweight, it drapes, it washes easily, and I predict it will wear hard.

As with regular fashion, I prefer the styles and cuts of some brands over others (and the fabrications) and sometimes I wince at paying the prices for the better versions.

In general, if you’re looking for clothes that wash and wear easily, that travel well, that are easy to move in, these fabrics are worth exploring, though I take the point about environmental drawbacks. It’s always something, right?!

July 13, 2020 at 8:16 am

Iveta

Almost all of my clothes have lycra and/or nylon in it. My job requires me to move a lot and my body is pearshaped and middleaged (read: prone to overheating), so waistbands are a nuisance. I found that quality in technical fabrics really matters – the J.Mclaughlin Catalina cloth feels wonderful on and washes so well that I cannot imagine not having it in my closet. There really is a difference in the feel of fabric between Lululemon more expensive pants and cheaper ones from its competitors. I do like silks, cotton and wool, but I just don’t find them as practical (anyone hates ironing?) and forgiving. So I guess I am strongly on team yes to technical fabrics

July 13, 2020 at 8:16 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I recently joined the Ripskirt fan club (thanks Janet for the recommendation!) and have found that the Ripskirt’s technical fabric feels fab in the Arizona heat. It’s light, doesn’t cling and when I spilled on the skirt, I was able to wipe it away with no need for laundering or stain removal efforts! Today, I’m wearing a linen dress, and that’s equally as breezy and I enjoy it as well. I guess you could call me an equal-opportunity technical/natural fabric wearer.

July 13, 2020 at 8:19 am

Bonnie

Veteran

I walk and do a bit of yoga afterward every day and so have a need for comfortable, wicking activewear. Several years ago I was wearing cotton joggers and got caught in an icy cold rain two miles from camp, so I make sure my pants repel water and have a waterproof shell with me. My current favorite technical pant is the Athleta Trekkie which is made of recycled poly and is stretchy enough for yoga. On top, I just wear lightweight cotton shirts in summer and flannel in winter and add either a hoodie or puffer for cool/cold days.

July 13, 2020 at 8:19 am

Classically Casual

Veteran

During these strange times, technical clothing is pretty much all I wear during the day time hours. I do a lot of walking and gardening, and I have tops in all degrees of warmth- they’re comfy, quick drying, treated with SPF 50, and anti-smell. They only need laundering occasionally as opposed to cotton tees. My labels tend to be Athleta, Patagonia and Zella. Maybe in a warm climate my experience would be different, but here there’s winter fleece and summer fleece. For the foreseeable future I don’t see a need to try to make street clothes meet my outdoor needs.

July 13, 2020 at 8:22 am

taylor

Veteran

Am I the only one who has never hear the term “technical fabric”?
I prefer natural or blended fabrics. Sometimes the ease of care , and wash ability work for me.

July 13, 2020 at 8:24 am

Minaminu

Veteran

Same as Bonnie, the only technical items that I have are my yoga pants!

July 13, 2020 at 8:28 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh! I almost forgot, the Sweaty Betty tank dress is also a technical fabric and I love it. It holds dog hair a little more than other items I have, but it’s still fantastic. It’s a godsend in our hot and humid weather.

I honestly don’t know how I would dress these days without these fabrics.

July 13, 2020 at 8:31 am

Zapotee

Lurking back to say that things are very different now and folks are looking for stylish comfort and washability. Needless to say, we are in the middle of a pandemic, people need to wear things they can safely wash, especially in high temperatures. As much as I love silk, I can’t disinfect that. (And to be honest, the dress code for wiping groceries is rather casual around these parts. I don’t even think my dry cleaner is open). Cotton is great, but it does not resist high wash temperatures. We have a virus we need to kill, sadly.

Consumer trends support that:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2020/05/12/what-shoppers-are-buying-comfort-is-key-as-virus-keeps-people-home.html

Athleisure is here to stay and It is not a compromise in style.

July 13, 2020 at 8:47 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the thoughts, ladies. Lots of excellent points, and I'm pleased you shared them! There is lots of love for technical fabrics, gear, and athleisure, and with good reason. They are often top picks.

For the record, I do wear synthetic fibres! I'm happy to wear a nice quality 100% polyester top, and enjoy fabrics that are blended with synthetic fabrics. I echo Brooklyn’s second comment.

I fully appreciate how popular and practical technical fabrics are, and how much people enjoy wearing them. I am always on the side of the wearer, and wholeheartedly support those who like and feel great wearing sports gear and athleisure whenever it tickles their fancy – and especially in the midst of a global pandemic. My apologies that those thoughts did not come through well enough in the post.

Zapotee, I reflected many of the same thoughts back in April:

https://youlookfab.com/2020/04/21/street-style-sheltering-in-place-edition/

July 13, 2020 at 9:02 am

Liesbeth

Veteran

Haven’t read all the comments but I want to add one con. Though technical fabrics often dry faster during workouts, in my experience they hold bad odors horribly. Wool can be aired after for example but synthetics NEED laundering after each use. That’s one readon I prefer cotton and wool camisoles to so called heat-tech or other synthetic favrics.

July 13, 2020 at 9:02 am

silver

I love(d) traveling to mountain towns where gear and tech fabrics *are* the aesthetic. Everyone looks so at ease, not fussy. Ready for anything. And that’s how these clothes make me feel! I will always have items that are more ‘technical’ in my closet because I can travel lightly, move with ease, don’t have to worry about precip or super hot, sweaty weather because they dry in a flash, and – dare I say – look polished, in spite of what anyone might say. Nothing makes me feel better about myself than when my body is capable of moving well. Health is truly important. And clothing that just enhances and encourages that experience is golden in my book.

July 13, 2020 at 9:31 am

Phoebe

Mostly agree with some difference on visual aesthetics. Outfits with tech wear mixed in can look modern and active and I’ve really enjoyed the style but I’m haunted but the environmental impact.

July 13, 2020 at 9:31 am

kkards

Veteran

Nodding along with Lisap, Becky, Toban and others. Like everything else there are different kinds and levels of technical fabrics. And even when I’m not wearing gear, most winter days my 1st layer is Uniqlo heattec, which as the name says, is made of technical fabric.

July 13, 2020 at 9:37 am

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I wear a lot of technical fabrics. All of my cycling gear and other workout gear is probably in this category. I also have some street clothes out of technical fabric that I adore; the items are stylish, easy to care for, comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, and fantastic for traveling. Not that I’m traveling, or even imagine when I might do so. [le big sigh]

July 13, 2020 at 9:37 am

unfrumped

Veteran

What Toban said. I don’t think all of the synthetic fabrics can be lumped together— just as “ wool” is not all the same, nor cotton and linen.

I am not buying that all claims of “ wicking” are accurate, though! I think many brands just stamp tgat on there when a garment may actually perform like plastic wrap.

I actually would like advice on brands or fabrics that ARE truly “ wicking” in tanks and T’s as I hate making buying and then finding them unacceptable.

Also, in winter I love fleece like Polartec pants, jackets and shirts and can wear that next to my skin with no problems and with greater warmth and comfort than most anything else- and easily washable. But most polyester knit sweaters do not have the same effect for me.

I think even the term “ technical “ is evolving and also may be used sometimes for marketing

I could seldom get good fits inmuch of Theory , but they were among maybe some of the first “ stretch wool” fabrics which were marvelous for women’s suiting ( for others).

July 13, 2020 at 9:44 am

Chrizzle

Active Member

Tech fabrics vary widely depending on the particular fibers used. I’m wearing tech fabric pants/trousers from Old Navy (Mid-Rise Tech Joggers) right now and I love them. Since I started working from home I pretty much alternate between those and similar pair from Pashko that cost three times as much. Both pairs are lightweight, the fabric is matte, thin but very strong, they have been comfortable both in the cool summer weather we’re having in Seattle, and when I’ve been baking in my hot kitchen. To me, once they’re on, they feel silky, not plasticky, and have a nice drape. They both appear to be odor-resistant as well.

Some reviewers of the Old Navy joggers complain that they feel like they’d be hot, but I noticed that reviewers who have actually tested them in very hot weather say the opposite. I’m pleasantly surprised by the cheap Old Navy pair as I wasn’t expecting much from them. I love both pairs but the Old Navy pants are more flattering on me than the Pashko pair, and are just as comfortable. The ON pair are also sleeker in style, and I could have worn them to my casual office back in that long ago time before the pandemic. We’ll see if the more expensive Pashko pants hold up better over time.

July 13, 2020 at 9:44 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

More great thoughts, ladies. Excellent!

Kkards, you are right. I wear Uniqlo’s heattech in Winter, and against my skin. I don’t mind how that feels.

July 13, 2020 at 9:50 am

MsMary

Veteran

Of course I wear gym clothes to the gym. (Heh. Remember the gym?) But my favorite technical fabric clothes are my traveling clothes. Some years ago I took a trip to Southeast Asia and carefully curated a wardrobe of lightweight natural fibers that I thought would be just the thing for the hot, humid climate. Well. I felt limp and wrinkly and sweaty the whole time, and the one woman on the trip who looked great every minute was the woman who had a small wardrobe of special Columbia or similar travel clothing — lightweight, moisture wicking, quick-drying, non-wrinkling. I went home and got myself a wardrobe of what my husband and I fondly call “space clothes” for travel, and never looked back.

July 13, 2020 at 10:09 am

rachylou

Veteran

I do wear plenty of synthetic/technical materials, especially now being exclusively at the bakery or home. Because they are hard wearing and make shoes ergonomic, if you will. Also stretch is the only thing that allows me to wear pants; waistbands give me indigestion otherwise. I need wool socks tho, because my feet get so cold, and on the hottest of days, I need cotton… synthetics can feel pretty hot and sticky.

The persistence of them in the environment does worry me, but boy is that a tough one. I’m surrounded by plastic just sitting here, I notice. It’s hardly just my clothes.

Back to performance aspects… while the fabrics can feel hot and sticky… you know, I have always felt disappointed in the ability of fleece to keep me warm and Gore-Tex to keep me warm and dry.

Aesthetically, I go back and forth on. Sometimes I get sick of looking like I live in a spaceship…

July 13, 2020 at 10:18 am

Kate

Veteran

I’m with Lisap and Janet. I’ve had great luck with technical fabrics, and I find they have a nice feel against the skin. Aesthetically, I find a lot of the technical fabrics appealing. As Janet said, the colors in technical fabrics do seem to resist fading and the fabric is certainly hard-wearing. I couldn’t live without Uniqlo’s Airism camis in the f/w and my Athleta bermudas in summer. My Ripskirts have become an indispensable item in my wardrobe this summer.

July 13, 2020 at 10:39 am

Lee

My daughter is in environmental sciences at UCF and there are ongoing projects with students in their graduate school to monitor the problems of micro plastics in the environment. The Indian a River oyster beds are polluted with microscopic plastic pellets inside the oysters!! Shore birds, dolphins, fish and other wildlife are also affected as it permeates the entire food chain. One big source is the gray water from laundry loads of synthetic fabrics. We are trying to switch to natural fibers whenever we find them.

July 13, 2020 at 11:47 am

Gail

Veteran

I like technical materials to work out in and leggings in the winter. I’m not a fan of technical shirts that are of the long sleeved variety simply because I smell terrible in them ! Perhaps it’s because I had cheap ones. Also love technical fabrics to travel in as they enable me to arrive with my clothes unwrinkled which helps counteract the facial wrinkles after the red eye to London.
I do have long sleeved Heat Tech from Uniqlo, not sure whats’s different about those but they don’t make me smell lol.

July 13, 2020 at 11:50 am

Kirstjen

Veteran

I actually LIKE the feel of tech fabrics against my skin, and I’ve always been quick to feel sensory overload. It isn’t constraining and it NEVER itches. Washes beautifully. Holds its color.

The only natural fabric that feels perfect to me is cotton lawn fabric, and I’ve found exactly ONE piece of clothing made from it in the past 20 years…

July 13, 2020 at 11:52 am

Sal

Veteran

I am mostly a fan- for all the reasons mentioned previously. Cost per wear – these pieces really hold up. My only cons would be the potential for micro plastics, and that on occasions the smell can be hard to get rid of. Icebreaker merino tees are perfect for my husband for work under their merino jackets.

July 13, 2020 at 12:50 pm

Gaylene

Veteran

Another supporter of technical fabrics here. Like Lisa, I get tired of the not-so-hidden prejudice that “natural” is always preferable to “synthetic” for aesthetic/environmental/breathability/tactile reasons. Unfortunately, before voting yay or nay on “technical” fabrics, I’d have to know a great deal more about exactly what kind of “technical” fabric we are talking about, the manufacturing process, and the kind of garment or item being created.

Can I also say that I am bemused by the dislike for “synthetics” by any woman who would balk at
Having to tailor every piece of clothing (spandex=stretch-to-fit)
Having to iron constantly (blends=no wrinkling)
Having to raise (and kill) animals for textiles (“vegan” =petrochemicals)
Having to pay 5x more for a casual summer top (“organic” cotton=$$$)
Having to give up light-weight rainwear and easy-care intimates

To my mind, there is no “which side are you on?”. Having lived in the pre-technical fabric era, I’d never go back to sweaty rainwear, non-stretchy bras, saggy socks, heavy winter coats, baggy pants, and bathing suits which fell off in the water.

July 13, 2020 at 12:56 pm

Joy

Veteran

I do not like or wear tech fabrics several months of the year because they make me feel hot and smelly and the environmental damage. I choose silk or a silk blend instead. I have used woven heavy nylon gear pants for travel because they dry quickly. To me those cheap synthetics are throw away clothes that just fill the land fills. I enjoy ironing and wash almost everything.
I like wool socks and have never bought anything Spandex. Stretchy does no favors for some.

July 13, 2020 at 2:53 pm

nuancedream

Veteran

I wear technical fabrics alot and don’t find them to be uncomfortable. Aesthetics are much less important when my goals are to be warm/cool/dry/protected from the sun/insects. I have technical gear items that are a decade old and still in great shape. They do wear like iron and the cost per wear is outstanding. Recent convert to and now big fan of Uniqlo heattech.

July 13, 2020 at 3:57 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I would have never thought of this topic as so controversial. Thank you all for educating me. When I think of technical fabrics I think first of all of my bras, that I think qualify as technical – both in fabric and construction – and are my most important clothing items. I wear leggings for certain kinds of workouts, with blended tanks because I do not like my clothes to flop around. I have a pair of baggy Lululemon pants I wear around the house. If I lived in a colder climate I suspect I would be all over heattech undergarments. Most of my day to day clothes are cotton, silk and wool dominant. But that is what you get at the thrift store !

July 13, 2020 at 6:29 pm

Joy

Veteran

I just realized that my. Ingest problem with tech fabric brands is that they often have a noticible logo on them. I refuse to logged items. For travel I want a plain dark pant that I can hike in, layer under and wear out to eat and look smart. Same with a rain coat. I want to be able to wear it as a reasonably dressy cover up to a concert, broadway musical or opera without looking like I am wearing gear.

July 13, 2020 at 8:25 pm

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I ADORE technical fabrics especially when applied to “surprising” cuts like a formal skirt or fabulous culottes or an interesting coat (COS seems to do this a lot). I like the witty use of the fabric’s sheen and texture, combined with its durability and ease of wearing. As a cat owner I especially appreciate the fabrics that feel slick to the hand (usually ripstop fabrics) as they don’t hang onto pet hair.

July 14, 2020 at 3:07 am

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

On the flip side of my comment above, I very rarely wear yoga leggings as casual wear because that particular type of matte compression fabric seems to just GRAB onto pet hair and hold onto it for dear life. For that reason, leggings are gym-only wear for me and I’m always surprised how many ladies find black leggings to be an easy choice for a Saturday. I hate how linty they get.

July 14, 2020 at 3:08 am

Staysfit

Veteran

I love technical fabric for exercise not daily wear. My most recent down puffer purchase from TNF had a lining that felt remarkably silky and nice which made me wonder if there have been some recent improvements to technical fabrics to make them feel softer….more user friendly? The same is true of some recent exercise tees….

July 14, 2020 at 3:53 am

cindysmith

Veteran

I don’t wear technical fabrics for the same reason I don’t generally buy synthetic fiber garments in general. This is Texas, and synthetics feel so OPPRESSIVE. They get sweaty, they get clammy, they do NOT breathe, they feel gross. In cooler weather, they feel cold and harsh and slick like snot. My skin doesn’t like them. When I touch them with my hands, they make my hands feel like they are just one giant splintered callous.
I just can’t

July 14, 2020 at 5:30 am

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I vote yes to technical fabrics. There is a big range of quality and the best fabrics are beautiful. But I wonder, is “technical fabric” a rebranding for “synthetic fabric” which has a less impressive image?

July 14, 2020 at 2:32 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you for your thoughts and perspectives, ladies. As always, they are informative and helpful.

July 14, 2020 at 2:39 pm

lisa p

I appreciate this Angie . I feel validated , even though I’m just one person in a big crowd and I know it’s not all about me . Inclusion is everything

July 14, 2020 at 9:18 pm

lyn67

Veteran

Hm, returned for more education on the topic and now I see majority of you include there all fabrics which have any% of poliester, polyamid, , spandex, elastane, lycra or else man made (including ponte, jersey, bengalin or even bras/intimates) which I also have, wear, love and could not imagine my wardrobe without!
I am really confused now. I thought tech fabrics are more special/different…say, like MaryK’s above mentioned “space clothes” (which I understand are NOT special gym/trecking outfits)….

July 15, 2020 at 4:37 am

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