Those of you who shudder at polyester, what do you buy instead?

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And how much would you expect to pay for a smartish top to go with a suit for work (for example) and who does your laundry?

I seems to me that everything that isn't cotton (ie t-shirts) on the High Street is polyester in some form. The only alternative being silk, which is expensive and difficult to care for.

What am I missing?

I usually buy cotton or silk or a mix and wouldn't pay more than about 35 pounds for a work top (but often less - I am quite good in sales). Then my silk tops sit around for ages waiting to be hand washed!

Laundry? Dp does the washing and I do the ironing!

Have bought a couple of viscose things lately, which tend not to need ironing but are a bit 'warm' at times.

I buy cotton and viscose at a push. But this needs ironing otherwise it appears as though it has shrunk. Polyester is horrid, sweaty and clingy in the wrong way. And you never feel it's really clean and non-smelly after washing.

Agree on a £35 limit for work tops - hate buying stuff for work, resent it.

I'd chuck silk in a cold wash in machine now. Cotton and linen ok as well.

So by polyester you mean that shiny fake silk stuff, which I agree is horrid, not all man made fabrics?

I have that exact issue with silk Belli, which makes it pointless buying it. I also seem to be able to ruin it in the wash, whether I use the machine or hand wash it.

I do avoid man-made fabrics completely (if I can). Not so fussed about kids clothes. I just don't like the feel and it never seems to keep you either cool or warm depending on season.

I always buy silk, silk/cotton mixes and cashmere.I wash, even cashmere on a 30 degree delicate wash with woolite and have never had any problems.Why oh why is there so much polyester and viscose arround this year.Even M&S seems to have changed most of their tunic tops from cotton to polyester/viscose.Which just means i refuse to shop there.I also buy in sales,in Tk Maxx,Tescos[cashmere]and overseas.I love the La Redoute catalogue this year as they have lots of alternative styles in luxurious fabrics.I agree that synthetic fabrics feel awful and do not keep you warm/cool.

Jersey Modal etc.

Cotton, merino wool blends

Linen