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

I like the feel of natural fabrics but shape wise, dresses with no stretch just don’t work on me (high waist, big boobs, big hips/tum). I find lots of linen or cotton tops and dresses too straight up and down.

Is there a stretchy natural fabric?

I started doing this as well OP and I'm loving my clothes now. Definitely buying less and spending on nicer items

I also agree with all of this. I'm currently out in wool tights and socks with a long denim dress and wool cardigan. Warm, comfortable and smart.

Cotton and linen come in jersey versions. They might have a small percentage of elestane in, like 4%.
Wool and cashmere knits have stretch too.

Any natural fabric in a knit fabric or cut on the bias will have some stretch and give. Alternatively look for blends, so a natural fabric with a % lycra or elastane.

For the people who say that wool and cashmere aren’t itchy, please can you recommend some brands? I find it intolerable! Though I do have sensory issues which probably play a part, but if somebody can recommend a particularly non-itchy brand I’d like to give it a go

I just don't wear it next to my skin - I always wear a long sleeved top or shirt underneath.
Which is always how people have worn wool garments. In years gone by, when it was harder to launder clothes, especially in winter, people wore linen under shirts or dresses next to the skin.

Merino is soft and fine, but warm. I empathise, as I have a very sensitive neck, and anything fibrous sets off a reaction, but Merino is always fine.

I dont do any animal products as Im vegan but I agree that natural fibres are better.
I always look for cotton or viscose, esp for summer things.
Not so much linen, I hate all the creasing!

I just returned some Merino because it felt awful, and I understand the PP who said about not wearing it next to skin but I wanted a wool jumper to go over T-shirts for layering.

I guess I’m just not destined for wool! ☹️

It's not snobby. I just cant wear polyester or acrylic on my top half otherwise I itch and sweat.
Can only wear cotton, linen, viscose and wool.
I can wear polyester mix gym leggings on my bottom half.
Fuck ton of ironing though!

Just remember that natural fabric like cotton are not environmentally friendly in most cases. Cotton is very thirsty and the dyes used are often synthetic.

Another point bamboo clothing is viscose.

I'm trying to buy more natural fabrics. Polyester, particularly in dresses, skirts and shirts always cling to me no matter what tips and tricks I use to try and mitigate this so I avoid if I can. I can't believe how many shops sell polyester at ££ prices (looking at you Mint Velvet).

I struggle with wool jumpers however, as I find they are just too itchy, so I tend to go for softer lightweight knitwear. Even Merino can be a bit itchy on me. I do try and look out for cashmere in the charity shops or places like TK Maxx but by and large I have to stick with softer synthetic fibres.

Environmentally Sustainable Fabric

Agreed. Cotton unless it is organic cotton is not environmentally friendly. Most cotton is not organic.

Because polyester is everywhere and I was uneducated so thought it’s hard to tell the difference between polyester and natural fabrics.

I have found this too, I hate the feel of viscose fabric when it's been washed, even though it softens as it dries, so I tend to avoid it.

Snap Op! I am currently tormented by hot flushes and have come to the same conclusion. In the summer I can only bare the lightest thinnest viscose. This winter - definitely definitely cottons, wool and cashmere only. And yes, I thought it was pretentious snobby hogwash too - but I will eat humble pie now.

I wear long sleeved, crew neck heat tech tops under wool or cashmere and that deals with the sensory issues.