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Switching to predominantly breathable fabrics

MsLuna

Veteran

My wardrobe minimalism project led me to the conclusion that I just can't stand polyester. Toronto summers tend to be very humid and I just can't stand the way polyester sticks to my skin. My entire body tends to be fussy when it comes to these things. I will not completely forego polyester due to my jersey dresses, but I'd like to make an effort, from here on, to purchase anything but polyester. So I have a few questions for you all:

1. Where can one purchase silk button downs - particularly prints?
2. Which brands/retailers sell clothes made of breathable/natural fabric?
3. How do you care for silks? Are they hand washable?

Thanks ladies!

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Mia

Gigi

Veteran

I am in this camp too. IMO, a nice side effect of this choice is that your clothes get less pilling and look nicer for longer.

AT sometimes has silk button-downs, but I think they're usually solids. H&M will have the odd one online but not in stores (they usually carry only the low-end merchandise in stores); again, though, they're probably solids. I'll be honest that I have been looking for one of these for a long time and can't find one! But I have been searching only in petites', which is very limited. Maybe try Anthropologie?

J. Jill and L.L. Bean make a lot of natural-fiber clothing. I believe Express does as well. The stuff I have seen from Nic & Zoe at Nordstrom has also been natural fabric. I think EF may be natural fibers also. EB usually has some too.

I think silks are supposed to be hand-washable, but it changes the texture. I'm looking forward to seeing what others say about this!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I feel the way you do. I live and work without air conditioning and walk all over. Our summers are short, but HOT. It doesn't matter that the official temperature says 26, when it feels like at least 36. Especially if there is no wind. Kingston's a little breezier than TO and we typically don't get hot spells that last quite as long, but we do get them -- and some summers are actually worse here than there. Luck of the draw.

My solutions are obvious: cotton, linen, and silk. Also, a bit of viscose, bamboo, or rayon. These also breath.

Silk button downs are available all over -- BR, J. Crew, Zara, the department stores (Equipment makes gorgeous but spendy ones). However, unless you find a sleeveless version,you probably won't want to rely on silk buttondowns entirely, because some silks can feel almost as hot and clingy as polyester in the heat. I do own silk tops (including a couple of long sleeved button downs) but I tend not to wear the long sleeved ones in summer except on cooler evenings.

I wash all my silks by hand. I put them in a mesh bag in my washer on the hand wash cycle with Woolite (or similar) and hang them to dry, and then iron. Works like a charm.

Cotton is great, too -- and can take rougher treatment.

Then there is linen. Huge fan here of all the new linen knits (see J. Crew). Gorgeous drape. But sometimes with a linen knit you need a tank or cami underneath.

Cotton linen blend button downs are brilliant. Some fabbers swear by cotton silk blends -- i haven't tried those, but they had some at J. Crew earlier in the season.

J. Crew fits rectangular bodies well so you might need to experiment to find a good size.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA, Gigi -- after I wash my silks the texture seems different only until they are ironed -- then it comes back. I steam iron them on the silk setting. It might depend on the type of silk, though. I am talking mostly about crepe de chine and similar.

Isis

Veteran

Nordstrom has a bunch of cotton-silk blends at the moment ... I bought some cotton-silk blends from Ann Taylor last year and they are going strong. I throw them in the wash and line dry.

Anonymous

Welcome to the team! I was in AT Loft the other day and they had a good selection of cotton/silk button front blouses that were printed. There seems to be a lot of natural fiber knitwear out there this season, both at Loft and inexpensive stores like Old navy. Each season is different. Seems like last summer, everything everywhere was polyester! This year is much better. You can even find some jersey dresses that are made of rayon or modal with some spandex that are lovely. Watch out for too much spandex though, it can make things like silk very, very warm. I love Tencel, bamboo, viscose as well as the pure natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk and linen. Look for linings made of acetate, cupro and viscose, because they breathe well too. Good luck! You won't be sorry.

deb

Veteran

I am with you, here. We do not have the humidity you do but I swore off poly and poly blends last year. In my old age, I feel I deserve better quality, breathable, and comfortable fabrics.

ETA - I need to add that poly blend pants in the winter are fine.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Suz, I find both woven and knitted silk quite warm, and not a ton more breathable than polyester because it's usually woven quite tightly (presumably because silk thread is so thin as opposed to something like cotton or linen).

I tend to stick with linen, cotton, or blends with rayon. I agree that silk-cotton blends can be quite nice, although they don't seem to last as long. Nylon can be surprisingly breezy too. I think that the weave makes more difference than the fiber, honestly. I've had some polyester that was much more breathable than thick, tight-weave cotton.

I agree that natural fiber stuff does seem to be more available at lower prices than it used to be. You've gotten some great source suggestions.

Dee

Veteran

I am totally with you on not buying polyester. Due to some medications, I have trouble in extreme heat anyway and non-natural fabrics make it worse. It does make it particularly hard to find some items, especially dresses, in my experience. I love silk but rayon is often a reasonable alternative for me.

I've had good luck with Ann Taylor and JCrew for silk items, JCrew for wool in winter, Gap makes good basic cotton and rayon tees (though you need to check the fabrication on each piece), Eileen Fisher also has natural fabric options.

I throw most of my nicer fabric items into the washer on delicate cycle and hang to dry and have never had any problems. This includes wool, cashmere, rayon and silk.

rute

Veteran

I find silk not suitable for very hot climates, yes, it's fresh and luxury but it stains with sweat and even water.
Plus, I have to dry clean mine, when it goes to the washing machine it does not look good.
The best fabric is cotton or linen (if you don't mine the wrinkles)

Kim

Veteran

Joe Fresh has silk button downs in solids and prints. Might be worth a look (and you can order online now, with free returns to any store that has Joe Fresh.)

Thistle

Veteran

I do not buy 100% silk as it is too high maintenance. With a toddler in the house, I just don't have time for high maintenance clothes. That said, I have silk cotton blend knits that I adore. Rich color, soft, breathable, and takes to being washed on the gentle cycle in my washer and air dryer.

I love cotton. No, it is not as richly colored, but it can take my lifestyle. Breathes well, washes well, and you can find cotton almost anywhere.

I love the look of linen, I love the new knits but you have t make sure they are thick enough to not show a bra. No point in a linen knit if you have to wear a tank underneath! Other than that, I have yet to make peace with the crease . .

Inge

(website)

Great suggestions from the other ladies.
FWIW, I handwash all my silks, and never had a problem.

Oh, and Most of the Massimo Dutti S/S collection consists of linen, silk and cotton clothing (or a mix of those fabrics), so definitely worth a look too.

They usually have patterned and printed blouses and button-downs too:

http://www.massimodutti.com/ca.....60621.html

MrsK

Have you tried Aritzia and Club Monaco for silk button downs? I seem to recall seeing some options at both stores recently.

Mia

Veteran

I like cotton or silk/cotton blends in the heat and Modal tops seem to be very absorbent. Thin cotton is my fave because it washes so easily. Silk is relatively high maintenance as others have mentioned.

Banana Republic used to be a great source for little silk tops but alas it is now a sea of polyester. I also bought a DVF top that seemed like silk and to my chagrin discovered it was ply. Argh.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I second Inge on Massimo Dutti. I got a few linen knit tops from there for the summer and they are getting a lot of wear. Linen is my favorite for summer.

Another place that has a lot of natural fabrics is the UK catalog retailer Poetry Fashion. You have to be prepared to send stuff back though. I have a couple of pieces I really like from there this year (see following links) but I find many of their clothing cuts to be much bigger than I expect. <http://www.poetryfashion.com/p.....weater.htm> <http://www.poetryfashion.com/p.....m=camisole>

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Inge, thanks for the link to Massimo Dutti. Their stuff is really nice; I'd never heard of them before.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Forever 21 has a selection of linen, but it does skew mostly casual. Quite reasonable. http://www.forever21.com/Searc.....,Ro:0,Up:r I agree that modal feels great but I can also do poly if it's in a breezy construction like my olive surplice dress. Only the waistband really is up against the skin.

Elle

Veteran

Another option for silk button-downs is Banana Republic. I always hand wash silk and have not had a problem. Although I love silk, I actually prefer linen in the heat and the Cut Loose brand is less wrinkly than most.

MsLuna

Veteran

Ladies, thank you so much for the responses! This has been very helpful! These are wonderful suggestions so I'll be taking A LOT of notes!

@Suz: thanks for the heads up on silk button downs! I'm not one to favour clingy clothes in the heat! I actually recently purchased a DKNY silk shirt from Marshall's but I'm debating weather it not its a good idea to keep it. I'm going to keep what you have said in mind. Also - the maintenance of silk is not looking good for me. I dislike ironing, but I guess for a few loved pieces (not button downs!) I might be willing to iron.

I have silk/cotton fabric laying around at home and plan to make a top out of. The fabric isn't as fluid as I would like, but I'll see how I can make it work for me.

@Claire: i actually like rayon and viscose fabrics! They are so easy to care for and very much compatible with my busy grab-and-go lifestyle! I am more likely to purchase those fabrics over cotton and linen because I need the fluidity (unless they are jackets and pants). I was in AT recently and found a white linen jacket that I like. It has a polyester lining, though so I'm hesitant about purchasing.

@deb: I actually wear a lot of poly blend pants and even jeans. I find the "non-digging" to the waist types have this fabrication. And they are indeed better for winter!

@Laura: I heard of nylon being breathable! I once owned a top by Sweet Pea which is pretty much made of double layered nylon. It's surprisingly breathable than most clothes I owned!

@Dee: I'm exploring the Eileen Fisher brand a lot. Ever since Shannon started talking about it, I've been her silent lemming (lol!). I, too, have a medical condition where I can't take too much heat! I'm prone to breaking out in rashes if I sweat too much. The doctor actually told me to stop wearing wool unless it's outerwear!

@rute: thanks for the heads up on silk and stains! I've always been paranoid about sweat stains so it's a good thing you mentioned this! I do wonder if there are cotton fabrics with a fluid drape. That would be ideal for me.

@thistle: one of the reasons why I don't own a lot of silk is due to the maintenance. I need something easy to maintain as I'm always on the go. This is why I look for rayon as a worthwhile substitute.

@Inge and Ummlila: I walked in a Massimo Dutti store and thought the clothes were so well-made! I'll look into it. Hopefully they have something for my preferred colour scheme (I default to high contrast black and white).

@MrsK: I am looking to purchase the Wilfred Chevalier jacket and a silk dolman Babaton top from Aritzia. I find their fits a bit odd though - as if they're made for smaller women with narrow shoulders. I like Club Monaco and am waiting until a black tunic and it's taupe version goes on sale.

@Mia: I really like modal as well. I think Jockey makes some of their camis/undies in that fabric! Boo! Too bad on the DVF top. Is it loose, at least?

@Mo: Forever21! Interesting! I'll likely look online rather than go to the store since I always get overwhelmed! Thanks for letting me know! I'm quite surprised to find out they have linen!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Katie, I get a nice cotton / silk blend printed button down at Cleo last season - and they have petite so you may want to check them out too. Like Suz I like linen - JCrew has free shipping today so you may want to give them a try? BTW I was wearing my linen tee today and because I sized up for a very fluid fit see-through was not na issue at all with a nude bra!
I also wash silk items like Suz does and have not noticed texture difference at all.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Sveta: thanks for the recommendations! I've only seen JCrew stuff with higher necklines but I'll have a look at their site to see if they have v-necks (they did not in the store ;(). So you recommend that I size up then - I'll do that!

Does JCrew fit small or true to size? I never tried anything there because it was too classic for me!

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

If you're still considering silk, I will point out a few other options that may or may not be easily acquired there. White House Black Market has been good for flowy button downs for me. Vince Camuto and Two By Vince Camuto as well. Vince and Elle Tahari have some nice (but spend) options on Nordstrom's site as well.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Katie, they have lots of V-necks. I usually size up for a fluid fit - and it makes it less hot in summer. You have a store in Toronto so you can place online order from there for free shipping and return - remember?
BTW, today is the last day for 30% sale at JCrew...just saying...
Here are some examples of not too high neckline:

Metallic-trim linen scoopneck tee

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Linen V-neck sweater in garment dye

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Linen dolman tee

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Perfect shirt in crosshatch linen

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Marled linen V-neck sweater

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Linen V-neck pocket tee

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Petite perfect shirt in linen

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MsLuna

Veteran

Ooh that black one is my kind of sweater isn't the purple one the one Suz has? And you're right! I can do a free return! Yay!

Thank you, Sveta!

Mia

Veteran

Yes, the DVF is fairly loose at least. Also discovered I need special bra from ordinary because of the shoulder cut. Double grrr!