Can someone explain the difference between cotton/viscose/polyester/modal etc and how they affect wear?

[ScoutingforHerrings]

Hello all, long time lurker here on the S&B threads and I always see a lot of talk about how superior natural materials e.g. 100% cotton are etc.

I've been recently trying to find some new t-shirts and everything I've tried on has been cotton blend, some mixed with nylon, or 'modal' or elastane etc. They definitely fit differently- I've noticed anything with lycra for example are thin and very stretchy but also very clingy and cling to every lump and bump.

I have a Levi t-shirt from years ago and it is perfect, thick, fitted but skims over lumps and bumps. I cut the label out (dammit) but feel sure it's 100% cotton.

So wise S&Bers- can anyone help me understand how the different fibres affect fit and feel of a fabric? I'm pulling my hair out ordering online (I live remotely so not easy to get into shops to feel fabrics and try on etc) and then sending stuff back!

PS if anyone can point me towards any thick strap cotton vests (like this) that are semi-fitted and don't cling, you will be my hero 😍

Any elastane content means it's stretchy.
Viscose, modal and lyocell have a slightly cold feeling to the touch and are usually lighter than cotton.
Polyester on its own is synthetic feeling, as is nylon.

Look for ones in 100% cotton unless you want a fitted look.
Marled t-shirts are often polycotton.

I'd get the Next ones, but I'd also look at Petit Bateau, Muji, Uniqlo and M&S for slightly fitted ones. Maybe Primark, Tu or George might be worth a try.

Polyester and viscose can feel sort of filmy and slick. There is static.

I wouldn't buy polyester tops. I tried one from Mountain Warehouse for activewear, but after a while it makes me feel a little like something is crawling on my skin.

Viscose has a similar less breathable feeling, but not as bad. I think it is softer than polyester. I see a lot of viscose being used now. The upside is that it basically doesn't wrinkle.

I actually often like a little elastane (like 5%) for a mostly cotton second layer, because it gives it a little stretch. Tops like that usually fit the line of the body more, at least if your waist is thinner than your bust and hips. With 100% cotton I sometimes find that long sleeve tops (which I wear always over short sleeve) bunch up and pull the fabric under the armpit when I move my arms forward.

The thing is that any fibre can be made into a thin flimsy jersey or a closely knitted fabric that will wear better. In particular cotton jersey can vary hugely.

Cotton look for pima cotton (Jigsaw, Lands End). Also if you don't want clinging, look for "interlock" fabric which is double knitted. The current Uniqlo basic cotton tees are interlock.

Cotton really is very polluting to produce so look for fair trade/organic/ethical cotton.

Viscose especially bamboo/tencel lyocell is less polluting, it's made from plant fibres and is cool and breathable, but softer and more drapy than cotton. Modal is also plant cellulose based.

Nylon, polyester and acryclic are oil based synthetics and will be less breathable but probably last for ever. Except for technical polyester "wicking" sportswear fabric.

try here for your vests.
www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_Cotton_Vest_Top/pp/3753518.html?cgid=16751&dwvar_3753518_color=WHI

I've had a couple of Lyocell tops that I thought were great initially, but they have shrunk and the dye has gone patchy on both of them even when washing as per the instructions.