Becoming a natural fibers convert..... - YouLookFab Forum

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Becoming a natural fibers convert.....

nancylee

Veteran

A few weeks back Angie posted a blog question about natural fibers vs. synthetics, and I happily confessed to wearing all types of fabrics. Since then, however, the temperatures have skyrocketed into the 90s+ with humidity to match, and I find myself reaching for natural fibers (linen, cotton, silk...) more and more often.

I used to equate sleeveless with "cooler" regardless of the blend, but in this heat I almost prefer a long-sleeved (scrunched, of course!) linen shirt or a long-sleeved silk blouse to a synthetic blend sleeveless shirt.

Anyone else finding this to be true?

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from nancylee

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I dunno . . . I am leaving my cotton behind more and more this year. Once I do get sweaty, it gets heavy and sticks to me. I do realize my 1.5 mile strolls in midday FL heat isn't the average lady's afternoon. The cut of the clothing (away from the body, not clinging) is more important than the fiber for me.

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

Yes, definitely. Linen and silk for me, please.

I find woven fabrics a lot cooler than knits, so prefer a cotton shirt to a cotton t-shirt. I also, like Mo, feel the need for flowy, loosely-cut garments rather than tight fitting ones. Right now I'm wearing rayon palazzo pants and a sleeveless silk top, both loose, and feel like I can handle the 85% humidity outside a little better than usual.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Not all synthetics are equal. Woven polys -- they feel warm to me so not for the summer. However at the moment I am wearing a loose-fitting modal tank and cotton denim shorts (also not fitted) and feel quite cool. We've been having weather in the high 90s, although not humid, thankfully.

I had on a l/s silk blouse the other day, sleeves rolled. It felt too warm to me. So natural fibers can feel wrong for summer as well.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I get hot in silk. For me, the cut matters as much or more than the fabric. I do like my cottons and light linens when it's super hot, but not exclusively.

crazyone

Veteran

yes, natural fibers are much, much better than synthetics in the heat.

Mo: woven cotton is a million times better than knit cotton for this, especially if it's not woven especially tightly. Look for gauzy cotton tops (they are also usually not tight fitting anyway since they're not the knit cotton-spandex blends).

Anonymous

I have found that natural fibers is the only way I can deal with the constant temperature swings, from hot subway station and sweltering city streets to those frigid offices. Natural fabrics are generally breathable and that helps a lot.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Coco, I thought modal was considered a natural fiber since it is made from a plant fiber.

I prefer to wear natural fibers as well and have quite a few cotton and silk tops. I find them much more comfortable but have introduced some of nicer feeling synthetics into my wardrobe recently. I find synthetic pants/shorts to be worse than tops.

JR

Veteran

I do wear polyester less often in the summer, for sure. I haven't graduated to silk yet, but cotton certainly feels better. And stinks up less.

nancylee

Veteran

Thanks for the wise insights, ladies. Hmm. I've got a lot to learn about fabrication.

FYI, the only silk I can wear in the extreme heat is a very chiffon-like texture.

ironkurtin

Veteran

One reason why I wear so much linen knit is the ease of wearing it in 100+ weather. If it is hot, and especially if it is humid, loose garments in natural fibers *and absolutely NO spandex* are the only way I can survive. I don't like silk, I find it too heavy, but others adore it. Thin woven or knit cotton and linen is my go-to.

Diana

Veteran

Yay for natural fibers! These days I prefer loose, thin, flowing things in cotton, silk, linen, or rayon/modal (plant based fibers) for summer. Just bought cotton/linen jeans with no spandex which are awesome.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Diana, where did you did linen-blend jeans??? I have a pair from a few years ago and have been looking for more ever since!

Diana

Veteran

IK: http://www.6pm.com/mek-denim-m.....uedistress

Not really boyfriendy on me, but may be on you since you have narrower hips than me. The inseam is 34, not 32 as stated. I had to fudge with the waistband to make it smaller and avoid the coin slot showing.

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nancylee

Veteran

Diana, every time I see you in this outfit I love it even more. Such a great look for you!