No, I’m not there yet, the above photo was taken in Miami last year. I am wearing my maxi dress, made from Simplicity 3503 (blogged about here). This dress, which is one of my very favourite summer dresses, was made from a polyester lycra, purchased from Gorgeous Fabrics.
Once upon a time, before I started sewing my own clothes, I was, yes I admit it, a bit of a polyester snob. I couldn’t shake off the memory of some very unwise and unsatisfactory purchases of RTW garments made from cheap polyester in my younger years. However, since I have been sewing I have discovered that there are actually some very nice quality polyester lycra fabrics available.
While preparing for my Miami vacation I came to the conclusion that poly-lycra is the packer’s friend. It’s easy to care for and comes out of the suitcase ready to go! And it can be found in colourful and exotic prints that perfectly convey the ‘tropical holiday’ vibe that a sun-starved Londoner, like me, is always trying to capture. With that in mind I have, over the last couple of weeks, been speedily sewing up a few poly-lycra dresses. When I made the dress pictured above I found the fabric a bit tricky to work with but now, after just a little practice, I find that polyester lycra is pretty trouble-free to sew.
There has been no time for a photo-shoot before I go (even if I had been inclined to step, scantily dressed, outside into the cold weather we are currently experiencing). But I shall give you an enticing glimpse of just one of the lovely fabrics I have used
It’s another one from Gorgeous Fabrics and it’s called ‘Palm Off on Me’. Don’t you just love the name and doesn’t that print say “Vacation + Beach + Good Times”? Pass the mojitos!
However, what do you think? Is a partiality for polyester lycra a fashion faux pas? Or do you feel you can happily sew fabulous fashion with this friendly fabric? I’d love to hear your views.
Research Rabbit Holes
3 days ago
I have turned pro-polyester for just the reasons you state. Perfect for certain things, travel wardrobe, fun knit prints. And I have been eyeing that very fabric that you show here. maybe time to order? Although cotton is still my favorite.
ReplyDeleteHappy vacation !
Have a great holiday. In this climate, polyester is a big no-no. It's low breathability for a humid climate makes it very uncomfortable. In a dryer climate I'm sure it shows its worth!
ReplyDeleteI can't comment, since I'm biased. But I CAN say, have a wonderful vacation and you look fabulous in that dress!!!
ReplyDeleteThere's polyester, and then there's polyester. Regardless of the fibre, there is always cheap quality and good quality. I've had various opinions over the years, but at the moment, I do try to get a good quality fabric, regardless of fibre. Sometimes I make mistakes (but don't we all), but if I'm spending time sewing, I do want the garment to last.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely time in Florida!
I hope you have a wonderful time. I know you'll look great.
ReplyDeleteI have not found any reasons yet to dislike polyester, so I am very much like you. I have sewn with polyester blends as well, and I haven't found any problems in the wearability of those garments as of yet. And yes, you do look beautiful as always! Enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteI am pro polyester! For the same reasons as you. Hope you have a great time in Miami!
ReplyDeleteAlthough here in Texas, the non-breathability can be an issue, I love a polyester blend for it's easy care. As long as the polyester content is less than 50% or so, I find it quite comfortable, even in the heat.
ReplyDeleteIn the high heat of summer, no, I avoid it, but other than that, it's wonderful. I agree there are varying degrees of quality that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI live in Florida and wear quite a lot of polyester tops. As long as it's the good kind, there are polys that breathe and wick quite well. Have a great trip! The weather has been beautiful and will continue to be for your trip.
ReplyDeleteLike most of the other commenters, I've learned that there are good and bad polyesters and generally you get what you pay for. I've learned to appreciate ITY knits, they are thin and fluid. On the other hand, when it is really hot and humid it's cotton and linen all the way for me! Polyester is just too hot, then again silk is also too hot in the tropics.
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic vacation! This is the nicest time of year in Florida, sunny and not too hot yet.
I'm like you, I used to avoid it like the plague but I have also bought some lovely prints, including some Gorgeous Fabrics. It definitely has to be the right weather for it, and it isn't my absolute favourite, but now I think there is a time and a place!
ReplyDeleteHave an amazing trip - I love the maxi you're modelling too - I made one from this pattern and couldn't get enough of it. I can't wait for it to warm up enough to be able to wear it again! Bon voyage! x
Polyester has come a long way. Old-fashioned polyester does not breathe, but the newer microfiber polyester does breathe. Unfortunately, microfibers are often simply labled "polyester," so you have no way of knowing what you're getting. I avoid most polyester unless I know it's a microfiber.
ReplyDeleteI am very pro polyester. I just purchased two pieces of polyester charmeuse at Hancock's this morning. I think it is like anything in that there are different qualities. Your maxi dress is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI live in the same city as Mary Nanna and agree polyester is unbearable in our humid summers! Even my supposedly wickable running gear is uncomfortable to wear. But it is hard to crease so is great for travelling!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful trip!
I'm totally pro poly. ITA, there are good and not so good quality. I am rarely ever hot tho because I live in the north, but even in the hot summer days I usually don't feel too hot wearing something poly. And like you said, it's great for travel. Have a fabulous holiday!
ReplyDeleteMmmmmmmmmmmm Florida! Bet it's warm there. Love your maxi.
ReplyDeleteHave a fun time in Miami! I agree with the NZ comments regarding the humidity. I like good quality polyester fabric, but I do think it is uncomfortable in areas of high humidity and high heat. I find they are only comfortable certain times of the year in HI. I love linen and cotton most of all.
ReplyDeleteI spent a good portion of my childhood in Miami - please drink/eat some cafe con leche, plantains and cuban sandwiches for me! Have fun in Miami!! Perfect time to go!
ReplyDeleteHasta Luego!
I have yet to meet a piece of fabric from GorgeousFabrics.com that I didn't like. poly-lycra included. It really is an entirely different fabric from the old RTW poly you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteYou look great in your maxi dress. Enjoy your vacation in my old stomping grounds. I look forward to the photo shoot!
ReplyDeleteLOVELY!!!
ReplyDeleteWould you believe my wedding gown was 100% polyester!? At the time I was living 1400 miles from the location of the wedding, and having to fly back and forth with the gown. It was purchased, but I was hand beading it with pearls removed from my mother's wedding gown. Plus I needed it to match colors, and for photo shoots, etc, so it came back and forth with me. I was terrified of putting it into a checked bag and losing it. Therefore, I stuffed that baby into a tiny under-the-seat carry-on bag, several times, and each time it literally sprang right back into shape. It was fabulous, and I thought, quite lovely. So that puts me firmly in the pro-polyester camp. Oh, and while this was not a low-budget wedding, and I could have spent much more, I got the dress- off the rack- for $75. I just loved it. It was what I wanted. Perfect. My vision, so-to-speak, and yes polyester. So, there ya go!
ReplyDeleteI haven't sewn with polyester yet. I've avoided it for the same reasons. But I have seen some poly knits that look nicer. I'll have to try it out.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of good quality polyester. The colors often are delicious. They are great for packing! Enjoy the trip to Florida. The weather here has been a bit cool, but a warming trend is on the way - just for you!
ReplyDeleteAs a mother of four messy children I love polyester for its washability and that I don't have to iron it a ton :) Also I LOVE your maxi dress!
ReplyDeleteI must admit I've been somewhat of a poly-phobic! Because of my "hot flashes" polyester and been really uncomfortable to wear especially here in Florida during the summer! However, as you and some of your subcribers have mentioned, there are very nice blends with low polyester content that make it really nice. So I have been indulging lately! Have fun on your trip to our beautiful state...wish you were a little closer, I would love to meet with you for a great fabric shopping outing!!!
ReplyDeleteFor me, its as much a health issue as a style issue. I recently realized that polyester, and other synthetics, bother my skin. Since I've stopped wearing it, my skin looks and feels much better, and overall, I feel better. Plus, the environmentalist in me prefers stuff that is friendlier to the earth. I'm firmly poly-phobic.
ReplyDeleteThat said, your dress is gorgeous.
Oo... hope you have a fabulous time in Miami! I have the same Palm Off on Me fabrics... I can't wait to make something with and see you in your fabulous garment in Miami!
ReplyDeleteI tend to stay away from poly unless it's good quality. I noticed that poly lycra blends (esp. from Gorgeous Fabrics) are pretty nice and they aren't too hot for the Texas weather. But there are bad poly fabrics... particularly charmeuse and chiffon... that are too hot and make me sweat. Whether I wear/sew with a poly depends on the garment and feel of the fabric. :) I made S3503 with a poly/lycra blend and it's one of my favorite dress, too!
I stay away from poly wovens, but my love for poly knits is well known. The colors are vibrant, it is super easy to sew, and it travels wonderfully. I am the kind of person who is always cold so I can wear it up to a fairly temperature, but there does come a breakpoint at which it's too hot to wear. But that is partly a style issue as my poly knit products are usually fitted and when it's hot you can't wear anything fitted, regardless of fiber content!
ReplyDeletePoly has a place in many wardrobes, your maxi dress is an excellent example. Have fun in Miami and enjoy that favorable exchange rate. I hope there is a bit of fabric shopping planned, or even just swinging by a Joann's to pick up $1.99 patterns.
ReplyDeleteHappy holiday!
I say bring on the pretty (high quality) poly prints! Easy to sew and comfy to wear! That palm print is sooo pretty.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I was a poly-snob. But no more. For all of the reasons you state, I'm a big fan. Plus, most of the garments I make out of this are fast and easy with not a lot of fitting issues. Poly-knits are very forgiving!
ReplyDeletePolyester quality is a bit like sheets. Thread count is everything. Cheap polyester is either too loosley woven to hold its shape or so tight it continues to shrink with each wash! I love your fabric choice - and do enjoy your holiday.
ReplyDeleteI would never categorically dislike any fabric based on fiber content, as fiber content is really only one aspect of any fabric. As someone above noted, there's *polyester* and then there's *polyester*, which I think you could say about any fiber, really. There's *silk* and there's *silk*, etc. Plus, it would start to limit a lot of fabric buying options and that's no fun!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful dress - I love the fabric. I also want to sew my first maxi dress for the coming summer.
ReplyDelete