On synthetic blends

[Metatron]

Like many here, I generally avoid clothing with synthetic fibres, unless it is a small percentage in a blend.
But I don't want all my clothing decisions to be dictated purely by nostalgia.

I recently picked up a pair of herringbone trousers at the charity shop, 50% cotton 25% viscose, 25% polyester.
I can't fault the things, they are comfortable, look great, and they are good insulators, cool when hot, warm when cold.

A hatred of polyester is kind of a cliche for those who appreciate clothes, but what about a polyester/viscose blend?
Doesn't this in principle offer durability combined with breathability?
My first suit was made of such a blend, and while I quickly got rid of it in favour of something made of wool, looking back, I can't remember feeling uncomfortable in it.

To what extent is shunning synthetic blends a matter of aesthetics and to what extent is it concerned with function?
Do you have stories of synthetic materials functioning well?

 

[Nyah]

The answer is 42.
j/k
But simple enough, I love wool, alpaca, camel, etc fibers more than anything. If it has to have a synthetic at all in the mix though, my first choice is polyester. In contrast, nylon seems useless to me. I want as little of that as possible. It's not nostalgia. I like clothes that dry quickly yet, are also biodegradable. And those natural fibers are even fire-resistant, whereas the synthetics can melt. For a garment, I've yet to see a synthetic that didn't have a superior counterpart of natural fiber. Well, resistance to insect damage could be considered as a benefit of synthetics but, that problem can be avoided or repaired.

 

[Two Types]

Having endured the 1970s I now have a built in aversion to synthetic fibres. That said, it all comes down to budget and whether you like what you find.

 

[Qirrel]

As with wool, there are quality differences in synthetics. There are blends that feel like plastic, and there are blends with a lovely hand. Personally I think synthetics are best when used for their special properties, and not for their cheapness. Polyester fleece is a good example.

 

[Tomasso]

Synthetic blends have been creeping into my wardrobe in recent years by way of linen blend (viscose?) casual shorts and pants; the kind with the tie waist that you would wear to the beach and such. I first bought a pair reluctantly as I couldn't find any in 100% linen in my area. Now I prefer the blend for its wrinkle resistance and easy care. They're pretty much wash and wear. In fact just last week I took an impromptu dip in the ocean and the shorts dried to a perfectly wearable state in less than an hour.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Since Viscose is based on cellulose it doesn't feel as bad as other synthetic fibres. I think in a blend with cotton or linen it seems to work well. Blouses for ladies often are made from viscose too.

What I really hate are acrylics. Before I was interested in vintage fashion I owned an acrylic sweater which made me sweat (pun?) and felt bad on the skin. It also looked bad after washing so the easy care aspect seems to be a lie too. I don't know if there are differences but I don't take any risks.

 

[simonc]

I find it a necessary evil particularly when mixed with wool in shirts enabling them to be washed rather than drycleaned.

 

[Metatron]

What I really hate are acrylics. Before I was interested in vintage fashion I owned an acrylic sweater which made me sweat (pun?) and felt bad on the skin. It also looked bad after washing so the easy care aspect seems to be a lie too. I don't know if there are differences but I don't take any risks.

Agreed. Acrylic jumpers just look ugly after a couple of washes, they really are futuristic dystopian clothing.

 

[Nyah]

Do people really feel the need to wash wool? I don't wash my wool stuff and yet, it doesn't stink. Even when it's a garment that's been worn against the skin, such as merino socks. Try it with yours and see for yourself.

 

[Metatron]

Yes, I believe wool generally looks after itself, something I learned on the fedora lounge.

 

[Tomasso]

Do people really feel the need to wash wool? I don't wash my wool stuff and yet, it doesn't stink. Even when it's a garment that's been worn against the skin, such as merino socks. Try it with yours and see for yourself.

Sometimes there are odors that don't respond to a good airing out and then there's some soiling and stains that don't respond to brushing and spot cleaning. That's when a proper cleaning is required but certainly the less frequent the better.

As for washing socks: I know mine need it. And washing restores the loft of the wool on the sole of the sock which has been matted down from wear.

 

[simonc]

I know that the lanolin in wool is very hard to permeate but there are some Scottish tramps on the Kings road that could possibly disprove the above theory.

 

[Nyah]

It's not the lanolin but the fiber's ability to dismiss perspiration. When there's no sweat being retained, the bacteria has nothing to feed on and thus, no way to produce the stink. Alpaca fiber has the same non-stink property as wool but doesn't have lanolin.

Cotton is a strong retainer of moisture, allowing the sweat time to fester.