Ask Angie: acrylic?

Lesley

Hi Angie! I saw you were grappling with whether to get an acrylic sweater and I want to know more about plusses and minuses to acrylic.

I favor wool and cashmere, but I do have a thick acrylic scarf which is one of my softest and warmest, which has made me wonder if I should be more open to considering it.

3 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Helena

Veteran

Hi Lesley, not Angie obviously, but I've been bumping into acrylic with every cozy sweater I see! I personally find it doesn't work for me because I don't find it breathes well at all, and since I am a bit sweat-inclined, this is not good! I have been wondering if a blend would be better ...

Anyways, just my 2 cents on it, fwiw (probably about 2 cents ha!)

3 years ago

Lesley

Veteran

Good point! Which is why it might make for a cozy scarf but might be too much for a sweater. I guess I have to try and see.

3 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm like Helena. I avoid avoid avoid it in sweaters. It's strong and durable but in its softer versions can pill badly (not all acrylic fibres pill -- just the really soft ones) and it definitely makes me feel overheated. It's possible that a blend with a small amount could work but I've been disappointed enough times to steer completely clear of it.

3 years ago

Star

Veteran

I have had some excellent acrylic blend sweaters, very soft, did not pill. I think when it is 100% acrylic it is not so good, can be itchy. Currently I have a cashmere/acrylic blend sweater that is great.

3 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lesley, I do not favour 100% acrylic knitwear because it seems to pill more easily. That said, A LOT of natural fibres can pill easily, and I've worn nice acrylic in the past. It's very soft, easy to launder, and inexpensive. Acrylic blends are absolutely fine.

I ordered both Yorkie jumpers - 100% acrylic - because I am extremely emotional about Yorkies . These jumpers are SUCH a rare find! I haven't had a breathability challenge yet.

The blue came yesterday - sooooo cute! VERY soft and cosy. But they sent the wrong size. It went back. I get the red on Monday. Will keep you posted.

Marks and Spencer

M&S Collection Dog Crew Neck Jumper

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Top Pick

Marks and Spencer

M&S Collection Supersoft Christmas Dog Print Jumper

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Top Pick

3 years ago

Lesley

Veteran

Ha! I love that emotion overrules all.

Thanks for the insight! This makes me feel good about acrylic, because I do love how well it launders, I kind of love to be as warm as possible, and yes, I'm no stranger to natural fibers pilling too...

3 years ago

Fern

Active Member

It seems to me that there may be “good” acrylic and “bad” acrylic. I’ve thrifted a couple of acrylic sweaters that have not pilled but have also had bad experiences, mostly with newer items. Any textile experts who can weigh in on this?

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

If you didn’t see Runcarla’s post about fibers a week or two ago, you might want to look it up. Lots of comments about acrylic on that one.

3 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I got a lot of good advice when I asked a similar question last month. (I was considering a cashmere/acrylic blend scarf.)

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....‘good’

3 years ago

Fern

Active Member

Thanks, I will check out the previous post. I must have missed it.

3 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Most of the items I had with a significant amount of acrylic have disappointed me in their durability or feel or both. The only exceptions are some scarves. Thus, I avoid items with substantial content of acrylic.

3 years ago

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