https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 17 May 2026 15:43:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1725282 Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:38:26 +0000 chadya 1725282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OP<br />no reason to buy wool if you don't want to <br />I am sensing that you feel pushed&nbsp; to try the sweater.<br />I stopped buying Merino wool as the quality as really declined, doesn't last more than a season.&nbsp; :-(</p> <p>Just cashmere for me and as the stores push out more and more each year that gets dodgy too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1725016 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 18:12:57 +0000 verdant 1725016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a backpacking gearhead, I can say that Icebreaker has worked well for me for temperatures under 85 degrees:&nbsp; polos, tees, and even briefs. Before wearing the first time, I wash inside out with jeans (in cold water,) which supposedly helps remove any longer itchy fibers.&nbsp;In the real world, while I abhor angora (rabbit) or mohair, finer merinos can work well.&nbsp; It's a matter of trial (and return!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724940 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:52:48 +0000 April 1724940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're very sensitive, try putting a very snug-fitting layer beneath your sweaters, such as one of Uniqlo's HeatTechs in a crewneck. &nbsp;(Your regular size will fit you quite snugly in a HeatTech -- it's definitely a layer and not a stand-alone piece. &nbsp;If you plan to wear it on its own, you'll need to size up, probably twice, and maybe go for the "Extra Warm" fabrication to add some thickness.) &nbsp;</p> <p>Incidentally, if you've tried SmartWool and been disappointed or wondered what all the fuss was about, I overheard a conversation in a sporting goods store that said the company would be reverting to their previously-brilliant formula that had won them so many diehard fans, so it might be worth another try!</p> <p>And those of you who know me and are wondering what on earth *I* was doing in a sporting goods store, thank you for not asking that out loud... &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724932 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:29:21 +0000 Chris987 1724932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is lots of great info here on wool fabrications etc. </p> <p>It all comes down to what you personally can&nbsp;and cannot tolerate. I used to love wearing cashmere sweaters but in the past few years it feel awful next to my skin on any part of my body, even my arms. Not so much itchy as just unpleasant, hard to describe. And sometimes more tolerable if temps are very cold. &nbsp;I do not overall have sensitive skin. &nbsp;I find merino wool more tolerable but only on my arms.&nbsp;I&nbsp;have to wear a layer under it in some other fabric.&nbsp;So no cashmere turtlenecks for me unless I wear a silk or cotton neck under it, and like Glory if I get this wrong it's a private sauna :-)&nbsp;&nbsp;However...I love smartwool socks and find them the most comfy socks ever.... </p> <p>I think it's trial and error until you figure out what works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724926 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:06:22 +0000 Anonymous 1724926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have very sensitive skin and cannot tolerate wool of any type coming in contact with my body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724904 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 12:29:58 +0000 April 1724904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As many of our fiber experts have pointed out, you will find that cashmeres vary as much as wools in quality, feel, and itch factor. &nbsp;Cashmere comes from goats and not from sheep so I guess is technically not a wool, and cashmere likes to be washed (whereas wool will "felt" -- tighten up and shrink -- when exposed to moisture and warmth).</p> <p>If you see a cashmere sweater that is priced like a cotton sweater, don't expect it to behave like more expensive cashmere. &nbsp;You might get lucky, but you almost certainly won't. &nbsp;</p> <p>The same is true in the other direction, unfortunately. &nbsp;An expensive cashmere SHOULD behave beautifully and last forever, but there is a &nbsp;chance that it won't, especially if it's "designer" or "fashion" cashmere, made by a label that might not know fibers as well as a longstanding fiber expert. &nbsp;Also, cashmere draws moths like crazy. &nbsp;Keep it washed and keep it out in the light. &nbsp;</p> <p>Watch where it comes from -- fine cashmere should come from a place with a history of knowing cashmere, such as Scotland. &nbsp;And yes, expect it to cost the better part of a mortgage payment. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724886 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 12:08:35 +0000 Glory 1724886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am hugely sensitive to all levels of wool, cashmere, merino wool - you name it, it makes me itch. Just talking about it makes me itch. Throw in a hot flash or two and its enough to make a grown woman weep. I recall being very attached to a wool sweater and tried to make it work by wearing a thick long sleeve turtle neck under it. It was like a private sauna in there. Eventually I admitted defeat and donated the beloved item. I am sworn off all wools now - even when the SA tells me one is different and people haven't mentioned issues.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724873 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 11:04:34 +0000 Helen11 1724873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought an Icebreaker jacket on the advice of Fabbers, having found other wool itchy, and it has been good to wear even as the weather is warming up. I wouldn't dream of wearing anything wool against bare skin. I think it's cultural/ regional in that wool was always a warm outer layer and it would be too warm and removed by mid morning. The idea of a merino sports bra or undies gives me the giggles! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724403 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 15:25:11 +0000 RedLola 1724403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear any wool or even cashmere directly on my torso. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have an icebreaker T as a base layer for skiing and I still have to layer a tank under it. &nbsp;I do better with a short sleeve T under merino. &nbsp;</p> <p>Make sure your skin is well hydrated - if mine is even remotely dry, even the icebreaker is unbearable. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have one J Crew summerweight cashmere I can wear directly on my skin if my skin is not dry. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724332 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:35:03 +0000 Anonymous 1724332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My next attempt will be the&nbsp;J. Crew merino Tippi sweater. &nbsp;I have long admired them on other Forum members. &nbsp;Perhaps this year is my year. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'll also see if I can find&nbsp;Icebreaker or Smartwool sweaters in my area. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks everyone. &nbsp;I didn't expect to learn so much from a single thread. &nbsp;As always I am in awe of the knowledge and helpfulness on this Forum.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724299 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 05:14:13 +0000 karen13 1724299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you have access, try an Icebreaker or Smartwool sweater in a store. They have lots of gear styles, but also some more fashion forward pieces, particularly Icebreaker. I have had good luck with non-itchiness, although it can vary from style to style. I find the mid weights (200-300 GSM) are often good against my skin, and I'm pretty sensitive. </p> <p>Other non-itchy gearish brands include Ibex, SuperNatural, and Nau. YMMV. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724264 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 01:47:59 +0000 chewyspaghetti 1724264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Merino is just a breed of sheep whose wool has a longer fiber than other breeds. The longer fibers tend to have less of those itchy ends sticking out (and as someone mentioned there is also the superwash treatment that can be done to it). Anyway, it was worth the try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724261 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 01:42:46 +0000 Aziraphale 1724261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, you may find that merino does indeed work for you. I love the look of wool, but was never able to wear it, until eventually I bought a J. Crew merino Tippi sweater and it transformed my attitude. I now own a number of merino items, and love them all.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have found, however, that cheap merino wool is just as itchy as any other wool.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724207 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 23:18:25 +0000 JAileen 1724207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with El Cee. Usually it is the softness or lack of softness that people feel, not an actual allergy. That's interesting about lanolin. There's a product recommended for nursing mothers made of 100 percent lanolin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724203 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 23:04:12 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1724203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I asked my dermatologist about this one time and he said that it isn't an allergy, it's what El Cee says, a sensitivity that causes itchiness. </p> <p>I have pretty much every environmental allergy in the book.</p> <p>He said that using a lot of body lotion generally helps, and I have found that to be true. I can wear merino and cashmere on my skin, though I will almost always wear a camisole underneath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724200 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:55:16 +0000 El Cee 1724200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sterling</b> -- It is my understanding that most people who are wool-sensitive do not actually have an allergy -- only a sensitivity to the itch or prickly feel of the wool fibers. In other words, it is the mechanics of the fibers that are causing the itchy sensation. Actual allergic reactions to sheepswool (which are not that common) are generally caused by exposure to lanolin, the oil in a sheep’s fleece. I am wool-sensitive and do not have a true wool/lanolin allergy -- but I still have difficulty wearing wool against my body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724187 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:07:42 +0000 Ginger 1724187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz is very correct! Just temperature makes a difference. I recently touched a sweater I wear a lot in winter, but on my bare arm in summer I couldn't stand it. It was an interesting discussion. I've found lambswool to be pretty prickly on the whole, but merino tends toward the smooth. It was a good experiment for you to make. La Pedestrienne's info is excellent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724186 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:07:07 +0000 Anonymous 1724186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is the difference between sensitive skin and an allergy? &nbsp;Perhaps I am using the term wrong. &nbsp;Maybe I just have sensitive skin? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724184 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:05:27 +0000 Staysfit 1724184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find many wools and angora itchy. Anything fuzzy is out. Most merino works well for me. I have sensitive skin though not a true allergy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724182 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:02:02 +0000 Anonymous 1724182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can wear <i>some </i>cashmeres. &nbsp;I doubt I can afford the cashmeres I can actually wear though. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724179 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:57:18 +0000 deb 1724179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cannot wear any type of nor wool blend. I even itch with the softest cashmere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724178 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:51:48 +0000 Anonymous 1724178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz </b>-- It <i>is</i> humid. &nbsp;I couldn't wait to take it off.&nbsp; </p> <p>Thank you,&nbsp;<b>La Pedestrienne</b>, for your input. &nbsp;Fascinating information. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724177 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:51:16 +0000 LaPed 1724177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a feeling what SAs are talking about is the fact that many merino yarns nowadays are "Superwash Merino" -- yarns that have been washed in an acid bath or coated with a special polymer in order to remove the "scales" from the wool, which prevents felting, makes garments machine washable, and gives these textiles a smoother, "itch-free" feel compared to traditional wools. I've found that different processes produce different "hands" -- some merinos feel more fuzzy, some silky, some almost plasticky. In theory, I *think* superwash wools are hypoallergenic since they have little to no lanolin content, but if the issue is more skin sensitivity than a true allergic reaction, than superwash merino won't necessarily be better than any other wool. I hope Diana will chime in; she's a more experienced fiber artist than I am! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724174 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:43:55 +0000 celia 1724174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am allergic to lambswool an Angora but can wear Merino wool. I agree that there are different kinds of merino and your sensitivity to it plays a big role. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724173 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:32:55 +0000 Suz 1724173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are different qualities of merino. Plus, besides sensitivity, your climate may play a role. I wear cashmere and merino well in cool weather but in humidity I find it awful. Some people swear by merino for gear underlayers even in summer but it does not work for me in summer. Only winter. Trying on knitwear during NAS is torture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724172 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:31:59 +0000 Traci 1724172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do find merino to have a different feel than other wools, so I think it was worth trying. &nbsp;Too bad it didn't work out. &nbsp;Yay for return policies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724167 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:18:42 +0000 Anonymous 1724167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Tanya. &nbsp;I can tell it is a wool. &nbsp;I will be returning it to Banana Republic tomorrow after work. &nbsp;I am glad I tried it though. &nbsp;I would always wonder.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724163 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:57:37 +0000 Tanya 1724163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I guess there is only one way to know.&nbsp; I would personally buy a merino sweater from Nordstrom where you know that you can return it even if you have worn it in case it is still itchy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-i-am-hearing-what-i-want-to-hear#post-1724160 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:55:32 +0000 Anonymous 1724160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am allergic to most wools. &nbsp;Sales staff tell me that merino wool is different and that I should be able to wear it with ease. &nbsp;I am hoping they are right. &nbsp;I bought this sweater from Banana Republic. &nbsp;If it works out for me, I intend to buy more colors in the same style. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p>