Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Lose!

Life is full of ups and downs. You win some, you lose some. The same could be said with the types of fabric you choose for sewing projects created for wearing at different times of the year. With winter showing its cold teeth and temps already plunging below freezing, you need a fabric that is going to perform well to help combat Mother Nature. 

The staff here at Marshall Dry Goods has compiled a list of great, and some “not so great” fabrics for the months ahead. Some will actually be shocked by some of our recommendations no doubt. One fabric type actually ends up on BOTH lists!

Here’s some of our observations over the years regarding winter fabrics:

IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE:

1. MERINO WOOL

Perhaps the favorite choice in cold weather is merino wool, a natural fiber grown by Merino Sheep. It is thinner and softer than regular wool, making it easy to wear next to your skin. This natural fiber is odor resistant, fire resistant, helps to regulate body temperature, is biodegradable and helps provide UPF protection (UPF 20+). Unlike many fabrics, merino wool won’t leave you cold and clammy if you sweat. For the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts out there, nothing beats merino wool as your base layer. Some even prefer to wear wool year round due to its many advantages!

2. CASHMERE

Did you know that cashmere is technically is in the “wool family?” While this is the case, it really stands on its own when it comes to winter fabrics. It is also 3-8 times warmer than wool, is very breathable and lightweight. The fiber is natural, and comes from the extremely fine under layer hairs of the cashmere goat. Its texture is smooth and silky, and basically the perfect choice to keep you warm!  

3. FLEECE

Nothing beats a fleece coat, jacket - basically anything fleece. Fleece and winter just go together. It is a lightweight fabric, perfect for the person on the go! Fleece is inexpensive, but isn’t water resistant - still a great choice!

4. SILK

Silk is lightweight, a natural insulator, as well as hypoallergenic, making it a perfect fabric - especially when you are needing to layer your clothing. Silk does tend to be a more expensive fabric, but sometimes is woven with a synthetic blend in order to bring the cost down.Silk is another natural fiber secreted by silkworms. Sounds gross...but it is considered a luxurious fiber. Silk is extremely fine, and is probably one of the softest fabrics ever! You’ve heard the phrase, “Smooth as silk?” Sew a winter top using this amazing fabric and you’ll understand this phrase in an entirely different way!

5. AND THEN THERE’S SPANDEX

For those of you who work out and need a stretchy material, spandex may be your choice. Spandex winds up in both naughty and nice categories. 

According to Wikipedia, “The exceptional elasticity of spandex fibers increases the clothing's pressure comfort, enhancing the ease of body movements. The elasticity and strength (stretching up to five times its length) of spandex has been incorporated into a wide range of garments, especially in skin-tight garments. A benefit of spandex is its significant strength and elasticity and its ability to return to the original shape after stretching and faster drying than ordinary fabrics.”

SO - spandex can be a great winter fabric IF spandex fibers are woven/blended together with other fibers at varying ratios, to produce a desired percentage of stretch and warmth. 

AND IN THE LOSER’S CORNER:

1. SPANDEX?

While spandex can serve its purpose well for those who are active and need the stretch properties it affords, if it isn’t woven with any other warm fabric, such as wool, you’ll basically freeze in the winter. Aside from the fact that spandex cannot be recycled, it just doesn't work well in the winter when it is 100% spandex. 

2. COTTON

While cotton is certainly a fabric many choose to wear regardless of the weather, it doesn’t wick away moisture very well. It doesn’t insulate as well as many other choices. Yes it is warm, and yes it is a natural fiber - but if you wear it don’t prepare to sweat. Cotton can leave you cold, wet and basically miserable if you do perspire. The GOOD news is that if you insist on wearing cotton in the winter, consider a base layer - such as wool or silk. You’ll be glad you did!

3. RAYON

If you are ok with your body heat escaping, allowing the cold air to hit your skin like a blizzard - go ahead and wear rayon. Not me! Rayon is basically a fabric to avoid if you’re going to get cold. In many cases, rayon production includes the use of highly toxic carbon disulfide. It is also made from cellulose, which is chemically converted from wood pulp. This material can be dangerous and unhealthy. In some instances, rayon has been known to cause headaches, nausea, chest and muscle pain and more. 

4. SYNTHETICS

A definite “do not wear in winter” fabric is anything synthetic. Synthetic fibers are not breathable at all. Heat gets trapped and you will sweat. If you wear a synthetic fabric while you exercise, look out! Sweat is on the way. Synthetic fabric is man made, just as polyester, acrylic and rayon, and is best when woven into another material such as wool (mentioned above).

5. LINEN

Linen is another fabric, that if worn with a base layer (such as wool) it would be fine for the cold weather. But worn exclusively by itself, again, you can absolutely freeze to the bone. While linen has great body temperature regulating features, this just doesn’t happen on its own. Save the linen for warmer months.  

MARSHALL DRY GOODS HAS THE PERFECT WINTER FABRIC FOR YOU!

At Marshall Dry Goods we understand the properties of fabric and what makes them suitable for a particular style, as well as what makes them work for a given season. Once these concepts are understood, it becomes much easier to realize the possibilities of fabric choice. Give us a call or come see our huge selection for yourself! You can also shop online anytime!