Acrylic everywhere--do I give in?

I have been hunting high and low for sweaters for two purposes: I need something to go with these leggings I bought (see below, photo 1). The leggings and potential topper (photo 2) were discussed in another thread (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....--question) but consensus was the topper was just too oversized for little me.

2.) I need something to get me through the fall weather before I can don the winter coat I do have that actually fits over my 7 months, working on 8, of bump, similar to this adorable mama below (photo 3).

Everything I find at a reasonable price point is made out of acrylic. Even things I find at unreasonable price points are made out of acrylic. The last acrylic blend I did buy (10 years ago) pilled like a fiend. I mean it was excessively disposable clothing. Has there been progress on the acrylic technology front so that I shouldn't be so biased? Are manufacturers just laughing at us trying to sell us this garbage?

This one for example is $120! (photo4)
http://www.welikefashion.com/p.....4184473602

I saw this one in Zara, but it's 22% wool, 78% Acrylic (photo 5)
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....T%20JERSEY

Photos:
1. the leggings in need of top
2. the cardigan deemed too much volume
3. cute mama inspiration photo
4. sweater too expensive and acrylic
5. sweater affordable but too acrylic

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13 years ago

rute

Veteran

Those leggings are fierce! Love!

I find those acrylic sweaters hash, not soft...

This one is silk and cashemere
http://www.massimodutti.com/we.....2BCAXEMIRA

This one is also lovely:

http://www.massimodutti.com/we.....ELA%2BPELE

Scarlet

Massimo Dutti! I hadn't even thought of them. Those cuts are both so roomy I might be able to wear them before and after bebe.

Inge

(website)

Moderator

That mama inspiration pic really is super cute, and very much your style too, Scarlet.
I'm not sure about acrylic, sorry, but here are a few non-acrylic sweaters. Not sure if all of them are warm enough, or styles that you like...

http://de.vila.com/vila/t-shir.....orceScope=
(also available in green and burgundy)

http://de.vila.com/vila/knit/W.....orceScope=
(also in green and navy)

http://www.veromoda.de/vero-mo.....orceScope=

http://shop.mango.com/BE/p0/ma.....8221810624

P.S. While looking for a sweater, I also came across this maternity brand. I don't know it so can't vouch for the quality of their products.
http://mamalicious.de/tops/mm-.....orceScope=

Deborah

Scarlet I love those leggings. I think the sweater Rute posted is just stunning. Worth a look.

sarah

I would only do acrylic if it's going to be a "maternity only" purchase. Wow, those sweaters that Rute suggested are amazing. And Inge's got some great suggestions, too. You will look so super cool in this outfit with those leggings.

Suz

These are some great links! I can't wait to see you in those leggings and your version of that Mama outfit. It's perfect for you.

modgrl

I hate buying acrylic! It only lasts for one season if you are lucky! But you only need it to last one season. Keep in mind that your body is changing and you will not wear anything you buy after this year anyway. If something strikes your fancy, you can view it as disposable for this season only.

Carole

It's funny how my mind works, I was thinking "paint". The artist in me is always on hight alert for inspiration!

Don't care for acrylic clothes, either.

I have been frustrated by acrylic too. Strangely enough, in the lower price bracket where I live, there is actually less of it than there used to be. It deeply offends me to see pricey clothes in acrylic. It is cheap.

And on a personal note: it hates me. I have a very nasty allergy to acrylic (the gauze pads at the hospital are now acrylic-lined, did you know? It was literally painful making that discovery after my last operation.) and can not have it touching my skin for more than five to ten minutes. So my aversion is not just a question of principle or even comfort, it is medical.

The worst is bras. The fiber content is always listed "exclusive of trimming". And you usually can't return them, once you've discovered that the elastic is full of it. Or the transparent panels that are popping up now. At least I can usually tell on those or the lace.

diane

Active Member

ooohh, acrylic sweaters don't work for me; I become a static magnet wearing them! Give me cotton or silk (my fav) any day.

That is funny, I was secretly wishing Inge would do one of her fabulous reportage solutions, and within, like, 5 minutes, there it was!

Carole, I did not know you were an artist! Personally I never liked working in acrylic paint as a medium either. I am no artist. I just like to dabble from time to time.

JR, that sounds terrible! and how frustrating with bras! I hope you can find a reliable brand to stick to.

Well, I am happy to say I found some success today. Inge inspired me to trip down to Mango to try some sweaters on, since surprisingly enough they are not using too much acrylic, it turns out. I tried about 12 on and made some important observations:

Even though an unstructured bottom works well in some tops on me right now, in sweaters the added bulk of the fabric makes this a shapeless disaster on a pregnant lady. You really need some reigning in under the belly to retain some shape.
As much as I like cream, it really made me look huger than I am in my current state.
Even though so many sweaters have a little shine or sequin, this is again really not the best on the big belly. I would like people to look me in the face before the belly.

Most importantly, I did bring this sweater home! I think it looked pretty good and fits with my inspiration look. I actually even saw a very cute hat elsewhere, but it was acrylic in an unspun knit. I would give it about a two week lifespan, but I was still considering it for fun. However, the crabby ladies shopping and the rude (to the crabby ladies, not to me yet) cashier convinced me to leave it behind and take refuge at home though.

I hope to go check Massimo Dutti tomorrow for one of those capes.

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Just wanted to report back in. I was able to check out the Massimo Dutti sweaters in person today. I decided the second one, the cape, was not practical because I couldn't wear a sleeved jacket over it. The black cashmere/silk blend sweater was a winner except that they had only an M left. There is only an XS online. I am pretty sure I need an S, but they told me to keep checking online and with the store in case they get more in. That would be dreamy. Thanks for your help!

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