https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:35:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234516 Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:56:37 +0000 Anonymous 2234516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been buying from EF Renew and hope that.velvet pants from the last couple of years show up soon. &nbsp;I only wear already purchased polyester in the fall and maybe early spring. &nbsp;Otherwise I really need natural fibers and am using&nbsp;the same places you are too keep the price down. I have had pretty good luck with Renew, &nbsp;but avoid anything a that might snag or have snags. &nbsp;If you have a Dillard’s store near you their end-of -month sales on EF are worth checking out. &nbsp;Even on mostly no returns you have a couple of days. &nbsp; I had great luck in KS where few wore an XS and they were regularly on the sale rack. &nbsp;In the Boulder area they sell out of XS or S first so the sale rack is full of large sizes. &nbsp;Hence interest in Renew.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234271 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:09:51 +0000 JAileen 2234271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In summer I have to wear cotton or linen. &nbsp;It’s so hot, in the upper 90s for weeks on end, that anything else just doesn’t cut it. &nbsp;Some say cotton gets wet. &nbsp;But it dries, too. &nbsp;</p> <p>In winter, it’s cold here, but very low humidity. Synthetic tops tend to be staticky. &nbsp;A synthetic blend sweater is a little better in this respect than blouses, but only a little.<div><br /></div><div>For coats, I definitely want pure natural fibers. &nbsp;It’s getting so difficult to find, except at extremely high prices. &nbsp;I manage, sort of, by stalking things, going to discount sites like The Rack and 6pm, and buying used. &nbsp;As I mentioned in another post, I bought from EF Renew, and my takeaway is Buyer Beware. &nbsp;Their idea of “good as new” is not the same as mine.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234195 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:27:34 +0000 Carla 2234195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ approprio - so nice to ‘see’ you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234162 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:23:57 +0000 approprio 2234162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I understand it, synthetic fleece fabric is getting better and better. Great for performance gear and wears very well. But you knew that.&nbsp;I have a poly fleece vest from Uniqlo which is ten years if it’s a day and still going strong. </p> <p>For knits, not so much. I think it’s something to do with the texture of the fibers. That said, these days I would trust a quality synthetic over a cheap natural textile. I heard acrylic is improving, and if my St Pauli soccer scarf is anything to go by, this is probably true. Also, I’m currently in the midst of a major closet overhaul and noticing how well the viscose knits are holding up. They drape very nicely too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234125 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:44:28 +0000 Anonymous 2234125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a fan of acrylic personally, it's often itchy.<br /> Some polys are definitely better than others, but I buy blends the most. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234118 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 23:22:53 +0000 rachylou 2234118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just had to google… the only OK materials for clothes are tencel &amp; linen (manmade cellulose and bast)… according to the Independent… oh dear… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234107 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 20:53:00 +0000 Sal 2234107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread.</p> <p>I try to buy tops in cotton or linen (or silk but that's rare).&nbsp; I also have rayon which has mostly been successful.</p> <p>My sports gear is mostly synthetic (dryfit or lycra or merino and this works well.</p> <p>I still have a couple of polyester things in the closet but trying to stop adding any more.&nbsp; I find it wears well and the colours are excellent - but the microfibre leakage does worry me.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234098 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:12:23 +0000 Ginger 2234098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly! It should be all the same fiber. There can be variations by manufacturer, but still a lot less than with natural fibers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234084 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:26:28 +0000 Jenni NZ 2234084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Ginger, I put that in for Carla who I think liked one but not the other, which was inconsistent if they are the same thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234081 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 17:43:10 +0000 Ginger 2234081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni</b>, Lycra and elastane and spandex are all the same things. Lycra is a particular brand name, while elastane and spandex are generic names. So you're right! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234045 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:33:37 +0000 Roxanna 2234045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My rule of thumb is to largely avoid acrylic. Acrylic looks AMAZING in the stores in fall - chunky, soft, gleaming knits. It is cheap, shows well, and fits the season, which is why you see so much of it in sweaters and scarves come fall. But to me it almost NEVER delivers - starts fluffing after a couple of wears, pills, stretches out and generally looks worn out and awful. That little bit of cashmere would make me suspicious too.</p> <p>I have had a couple of acrylic blanket scarves work for me, but that's it. I don't but acrylic anymore. My sweaters and scarves are wool, silk and cashmere - sometimes with some polyester in them to help with washing and keeping their shape. These fabrics are a lot more expensive - which is why I normally thrift them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234023 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:35:06 +0000 Kate 2234023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only fiber I ban is acrylic because it pills so badly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2234020 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:10:10 +0000 rachylou 2234020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An informative thread! I also don’t have any strict rules about synthetic v natural. These days, I rather feel that all sweaters tend to look shabby rather fast… no one is gonna be stealing my sweaters twenty years from now for fashion like I stole my dad’s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2233995 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:01:02 +0000 Carla 2233995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Jenn - I’ve been reading as much ‘industry’ stuff as I can source on the ‘net, and though I’ve learned&nbsp;<i>a lot&nbsp;</i>I still can’t figure out the magic formula! &nbsp;The one consistent for ‘better’ quality (especially in natural fibres) seems to be&nbsp;<i>long&nbsp;</i>staple vs short. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics/page/2#post-2233993 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 23:50:40 +0000 Jenn 2233993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been tempted by a Jenni Kayne sweater recently that is a mohair/acrylic blend. Like you, it’s the color that enchants me. They have a 100% cotton version that’s not as vibrant and, thus, I don’t like it as much. Generally, I find synthetic fibers uncomfortable as soon as I put them on, but some blends seem to be just fine and I can’t seem to narrow down why. It’s not a particular percentage or price point, as near as I can tell, it’s just a mystery! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233992 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 23:45:51 +0000 Carla 2233992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Gaylene - the price point of the scarf was pretty low, so I suspect the quality is as well. &nbsp;I was really smitten with the colour way, and my current project is to build up a depleted winter accessory capsule. &nbsp;It’s early days yet, so I’m down for giving this scarf a pass. &nbsp;Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233989 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 23:36:59 +0000 Gaylene 2233989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pretty much everything Angie said—no outright banning but everything in moderation. Some synthetics aren’t worth the money, but then again neither are poor quality cottons, silks, linens, or wools. Low-quality, inexpensive cotton can have a nasty environmental footprint as well as being rough against the skin and prone to shrinkage. Same goes for inferior quality wools and cashmeres. My high quality cashmere sweaters easily last for decades and just get softer as they age and are regularly laundered. &nbsp;My inexpensive forays into cashmere, on the other hand, rarely last a year before the garments become a pill factory and develop holes in the elbows and necklines.&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I look for the qualities I can only get from a synthetic fibre—example is a decade’s worth of trouble-free wear I’ve had from a pleated synthetic travel skirt which I mash up in a suitcase, shake out, and then happily wear to Michelin-starred restaurant. If I spill something on it, I wash the skirt in a hotel sink with a bar of soap, towel dry, put it on my body, and miraculously look presentable by the time I leave the hotel. Another synthetic wonder is my new favourite nightshirt—an extra long, super-soft, totally synthetic Uniqlo Airism top which works well in both hot and cold weather. My cotton nightwear has been languishing in the drawer since I’ve discovered these marvels.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The acrylic in the scarf wouldn’t bother me if I loved the color and feel of the fabric but I’d check to see if the scarf edges were finished properly—generally a sign of a better quality acrylic item. I am more suspicious, though, of the reason behind that dusting of cashmere. It’s doubtful the 10% addition of another fibre to the acrylic would make much difference in the feel or wear of an acrylic scarf but might just be there to justify a higher price tag? I’d also be wondering about the quality of that smidgeon of cashmere—after all the cashmere swept up from the factory floor is technically still cashmere fibre and can be sold as such, but it’s definitely not the equivalent of the cashmere fibre you’d be swooning over in a high end sweater.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233967 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 22:01:24 +0000 The Cat 2233967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't stand acrylic sweaters, as they pill and soon start to smell badly. So I was surprised to discover that one of my favourite scarves is actually 100% acrylic. However, the scarf is not knitted-- it is woven, which might be a key factor. (Could it be that woven acrylic is GENERALLY better than knitted acrylic?) My scarf is white, big, wrinkled, breezy, very soft and comfortable. I have used it for several years, and it still looks and feels as new after every laundry and never pills. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233949 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 18:46:05 +0000 Sally 2233949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like cotton t-shirts and dresses if I can get them just because I prefer the feel of them.&nbsp; I also wear merino or wool in winter as much as possible, but like a lot of people have a mix.&nbsp; I'm fussy about underwear and only wear cotton or bamboo.&nbsp; For yoga I have tended to wear bamboo leggings and cotton singlets.&nbsp; I got some lycra ones recently cheap and while they wash better as the bamboo ones wear and get thin, they do not feel as breathable and I take them off as soon as I finish.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233937 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 18:04:14 +0000 Angie 2233937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I don't ban synthetic fibres from my wardrobe, but wear them in moderation. Synthetics when blended with natural fibres can do a great job of strengthening fabric and making things look and feel crisp and luxe, plus make them easy to launder. They can be more sustainably recycled and produced these days too. Acrylic can be tricky as others have mentioned. That said, natural fibres aren't all the cat's pyjamas either. For example, I avoid mohair, alpaca and angora because they greatly irritate my skin. Some wools too.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233909 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 15:10:31 +0000 kkards 2233909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have any “rules” about not wearing synthetics, but i do try not to wear fluffy acrylic because for some reason the fabric seems to make me cough and itch…is it possible to be allergic to acrylic?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233904 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 15:01:38 +0000 cat2 2233904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you made the right choice, my husband had some acrylic woven scarves when I met him, and they didn’t look fresh for very long. His wool woven scarves have worn much better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233899 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:33:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2233899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This one is tempting me right now. I want a big, bulky cable knit white fisherman’s sweater like I’ve had in the past. The good side of this is 60% organic cotton (which uses less water). But the rest is acrylic. I wish I could believe it’d be ok!<br /> <a href="https://mobile.yoox.com/us/14171813UD/item#cod10=14171813UD&#038;dept=clothingwomen&#038;sizeId=-1&#038;sts=SearchResult" rel="nofollow">https://mobile.yoox.com/us/141.....archResult</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233896 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:06:31 +0000 Tanya 2233896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late here, but I think you made the right choice. Most of the items I had with a significant amount of acrylic have disappointed me in their durability or feel or both. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233895 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:03:14 +0000 Carla 2233895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to everyone who posted a response to this thread. &nbsp;If I remember correctly, the last time I had something acrylic, it was a mustard sweater that was a&nbsp;<i>great&nbsp;</i>colour - mustard, &nbsp;with wine, pink, and cream stripes - but pilled and was scratchy. &nbsp;It was a knit, and this scarf appears woven. &nbsp;I’m going to give it a ‘pass’. &nbsp;Maybe I can source a silk scarf in the same colours? &nbsp;Next! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233879 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 08:52:54 +0000 lozz_oz 2233879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, to answer your questions<br /> #1 - I’d say give it a miss. I agree with Lisa P that the scarf could look pretty ordinary pretty quickly.<br /> #2- synthetics are represented in my gear wardrobe. Regarding some of the ‘modern’ fibres, I have some sports socks and underwear that are bamboo blends (supposedly bamboo has anti bacterial properties). I’m not keen on many of the rayon or viscose fabrics as they easily shrink or lose shape.<br /> My bias as a sewist is that it’s lovely to both sew and wear natural fibres such as wool, silk, cotton and linen.<br /> Listened to an interesting podcast about recycled fibres recently, so I may have to start another thread.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233863 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 03:03:50 +0000 Jenni NZ 2233863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually that’s what Irina said above me, re higher end. This 100% viscose top cost a lot more than the nightie, from a better brand called Trenery. It was $150 which at that stage was possibly the most I had ever paid for a top, I have now paid more once since then for the Veronica Maine recycled polyester top I mentioned earlier. We have told you all before how clothes can be expensive even for mall brands in NZ/Australia! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233862 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 03:03:15 +0000 SarahD8 2233862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, I initially read your post the opposite way and thought it was 90% cashmere and thought: go for it!</p> <p>90% acrylic though, I would stay away. Personally I find acrylic very "sweaty." This seems like the kind of blend that has just enough cashmere that they can advertise it has cashmere, iykwim.</p> <p>I am kind of a notorious fiber snob though, lol! I would much rather repeatedly shave the pills off 100% cashmere than wear pretty much anything else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233861 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 02:58:47 +0000 Jenni NZ 2233861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So all those Finds are 100% synthetic? There are some of your greatest hits there… which is kind of what I was saying about polyester. I have quite a lot of it. It’s all worn plenty of times. Something like mesh tops, of which I own 5…well, it’s pretty difficult to get the same effect in any other fabric.<br /> Thinking of what can make you sweat more, actually my mid weight nightie of 95% viscose 5% elastane holds sweat and smells quicker than my other mid weight ( these 2 are for transitional seasons like now) nightie which has lost its label as quite old but I think would be cotton or cotton/poly blend. Sorry if TMI!<br /> I am wearing today though my 100% viscose top, transitional season ( today is a cold and rainy spring day) and it is more like canvas fabric, wears like iron and doesn’t cause sweat at all! So it must be quality or formulation also that matters? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cashmereacrylic-blend%e2%80%a6and-are-there-any-%e2%80%98good%e2%80%99-synthetics#post-2233860 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 02:50:10 +0000 Irina 2233860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a sweater that is 35% acrylic - it stretched almost immediately. In the past I had acrylic scarves and they were not warm and pilled. I stay away from almost anything made of mixed fabrics if it contains more than 10-15% of acrylic or polyester and have only a couple of garments, generally I avoid synthetic fibers. My polyester items are puffers and some underwear.<br />I don’t mind lyocell if it’s mixed with linen or cotton. Not a fan of modal or viscose, find them too unpredictable. Maybe they are great in the higher end clothes.&nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div> </p>