https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:55:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62528 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:10:16 +0000 Cosmoblue 62528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I am pleasantly surprised because I did expect to hear more "stay away froms". For me I know that shoes are really the hardest because pleather doesn't wear like leather. I am saving up for a really nice pair but until freelance picks up am stuck with Payless and Target right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62315 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:22:59 +0000 Chris 62315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wondering how you feel about thrifting or recycled clothing? I think it is a better option from an ecological pov than the throw away items at cheaper venues.<br /> Maybe clothes for your daughter from a secondhand kids store? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62284 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:12:22 +0000 Maya 62284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, just to be clear I didn't mean I would not kill an animal if I were starving. I have no idea what I would do if I were starving, and since the likelihood of that happening is so small, I don't even find it worth speculating. I'm sure we would all eat other people if we were starving, but that doesn't mean we eat people all the time! I just meant that for my regular day-to-day survival, I would never be able to kill something. Not even a fish (though I never liked fish to begin with so that's an easy decision). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62278 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:48:49 +0000 shiny 62278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I went on a ramble there. And left out one observation for Cosmo:</p> <p>I own two pairs of slacks that are made of synthetic blends, and I think look like they don't. One is a pair of GAP slacks; the other is Tahari. </p> <p>The GAP slacks look like a natural fiber and I don't think anyone at all could tell the difference from looking at me. However, they don't have a very nice "feel" to them against my skin, and kind of annoy me after a few hours. But, I have kept them because they fit really well. I do suspect if I wore them more frequently eventually they would start to pill where they rub in the thighs, as I used to have a similar pair of GAP slacks that did that. But until they pill, they look great and nobody would be the wiser. </p> <p>The Tahari slacks are one of my favorites, and they do feel nice against the skin. They fit really nice and they don't wrinkle at all, which is another plus. Sadly, I no longer fit in them so they are resigned to my "in case of emergency weight gain" box. </p> <p>Speaking of saving the planet, washing everything in cold water can save a lot of energy too. Or just wash things less in general. Skip the perfume and don't smoke, and you'd be surprised how many times you can wear a garment before it needs washing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62269 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:40:46 +0000 shiny 62269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cosmo, I'm not all that up on various fabrics to be honest, so I would be hard-pressed to even know what kind of fabric someone is wearing! For me it's about how the fabric feels against the skin (and this is a reoccurring theme for me; if the fabric doesn't feel nice - synthetic or otherwise - I won't wear it). So if you were selling me advertising, short of touching your suit and feeling it for myself, I really wouldn't have a clue and this would not play into my perception of you. </p> <p>I think the more important aspect is the quality of the garments you wear, no matter what they are made out of. Like that BCBG jacket Maya posted, which is gorgeous. And your hemp designs!! Gorgeous!!! </p> <p>If the garment fits perfectly, has no loose threads or seams, and is well made... that is what shows. As does how you wear it, your own style. </p> <p>Vegetarianism: I went veg first for health reasons, and then for political reasons after reading Diet for a Small Planet. I grew up in a family that ate red meat three meals a day and considers it sacriligious to turn your nose up at it, so that created some strife. </p> <p>I am no longer 100% vegetarian because I have one DD who's too much of a picky eater it would be too limiting nutritionally; and one DD who is such a huge foodie, who may someday become a chef (I would NOT be surprised), I couldn't stand to limit her in this way either. If that DD ever chose to be vegetarian, I'd have no problem with it, since she would do it right and get all her nutrition. The picky eater? No way. </p> <p>Another reason I stopped being veg is that I developed pre-diabetes while eating vegetarian. Yes, I know how to eat healthy veg and get adequate protein (back then I made everything from scratch), but apparently, even when I stick to only whole grains, my body simply can't handle all the carbs. My body does much better with no more than about 3 servings of carbs, and a small amount of animal protein twice a day. Cheese, milk, eggs, nuts, beans and fish are my preference over red meat, pork and chicken. I almost never eat pork but I fully admit to having a thing for the occasional strip of bacon. :-)</p> <p>Otherwise, there are times when my body seems to be demanding a dose of red meat - in a "I need" not an "I want" sort of way. I no longer fight it. That happens about twice a month, and a 3 oz portion will take care of it. I do eat a burger a few times a year. I'll get this overwhelming craving that can only be satisfied by a nice juicy burger. </p> <p>But, one thing I almost never eat is chicken. Partly because I just don't like the taste, but also because I once visited a poultry farm. Ugh. I still shudder at the thought to this day. Those poor chickens! </p> <p>Then again, I do eat eggs... I love eggs, and never gave them up in the veggie days. </p> <p>The only chicken I will eat is free-range, and that's maybe once a year. I have a friend who runs a free-range farm and I have learned quite a lot about it. Her chickens are healthy and happy (until she kills them, that is!) and taste amazing, there is a big, big difference. </p> <p>But yeah.... if I had to kill a chicken myself - if it was either that or go starving - I would. This is one thing I would never-say-never about. I have read about people eating glue because they were starving. Heck, people have been known to eat other people when they are starving. </p> <p>I never thought about the sheep thing - I always figured wool was a renewable resource, since it grows back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62262 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:43:02 +0000 Maya 62262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is something I have always believed and I think is a YLF cornerstone: It's all in how you wear it. Does that woman in the J Crew sateen suit look bad? No way. She looks polished, professional, and authoritative. What other choices are there anyway? Who wants to wear wool in the summer? Lots of non-vegans probably wear these fabrics as well.</p> <p>Synthetics can look cheap but not always. As long as you use your judgment I don't see why anyone would notice or care as long as everything fit and flattered and didn't look tacky or cheap.</p> <p>As Ele mentioned, we all have to pick and choose our battles and we will all base our choices on different things. My concern is that everyone do SOMETHING. I decided to go veg because:</p> <p>-The amount of grain and resources used by livestock could be used for humans instead, and probably should be used for humans as the world population continues to grow (don't get me started on an overpopulation rant though)</p> <p>-Livestock causes more environmental damage than all the cars in the world</p> <p>-Factory farming is one of the greatest evils of modern society</p> <p>-I think there are compassionate, humane, and environmentally more acceptable ways to obtain animal products that we are not currently utilizing because of basic greed and apathy</p> <p>-I could not kill an animal myself. This is what made me a vegetarian rather than simply buying organic, free range, locally farmed meat. If I had to do the dirty work myself, I would not be able to do it, so to continue taking advantage just seemed wrong. I just can't kill a sentient thing that responds to me and interacts with me, much less put it on my plate later on. I am pretty consistent on this. I even use humane mouse traps and I let bugs go (if my kitty cat doesn't get to them first!)</p> <p>-Even though this wasn't one of my original reasons, my diet got a lot more diverse and my meals got a lot more creative after giving up meat! </p> <p>I am not perfect and I will wear leather shoes because, as most people know, my feet are more or less deformed and i haven't found any alternatives that stretch to accommodate all my deformities. I would love to see this change in the future. Shoe shopping is one of those things I don't want to do more than is necessary though.</p> <p>I'm also considering buying used leather but I'm not sure. It seems like a good thing to do from an environmental standpoint, but I know if I had the option of buying used fur, it would make me feel oogly, so I wonder if I'm being a hypocrite. Fur was of those things I hated long before I gave up meat or most leather though, so it's more ingrained into my values system. </p> <p>Anyway, as I briefly mentioned before, the only people I really can't stand are the people that do NOTHING and simply don't care. Everyone's small efforts combined would have a big impact. There are so many easy things to do that there isn't an excuse anymore for doing nothing at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62259 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:03:43 +0000 Cosmoblue 62259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ele - I can see your point on some inexpensive man made synthetics like polyester and manufactured fibers such as rayon. I have done a good bit of research on textiles and their environmental impact while I was in school and after graduation. My entire senior thesis was a bridal party out of organic cotton and hemp fabrics that were designed in styles that were easily wearable in post wedding situations. Every project that I did had a sustainability angle and making a good product in a field of so many not so eco was my draw for entering the field of fashion in the first place.</p> <p>Cotton is one of the most damaging crops on the planet and more damaging than a lot of manufactured fabrics and I have a huge interest in organic and color grown cotton. The amount of chemicals used to grow and process conventional cotton is ridiculous and completely unacceptable. I try to purchase those when that is an option. In my new wardrobe all of my denim is going to be replaced with organic denim or other sustainably grown and processed denim.</p> <p>Wool loses out for me on the environmental point because of the amount of feed used to breed sheep. That can be a lot of chemicals. And a lot of animal poo which is not good for ground water. There are obviously other issues with that for me though as well.</p> <p>Bamboo is a fiber and yes the way that it is most often used is as a rayon type pulp to create the silky like feel. However it is also true that Bamboo can be used in the same way as flax and can be woven into a lovely linen type fabrics with a lovely drape. The fact that Bamboo grows quickly and requires no chemicals to do so makes it in my opinion a better choice than conventionally grown cotton. Of course every fiber can be abused and there are places that are clear cutting forests to make room to grow bamboo because it is becoming so popular. That is why I research a lot into individual companies when I am sourcing yardage and look for socially responsible and eco responsible businesses whenever I can. Several companies are very conscious about using gentle chemicals and making sure the chemicals used are treated in the safest way possible.</p> <p>Hemp as have said already was the focus of my Thesis and I use it quite regularly and am very fond of the product.<br /> <a href="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/cosmoblue15/0071320-R4-006-1A.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i129.photobucket.com/al.....006-1A.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/cosmoblue15/0071320-R3-010-3A.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i129.photobucket.com/al.....010-3A.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/cosmoblue15/0138852-R1-009-3.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i129.photobucket.com/al.....-009-3.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/cosmoblue15/0138852-R1-017-7.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i129.photobucket.com/al.....-017-7.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/cosmoblue15/0138852-R3-031-14.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i129.photobucket.com/al.....031-14.jpg</a></p> <p>Shiny - I have actually decided that all of the clothes that I make for DD to play in are going to be from recycled fabrics using old shirts and bed sheets and jeans. Until she is old enough to complain about it, but you do have a lot of good tips for being green. And as a fomer employee of Gap inc and the friend of a few of their designers I can say that they say they try to be greener, but they aren't by much.</p> <p>ChristineB- I agree with you on the ease of care of synthetic fabrics. Cost is also huge which is a large part of why my wardrobe is in the shape it is in. I haven't bought new clothes in 10 years everything I have that is newer I got from my jobs in the fashion industry for free or $5 or less.</p> <p>Everyone - I am still curious to know what you would say if you went to a fancy dinner and I was dressed in a cotton sateen tuxedo or to a business meeting and I was wearing a polyester suit and trying to sell you a $100,000 ad in a magazine. I'd like to know what you think of specific fabrics for specific occasions and situations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62248 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:16:28 +0000 Ele 62248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely agree that it can be really difficult to make the "right" choice these days. With so many options and conflicting issues, it can get exhausting. I am the person who stands in the supermarket aisle holding two boxes of the same product- this one is organic, but this one is fair trade! Which to choose?! :)</p> <p>Shiny, I agree with all your points- most of them are things that I do, too. One of the reasons I love YLF so much is because I think that developing a defined sense of personal style is one of the greenest things you can do, fashion-wise. Of course we all love clothes and will update our wardrobes to keep them current, but knowing what works for us means fewer mistakes and less waste. </p> <p>I wanted to add something to Shiny's excellent point about recycling. It's a great idea to repurpose old clothes to make them work again, but very few people know that clothing can be recycled in the literal sense of the word, too! It's mainly done with natural fibres like cotton and wool, which is another reason I try to stay away from synthetics. (Hopefully in the future they'll be able to recycle those fabrics, as well.) Obviously, in most cities you can't just pop it into the recycling bin, but I think it's worth finding out if you have a local recycling center or plant that accepts textiles. I sometimes take old jeans and sweaters that are too worn-out for the charity shop to my local recycling plant. </p> <p>I also think the "making it up elsewhere" point is very practical. We're only human, and we're hardly all going to retreat from civilization to live off the land in some remote wood, wearing leaves and living in caves. I became a vegetarian in the first place for environmental reasons. The global production of meat for food produces more C02 every year than transportation, and even though I love the taste of meat, I just thought that this was something that I could easily do. Of course, it helps that I'm an avid foodie who loves to cook, and I understand that it wouldn't be practical for everyone. Others might limit overseas travel, which obviously I don't, as my parents are in Canada, and I fly home every Christmas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62244 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:58:11 +0000 ChristineB 62244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting discussion!! I'm not a vegitarian, and I try to make environmentally responsible decisions, but I am not nearly as informed as some of you!!</p> <p>I personally like synthetic blend fabrics for a variety of reasons. I don't live in a very hot or humid climate, so I have an easier time wearing synthetics than the Texas ladies here on the board. I am anti-dry cleaning. I can never remember to drop off my dry clean items, and I prefer not to pay the high cost of drycleaning either. Synthetic blends are much easier to care for, and as a busy working mom of 3, that's important to me. Finally, cost is a factor for me. Synthetic blends are often much cheaper, and, depending on the synthetic, can look nice &#38; last a long time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62236 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:31:28 +0000 shiny 62236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Ele, thanks for taking the time to "babble." You know your stuff, and I found your post quite interesting. It sure is difficult to do the right thing in this day and age, isn't it? </p> <p>I personally have no ethical objections to wearing animal products; I worry more about the environmental impact of petroleum-based synthetics, and I worry about "disposable" fashion that falls apart after a few washes and ends up in a landfill. That is one reason why I don't mind paying top dollar for something at, say, Banana Republic instead of Forever21 or Target. Watching this - <a href="http://www.storyofstuff.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.storyofstuff.com</a> - really opened my eyes. How can clothes at Forever21 be so cheap? They are not. There's a huge hidden cost. </p> <p>For all I know, stores like BR are just as bad.... as consumers, we really can't know, can we? But at least the clothes are well made and they last longer. And that's my ultimate goal. I am FAR from perfect on this, mind you! But the goals are:</p> <p>1) Purchase less to begin with - and get as much use as possible from the clothes I do own!</p> <p>2) Purchase items that will last for years instead of one season. </p> <p>For example, I do find that leather shoes last a lot longer than synthetics. Don't get me wrong - I love my Me-Too's - but I suspect I will not be able to take them to a cobbler's for resoling and refurbishing like I can with my leather pumps I've had in my closet for decades. For example, the very first time I spent more than $100 on a pair of shoes was in 1989 - I still have and still wear those shoes!! They have been refurbished numerous times. Whereas the bronze Me-Too's I bought last year are already showing wear at the toes. But I suppose at least I can console myself that I wore them CONSTANTLY and got a lot of value out of the purchase. </p> <p>3) Be suspicious of anything that has a price that seems just too good to be true! (See link above). (I am talking original price, not necessarily sales price). </p> <p>4) Purchase thrift or used. For example, I would have zero problems purchasing a used mink coat. I would MUCH rather see it get years more use, than wind up in a landfill. </p> <p>5) Recycle. Take something out of fashion to the tailor, and have it updated or made into something usable. This is one area I don't do very often.... but I can say that my DD does, and so does my mother. I often send her old clothes and she turns them into costumes and other arts projects such as quilts. She doesn't have a fabric store near her house, so she is very happy to use the material in old clothes to fuel her sewing addiction. </p> <p>6) Make it up elsewhere. Okay, I like to buy clothes and I get easily bored. I like a full closet. So I balance this out by living a smaller carbon footprint overall, by living in a small, energy-efficient home; driving only 5K miles per year, not buying other sorts of things, etc. </p> <p>As for the animals... I am no longer vegetarian but I eat very little meat. I do pay top dollar for organic, etc, shopping at Whole Foods.... although I'm suspicious about all that too (more marketing claims? who can you trust?) ... in general I feel the same way about food as I do clothes: if the cost seems too good to be true, it probably isn't. So I choose to pay a higher percentage of my budget for food than the average person. Higher prices don't always mean better quality, but more often it seems to me that super-low prices tend to mean low quality or someone somewhere is paying the price. :-(</p> <p>There are no easy answers and there are no prescribed rules, are there? It's enough to make your head spin!! Or give up in frustration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62223 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:06:14 +0000 chewyspaghetti 62223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're looking for warmth, just remember that cotton feels cold to the touch. I totally agree with Ele on the issus of enviromentalism and fabrics, and I prefer natural fabrics for lots of reasons (but mostly because they just feel better to me). All man made fibers have their own properties, but some of that can be changed in the manufacturing and blending. That's why it's so hard to say look for X fabrics. One rayon/cotton/poly blend will not even be the same as another. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62188 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:23:34 +0000 Ele 62188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Cosmoblue. I've been watching this thread with interest, waiting to see what develops. I'm also a huge environmentalist and a vegetarian (although not vegan, so I do wear animal products). I really admire your goal to integrate your values into other aspects of your life, like fashion.</p> <p>I think it's particularly interesting to examine the issue of how to reconcile the need for non-animal fabrics with the desire for ones that are environmentally friendly, as often it's the vegan, manmade products that are the most environmentally damaging. Personally, I like to look for wool and silk when shopping, as these fabrics often require less chemical processing than some others. </p> <p>As others have said, cotton can be a good choice. It's natural, and blends with other fibres can make it very versatile. However, I try to stay away from buying too much "cheap" cotton, as the over-farming of it has been environmentally devastating in certain areas- the Aral Sea in Asia, most notably. I think the trick with cotton is to buy the highest quality products (pima, supima and sea island cottons are all good products) that you can afford, and try to stay away from the "2 for $10" t-shirts that you sometimes see. In the west we've been brainwashed to think that cotton should be a "cheap" product, but it really isn't the case. </p> <p>I also want to clear up something about bamboo. I always see it being referred to as a fabric, and it drives me crazy, since bamboo fabric is nothing more than a form of rayon, just like viscose, modal, tencel and others. Rayon is a man-made fibre that is derived from a natural source, the cellulosic fibres from plant matter. So in the case of bamboo fabric, the source material is indeed fast-growing and highly renewable, but the chemical processing that's required to turn it into a fabric is just the same as any other rayon- and extremely bad for the environment. Most rayons have slightly different properties from one another, and bamboo fabrics can be beautiful, but this idea of it being "eco" is just the result of clever marketing. </p> <p>Hemp, however, is a great choice. It's a very hardy crop that doesn't require much in the way of pesticides, and the processing is closer to that of linen and cotton- ie, not much in the way of chemicals and by-products. The end product can be close to denim or linen, so isn't suitable for all types of garments, though. Hopefully there are still advances to be made in the way hemp is processed, to make the fabrics more versatile. </p> <p>I don't want to give the impression that I'm against all man-made fabrics. Like Maya, I can be pro-polyester as it's very versatile, and advances have been made in the processing to improve its environmental impact. Polyester can be made to feel like cotton, wool or silk. </p> <p>Well, I think I've blabbed on for long enough now. I know how frustrating it can be to try to make ethical choices all the time, especially when you have multiple issues to consider. I hope I didn't come off as too know-it-all, I really think what you're doing is great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62182 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:22:22 +0000 Cosmoblue 62182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Chewyspaghetti.</p> <p>Chris-Thank you for your input. I appreciate it because I am a vegan and an environmentalist but I am not completely crunchy and I care what people who don't share my values think about my appearance. I won't always agree with other opinions but I am interested to know them. It helps me to reevaluate my choices. I am planning to make several items myself since I have a degree in fashion design, but I also hope to have some things made. I am not a tailor. I wish I were, but I'm not. Jackets and trousers are a weakness of mine. To be a tailor is actually my newest fantasy job. I'll have to remember to take things to the dry cleaner it does keep clothes looking so much nicer much longer. LA also has a few green dry cleaners for me to choose from. Thanks for the kind compliments on my blog. Having it is totally helping to raise my standards style wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62163 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:54:43 +0000 Chris 62163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just want to add that I looked at your blog. What a good idea! I think you have an adorable figure and such a positive outlook. Sometimes a wee bit hard on yourself....like the rest of us...perfectly normal! Best wishes with the quest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62162 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:51:04 +0000 Chris 62162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. It is probably hard to answer since many of us have not made the same choice but I am totally supportive of your goal. </p> <p>Cotton sateen is a nice alternative - something with a good weight so the pants<br /> hold their structure and don't sag. Maya seems right on that one.<br /> A cotton denim trouser slack is an option I would consider if you don't have one.<br /> Are you having slacks custom tailored? Even though it is an investment, maybe that would be easier than finding something pre-made. </p> <p>As for sweaters:<br /> Cotton or cotton/ramie is the option I can think of that is easiest to find.</p> <p>I have a rayon /poly blend sweater that has lasted in great shape for about 5 years. Most of the synthetics are thin, and not well made. This particular sweater is a mid-weight, tightly woven knit and I do have it dry cleaned every few months. Water would have stretched the weave and changed texture.</p> <p>I am lucky to have quite a few Green dry cleaners to choose from in the Oakland/Berkeley area though.</p> <p>Let us know what resources you are finding! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62088 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:44:48 +0000 chewyspaghetti 62088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that you just need to look for synthetic blends that look close to their animal counterparts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-62085 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:10:20 +0000 Cosmoblue 62085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am really curious if anyone else has input might be. Anyone? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-61994 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:48:09 +0000 Cosmoblue 61994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Maya for taking the time to answer so thoroughly. I personally have very similar opinions to yours. I love what Linda Laudermilk has done for eco-fashion with her hemp and bamboo. She is definitely not a hippie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-61925 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 07:46:22 +0000 Maya 61925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Cosmo. That is indeed quite a tough restriction, but I'm determined to set you straight as this kind of lifestyle is important to me. It seems like you're just looking for an outsiders' perspective, not necessarily advice, but that is the format I ended up giving it in, heh.</p> <p>I think wool and other animal-based fibers are more prominent in winter simply because they are warmer, and that is the only reason we associate them with fall/winter. I am of the belief that fabric should not be seasonal EXCEPT in a functional sense--so while many ladies here would faint at the idea of carrying a tweed bag in summer, I would totally do it as long as it goes with my outfit and serves its utilitarian purpose. I'm not "wearing" it, so there is really no reason the fabric should matter. I will say, however, that I am in the minority on this, so you might not want to listen to me. </p> <p>So having said that, I can think of lots of things that are appropriate and dressy to me, but I can't say if they're seasonal or not because I don't really care about that :p. The fabrics might not be as warm, but they'll still serve you well, I think (and you can always put some long johns or something underneath if it's really freezing). I have a pair of velveteen trousers that are very dressy and definitely seem wintery to me. Cotton sateen would have a lovely sheen to it, and as long as it's in a darker color, I think it would look great.</p> <p><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/suiting/stretchcottonsateen/PRDOVR~12591/12591.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../12591.jsp</a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod37740001&#038;parentId=cat211120&#038;masterId=cat231604&#038;index=0&#038;cmCat=cat000000cat205700cat211103cat231604cat211120" rel="nofollow">http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com.....4cat211120</a> (those are the pants I have, too bad they don't fit)</p> <p>And of course, regular old cotton is a year round option as far as I'm concerned. The only dilemma I have is that I like my pants to have a bit of drape to them and cotton can often be stiff and rigid.</p> <p>I'm also interested to see how bamboo and hemp take off as alternative fabrics. Right now all I can seem to find are yoga pants, clearly trying to court the granola munching hippie demographic. If they really want to make a difference, they'll have to start marketing to the rest of us. Hopefully that will happen.</p> <p>As for sweaters, I love just plain old boring cotton sweaters. They are warm enough for me in the winter, but light enough for me in the summer, they aren't scratchy like wool, and they don't pill or wear out as quickly. My basic black cardigan comes from the Gap and has lasted me 3 years now and still looks great.</p> <p>I'm not positive but I think Angie has a wool allergy, so if I'm correct, she doesn't wear cashmere or wool either. When she is back she might have some input on this. </p> <p>As for synthetic options, acrylic, rayon, and polyester are all options and they really can look beautiful depending on the design. Personally I don't care for acrylic because it pills too quickly, but it's fairly inexpensive and it can look just as nice as wool, if only for a short period of time. There is also always polyester and rayon. Some fashion snobs may scoff, but I'm pro poly and rayon as long as they look and feel good, and I think that is the YLF consensus. In fact, these pants are a poly-rayon blend and I think they look lovely.</p> <p><a href="http://www.espritshop.com/Shop/PicProductFrontView/PQ3001_001.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.espritshop.com/Shop.....01_001.jpg</a></p> <p>I have some poly/rayon dress pants from Esprit myself and I love their drape. </p> <p>Tweed is definitely a winter fabric, and it CAN be found in non-wool fabrications. This lovely jacket is a cotton "tweed":</p> <p><a href="http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3424276&#038;cp=2769127.2769074&#038;clickid=cat_leftnav_txt&#038;parentPage=family" rel="nofollow">http://www.bcbg.com/product/in.....age=family</a></p> <p>I imagine that would be hard to find, but it would be such a great piece to have as someone who is both vegan AND style-conscious. </p> <p>I think as long as you're not wearing linen or some kind of flimsy, cold-looking fabric, no one is going to notice or care. A sweater is a sweater after all. No matter what it's made out of, it will never be a summery garment! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-elegant-non-animal-fabrics#post-61924 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:55:02 +0000 Cosmoblue 61924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been having a bit of a problem looking for items to rebuild my wardrobe with once I finish with my wardrobe evaluation. The issue is I don't wear leather, wool, cashmere, mohair, angora, or silk. So I will not be purchasing any superfine wool trousers or cashmere sweaters which I think tend to be easy wardrobe basics. I have several fabrics that I think are nice substitutes for these things, but I am curious what the general consensus is among non-vegans. I figure it is important to have an idea since most people who look at me are in fact not vegan. I know that Angie has a strong opinion on corduroy and quite a few others seem to agree. What fabrics would you recommend? If you were going to have a fabulous pair of trousers made for fall in a non-wool what would you choose? If you were going to buy a sweater in non-animal fiber for winter what would you choose?</p> <p>Thank you,<br /> Cosmo<br /> <a href="http://bluecosmostyle.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://bluecosmostyle.blogspot.com/</a> </p>