If you grew up in the '80s, ‘90s, or early 2000s, you probably remember what good clothes felt like: cotton tees that softened instead of thinning out, jeans that broke in instead of bagging out, sweaters that could survive more than one winter. Somewhere between the $20 dresses and free overnight shipping, we lost sight of what value meant in a piece of clothing.
That shift has a lot to do with what our clothes are made from and how those fibers are processed and finished. Polyester tends to get all the blame—and sometimes it should. But the truth is more complicated. Some synthetics are built to last, and some “natural” fibers aren’t. The problem isn’t polyester itself so much as how cheaply and how often it’s used. Polyester accounts for over half of all fibers used in clothing.
At WKND, we’re not anti-polyester. We just try to minimize plastic wherever we can, whether it's the fabrics we carry, the packaging they come in, and the supplies we use in the store. When polyester is used thoughtfully, it can add strength, shape retention, and wrinkle resistance. When it’s used carelessly, it makes clothes feel clammy, shed microplastics, and age poorly. Microplastics are ubiquitous—it's even being found in newborns—and synthetic textiles are the primary source, more than tire dust or city pollution.
How to Tell What You’re Buying
You don’t need to be an expert to get a sense of fabric quality. You just have to slow down a bit and look closer.
Fiber length
The length of the fibers, also called the “staple,” makes a big difference in how fabric feels and lasts. Long fibers create a smoother, stronger yarn. Short ones tend to fuzz and pill. When you’re shopping online, look for mentions of long-staple or combed cotton, Supima, Egyptian, or mercerized cotton. For wool, merino and lambswool are usually signs of finer fibers.
If you can touch the fabric in person, smooth your hand over the surface. High-quality fibers feel dense and silky; lower-grade ones often feel fuzzy or papery, even when new.
Weave or knit density
A tightly constructed fabric will resist pilling, stretching, and fraying far better than a loose one. It's important to remember: pilling doesn't mean poor clothing. It's just a side effect of a loose weave. Some of our favorite sweaters need to be de-pilled from time to time. It's just part of the care routine.
If you hold a woven shirt up to the light and can see right through it, that’s usually a sign of a loose weave. For knits like t-shirts, polos, or sweatshirts, try stretching the fabric sideways. Good quality knits bounce back instead of sagging or losing shape.
Finishing
That buttery-soft feel on a new sweatshirt isn’t always a sign of quality. Many brands use chemical softeners or brushed finishes that make fabrics feel luxurious at first but break down quickly. That’s why a fleece can feel amazing on day one and pill after the second wash. A smooth, slightly crisp hand, or a subtle sheen that comes from tightly spun fibers, usually means a better finish.
Blend balance
Blends aren’t inherently bad. In fact, small amounts of synthetic fiber can help natural fabrics hold their shape or resist wrinkling. The key is proportion and purpose. A shirt that’s 93% cotton and 7% spandex will keep its structure and stretch comfortably. But once polyester becomes the majority, say, 60% polyester / 40% cotton, you start losing breathability and natural texture.
If you see polyester in the mix, it’s worth checking if it’s recycled. It doesn’t solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction.
The Bottom Line
The goal isn’t to eliminate synthetics completely, it’s to be intentional about them. Quality isn’t just about fiber type, it’s about how those fibers are made, blended, and finished.
Next time you shop, check the tag, run your hand over the fabric, and pay attention to how it feels—not just how it looks. Good clothes have a quiet confidence to them. They feel substantial, recover their shape, and will age well.
At WKND, that’s what we look for too: natural when possible, recycled when it matters, and always built to last.
