You were all correct: natural fabrics.

[PinkDreamer]

I must admit, when I first joined this board and saw posters claiming they only wore natural fabrics, I thought they were being snobby. But now I realise you were all correct. Natural fabrics are really the way forward. Especially in summer. No longer going to be buying polyester dresses no matter how nice they may look. And I’m definitely going to be more conscious of the fabrics I’m wearing, opting for natural fabrics where possible. So thank you oh wise style and beauty people

Interesting thread. I have come to same conclusion especially as peri menopause causing me to get hot a lot! I need natural loose fitting clothes just lately. X

Warmer in winter, cooler in summer. Hate the extra ironing though.

It's true! Just to let you know, viscose is a good compromise. It's made from wood pulp - with many chemical processes, though most manufacturers now re-use the by-products - and it's breathable. As viscose can be made to flow like an expensive animal fibre, it's often used for dresses. Watch out for polyester linings, though!

I look for high acrylic, polyester or nylon content when I want something to make me hot (temperature) 😅

You’re welcome …

Welcome to the club! I've worn mostly natural fabrics for decades, and find that linen is a fabulous way to keep coolish in an NZ summer. I look at people wearing tight polyester and cringe at how hot they must be. Merino all the way in winter.

ooh thanks I didn’t know that! Will bear that in mind.

@NattyTurtle59 do you find linen to be see through? It looks it when I’m looking at pictures of it. Or am I looking at the wrong kind of linen?

@PinkDreamer Linen comes in all different types from gossamer gauze to thick and rough, with many kinds of weaves and textures. It's often used (by those who can afford it) as tablecloths, bath towels and curtains so it can obviously be sturdy enough to withstand heavy use.

Here are 19 types of linen - there are more!

Welcome to the club!
Can't beat real wool in winter either. Can't abide people wearing a thin acrylic jumper then moaning that they're cold all day.

No, I don't find it particularly see through. It is if you hold the material up to the light, but not so much when you are wearing it. I just wear knickers and bra underneath, and I've never noticed anyone looking at me in horror. 😂

Viscose is a natural fibre. Obviously it needs to be processed to turn it into fabric but so do cotton, flax, silk worms and wool.

On environmental grounds good quality viscose like Tencel uses less water, and the wood can be grown on lower quality soil, than cotton.

I wish more people knew!! Wool during winter does it for me. I don’t have to walk around the house feeling so cold! I tell other people to invest in natural when they complain about needing to wear 10 layers of polyester which means they spend time unravelling layers or trying to fit in their coat.

Wool is so much better than it used to be. It’s now machine washable, non-shrinking, non-scratchy and lightweight.

Ha! The number of times posters have asked for recommendations for warm winter jumpers and then excoriated knitwear suggestions because they wouldn’t dream of paying for real wool …

Uniqlo seems to have filled a gap.

I find that some viscose shrinks and you can never tell which garment will or will not shrink.

Viscose also needs full ironing in my experience, it comes out of the wash creased and 'stiff'. Does no-one else find this? I avoid it as a result!

@Walkacrossthesand yes, and it then goes shiny if the heat is too much. I go for more spay and lower heat or steam if it’s a fiddly item.

Some of the chemicals used in bog standard viscose production are harmful and damaging to waterways and the planet generally, not all viscose is made equal.

I've had problem with that ecovero type stuff having visible white creasing too.

But good, ethically made viscose I like.

Is viscose recyclable / degradable? I'm not sure.

The facts around clothing pollution (polyester especially) are terrifying.

Great that you're buying less polyester OP. It's made from fossil fuels.

I have always been a natural fibres girl - breathable, hold dye better (the coloirs are deeper and better quality) and looks nicer.

I am always that person in shops searching for the label and feeling the fabric.

I do make some exceptions - bras, uniqlo heat tech tops, exercise gear.

I am a bit of a slave to the iron as a result - especially in summer when I favour cotton dresses and skirts.

Nothing beats natural fibres for layering up in cold weather. I am currently nice and toasty in thick denim jeans, wool mix socks, a cotton cami top, a merino baselayer and a cashmere jumper.

Following with interest! I much prefer natural fibres and looking for clothes that have been designed to last well. I was finding it useful following some Twitter accounts that talked about clothing design and manufacture to help me identify what quality looks like, but I don’t use twitter anymore. Does anyone have any tips on similar Instagram accounts that focus on sustainable clothing?

I use a steamer - lengthens the fibres back to pre-wash state, makes it soft and gets any creases out. Can be done really quickly.

I love linen, wool and bamboo/viscose. Controversially, not so keen on cotton 😮

I only wear:

Viscose
Bamboo
(Sometimes) Evovero as it doesn't wear well
Sometimes cotton depending on whether it's eco cotton and I will wear it forever - so for example I will buy vintage Levi's

Wool
Merino wool
Cashmere

ALL bought second hand from Vinted/ebay or new in sales

I've never worn anything other than natural fibres. I suppose I always was one for fewer but better quality clothes. I've had some items of clothing for decades and hand wash a lot.

Natural fabrics are also the best thing to wear for flying. If you wear artificial and you're in a crash, the fabrics will melt to your skin.