STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

AbsolutPrep1981 · BCBG

Do you look at fabric types?

Kelly · Hermes

I prefer natural fabrics, but it won't keep me from buying something I really like. I do fel comfortable in natural fabrics, though, so just the fact that it's synthetic can make me not like it.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

I always look. I try to stay away from acrylic because it doesnt last. Though I do have one pink acrylic sweater that I have worn a lot over the past couple years and it doesn't pill! It's a very fine knit so maybe those are okay.

I also look on denim. I don't like spandex in mine.

Renee · Kenneth Cole

I always look and buy mostly natural fibers. I have been known to buy synthetic on two occasions : 1) if a garment is vintage and unique, usually from the 70s; 2) suits for the job search.

Kitty · Hermes

Always. I prefer natural fabrics, but I will also do blends. I try to stay away from the 100% synthetic stuff...but that's not to say I don't have any of it in my closet.

luckylily · Gucci

With sweaters, particularly, I always look. Some of the new synthetics are really advanced and feel so much like wool. However, they don't breathe and acrylic yarns always make me sweat - I feel like I'm wearing a ziplock bag.

bloomie · Marc Jacobs

Yes. I won't wear anything linen or 100% woven cotton because of the wrinkle factor.

squishy · Coach

yep. like luckylily, i pay particularly close attention to fabric content in sweaters. i also try to stay away from very drapey fabrics (lyocell, rayon, too much lycra/spandex) because it's not very flattering on me.

lynnie · Chanel

yes i pay attention, and in general, prefer natural fibers and blends.
I think you can tell a lot from the way something feels. I've seen nice rayons and acrylics (though 100% polyester will always creep me out), and bad wools and cottons.
I have a few reallly nice vintage acrylic sweaters- they are soft, look so nice, don't pill, and breathe. I don't know if they make acrylic sweaters (or anything) that well these days.

dangergirl · Kate Spade

squishy wrote:
i also try to stay away from very drapey fabrics (lyocell, rayon, too much lycra/spandex) because it's not very flattering on me.

same here. i always check the fabric - i prefer natural materials

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

I always check.

For example, mirco modal cotten is so many softer and looks better on me than regular 100% cotton.

I also avoid acrylic's bec I usually get a rash from that. I have very sensitive skin.

cahabo · Kate Spade

I always look. I try to stay away from acrylic. I bought an acrylic sweater a couple of months ago and it already looks like crap. I knew I shouldn't have bought it! Mostly I prefer cotton.

erin · Chanel

no, but i really should!

the only thing i definitely don't buy is linen for the aforementioned wrinkle factor.

CheryleB · Kenneth Cole

I always check the labels and I rarely buy anything that doesn't have a good proportion of natural fiber. I find that my hands and feet feel colder when I wear polyester and I don't like the feel or durability of acrylic. I was looking for a good quality basic black wool pant a few weeks ago and saw a nice pair but every time I checked I found polyester. I checked anyway and they were a very lightweight wool with 4% spandex. A few days later, I went to another store in the chain and found the matching jacket. The best part was that the regular price of the two pieces was over $400 and they were on clearance and I paid on $90 for both. It is a great suit that I can wear year round.

Oops...I went on a bit of a tangent there. sorry

atlgirl · Gucci

Absolutely. A lot of times I can tell by the "feel" of something in my hand if I'm going to want to buy it...but if it passes the feel test, then I check the fabric content *and* the care tag. I dont't mind handwashing most things, but some items that say "hand wash" simply look like they'd be a lot of trouble to keep nice (requiring a lot of ironing, etc).

Like most of the other girls, I stay away from acrylic. It doesn't hold up well and doesn't breathe. I also try to keep away from straight cotton and linen items - they often look great on the hanger, but the excessive wrinkling drives me crazy.

kittenheels · Coach

Yes. I like natural fibers like silk, wool and cotton. I think they stand up better to dry cleaning and use than synthetics. However, I love the Rachel Pally fabric, and I am sure that is some sort of cotton jersey blend. It is the best thing ever!

NCshopper · Hermes

atlgirl wrote:
but if it passes the feel test, then I check the fabric content *and* the care tag. I dont't mind handwashing most things, but some items that say "hand wash" simply look like they'd be a lot of trouble to keep nice (requiring a lot of ironing, etc).

Ditto. I look at fabric content and care because I HATE having things that are dry clean only.

CheryleB · Kenneth Cole

The Rachel Pally dresses are made from modal blended with spandex. Modal is made from a tree fiber which makes it a natural fiber. I find it softer than cotton and have a few tops made from it and they wash well and feel great.