about polyester... help me please, keep/pass on?

qfbrenda

I've read some old threads about poly dresses/tops and how some poly is fine while some looks awful. Could you all help me figure out which is which? I have three thick poly dresses that fit me well, but if they are awful fabric that will disgust those around me, then I want to send them packing.

I posted pics in case that would help. PLEASE ignore the styling attempts... these pics are from months ago and I was trying things out. They are all the same shape, just different colors. And the 3rd pic has a pieced front and needs to be hemmed a bit.

Basically, how can one tell if they have "acceptable" polyester?

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12 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Day Vies

Kalli

Active Member

I don't think you can actually tell from pictures what acceptable polyester is or isn't. Really it's about personal choice and style. If you love how these dresses look and feel on your own body, do you really care if others approve that this is the appropriate fabric or not?

Personally I abstain from polyester because of various reasons but I have no issues with others wearing it and I don't turn my nose up at it.

12 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

I wear poly and it doesn't bother me at all. I don't see anything wrong with these dresses--in fact, they look great. I avoid poly during the heat of summer because it makes me sweat but other than that, I like poly.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

You can usually tell by how it feels on your body. If it's itchy, staticky, or really sweaty, you should probably get rid of it. All poly is a bit more hot and sweaty than natural fibers IMO, and I tend to avoid it in the summer. Personally I also avoid poly knits because they make me itch. The polys I like tend to be the woven silky or chiffony types.

ETA: Unless it's really staticky and clingy I don't really think someone else would be able to tell polyester quality without touching it. So it's really about how it feels on your body.

12 years ago

Aida

Veteran

What Diana said, I would say go by how the fabric feels on your skin.

12 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I also agree with Diana. The dresses all look lovely but it really depends on how the feel and wear for you.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

+1 for what Diana said, BUT I think you can do better! Maybe something slightly shorter or slimmer shoulder straps, but then again styling is everything

12 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

Hmm... well, so far any and all polyester I've had is sometimes static-y so I don't know how to use that as a gauge. Static guard is my friend. But none of it makes me itch and that's a good sign.

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Polyester has it's benefits as well as it downsides. I love it muss-proof, easy care ways, but don't like it's stinky factor and the unintentional sheen it sometimes has. I find that blends often offer the best of both worlds, but are often quite expensive

As for the look? I judge every garment on its own merits.

I agree with the others -- happiness factors rule!

BTW --- I love the solid sheaths. The print one, for some reason, seems to overwhelm you a bit. I think it would look even better shortened to tunic length --- just below the center scroll.

12 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I think polyester can be judged best by how it drapes. If it puckers or doesn't lie correctly it's crappy fabric, or crappy workmanship. If the seams are pin straight and the surging on the fabric's edges isn't coming apart then the piece was made well. Once you know that the piece was made well and the fabric hangs nicely then you have nothing to worry about other than how it feels on your skin.

12 years ago

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