Fabrics · Blends

What's in a blend

Most clothes mix fibers. Here's what the common blends mean: what each fiber adds, what it costs, and what it means for the whole garment.

cottonpolyesterone blend

Common blends

Poly-cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts

60% cotton, 40% polyester

Natural 60%Synthetic 40%

Mostly cotton. Expect a fabric that breathes reasonably well. An easy everyday fabric for mild weather.

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Stretch jeans

98% cotton, 2% spandex

Natural 98%Synthetic 2%

Almost all cotton. Expect a fabric that breathes well. Good for hot, humid weather.

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Tri-blend T-shirts

50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon

Natural 25%Semi-synthetic 25%Synthetic 50%

Half polyester. Expect a fabric that breathes reasonably well. An easy everyday fabric for mild weather.

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Budget "wool" sweaters

70% acrylic, 30% wool

Natural 30%Synthetic 70%

Mostly acrylic. Expect a warm fabric that resists wrinkles but doesn’t breathe much or soak up sweat. Good for cold, dry days; not for warm weather or hard workouts.

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Hiking socks

60% wool, 37% nylon, 3% spandex

Natural 60%Synthetic 40%

Mostly wool. Expect a slightly stretchy fabric that breathes reasonably well, resists wrinkles and holds up to wear. An easy everyday fabric for mild weather.

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Leggings and swimwear

80% nylon, 20% spandex

Synthetic 100%

Mostly nylon. Expect a stretchy, close-fitting fabric that resists wrinkles and holds up to wear but doesn’t breathe much or soak up sweat. Made for workouts and moving around, though it can feel clammy on hot days.

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Activewear

88% polyester, 12% spandex

Synthetic 100%

Mostly polyester. Expect a stretchy, close-fitting fabric that resists wrinkles and holds up to wear but doesn’t breathe much or soak up sweat. Made for workouts and moving around, though it can feel clammy on hot days.

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Summer shirts

55% linen, 45% cotton

Natural 100%

An even mix of linen and cotton. Expect a light, cool fabric that breathes well and soaks up sweat but wrinkles easily. Good for hot, humid weather.

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Soft tees and underwear

50% cotton, 50% modal

Natural 50%Semi-synthetic 50%

An even mix of cotton and modal. Expect a fabric that breathes well and soaks up sweat. Good for hot, humid weather.

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Dresses and suiting

65% polyester, 35% rayon

Semi-synthetic 35%Synthetic 65%

Mostly polyester. Expect a fabric that doesn’t breathe much. An easy everyday fabric for mild weather.

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Wool-cashmere knits

90% wool, 10% cashmere

Natural 100%

Almost all wool. Expect a warm fabric that breathes well, soaks up sweat and resists wrinkles. Good for cold weather, even on active days.

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