Acrylic
🏭 Synthetic Also called Acryl.
A cheap plastic stand-in for wool.
What it's made from
Acrylonitrile-based plastic spun into fluffy, wool-like fibers.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | Low (2 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | High (4 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | Very low (1 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | Low (2 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | High (4 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | High (4 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | Yes |
| Biodegradable | No |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
Soft and fluffy at first, then pills and can feel squeaky.
Good for
- Cheap sweaters, hats and blankets
- Yarn for craft projects
Watch for
- The main filler in "wool" and "cashmere feel" sweaters.
- Pills quickly and holds static.
- In one well-known washing study it shed more fibers than polyester or poly-cotton.
- Modacrylic is a related but separate fiber, used in faux fur and flame-resistant wear.
Care
Machine wash cold, gentle. Lay flat or tumble low.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Acrylic + wool · Acrylic + polyester · Acrylic + nylon
Compare
Guides
More synthetic fabrics
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much acrylic is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →