I Hate Wearing Polyester—So I Only Shop at Quince Now

Photo Credit:@theresalenaforster

Somewhere between another cute-but-sweaty dress and a blazer that sounded like a chip bag, I had a moment.

You know the one—when you’re standing in your kitchen sweating for no reason and wondering, “Why does this outfit hate me?”

Spoiler alert: it was the polyester.

Let’s talk about it. Because once I started paying attention to what my clothes were actually made of (hi, itchy seams and mystery fibers), everything changed. And now, 90% of my fall wardrobe comes from one place: Quince. Affordable, elevated, and best of all—no plastic-y nonsense rubbing against my skin.

Here’s what you need to know if you, too, are over the sweaty struggle.

Planning your fall wardrobe? Don’t miss the Fall Wardrobe Checklist—it’s the go-to list for layering like a pro without overthinking your outfits. Grab the checklist here

So... What Is Polyester, Anyway?

Photo Credit:eloisedufka

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from—you guessed it—plastic. It’s cheap to produce, which is why fast fashion loves it. It doesn’t wrinkle easily and can hold color well, so it looks great on a hanger. But on your body? That’s a different story.

• It traps heat and moisture (goodbye, breathability).

• It clings to everything (and I do mean everything).

• It often looks shiny or fake in real life (even if it was giving in the product photo).

Is polyester the villain? Not always. But for everyday wear, especially in transitional weather like fall, it’s a no for me.

Why I Personally Can’t Do Polyester Anymore

Photo Credit:@bradleyalli

Let me set the scene,crisp fall morning, oat milk latte in hand, cute outfit on… and by noon, I’m sweating through my top and praying my thighs don’t suffocate in those “structured” pants.

That’s the polyester effect.

No matter how cute the silhouette is, if it doesn’t breathe, it doesn’t work. And it’s not just about comfort—cheap-feeling fabrics cheapen your whole look. Even your comfiest outfit should feel elevated.

How to Spot Polyester (Before You Regret Buying It)

Flip the tag. That’s it. Look for:

• 100% polyester or poly blends (like “polyester + spandex” or “polyester + rayon”)

• “Viscose” or “rayon” can also feel off—especially if they’re not blended with natural fibers

• Fabrics that feel too smooth, slippery, or stiff are usually trying to fool you

If you see a cute piece online, scroll to the material section. If it’s not listed? That’s already a red flag.

What I Look for Instead (My Fall Fabric Rules)

Give me:

• Cotton that’s soft and weighty

• TENCEL™ that drapes without clinging

• Cashmere that feels luxe but doesn’t cost $300

• Wool that’s warm, not itchy

These fabrics breathe, layer well, and look expensive even when they’re under $100.

Why Quince Is My Go-To (Especially for Fall)

Photo Credit: @osullliv

It’s hard to find brands that look elevated but feel like sweats—and don’t cost a whole paycheck. Quince gets it right:

• They use high-quality natural fabrics (real cashmere, organic cotton, silk, etc.)

• They’re transparent about pricing and materials

• Most of their fall pieces are under $100 (bless)

And yes, I check the tags. They pass every time.

1. For Chilly Mornings When You Still Want to Look Sharp

Quince

100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt

$39.90

Quince

Bella Stretch Wide Leg Jeans

$50.00

2. For Cozy WFH Days That Turn Into Quick Homegoods Run

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater

$39.90

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress

$59.90

3. For Coffee Dates or Sunday Brunch

Quince

Second Skin Square Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit

$34.90

Quince

Ultra-Stretch Ponte Super Wide Leg Pants

$49.90

4. For When It’s Freezing in the Morning but Warm by 2PM

100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket

$200

Organic Cotton Micro-Rib Cropped Cutaway Tank

$15.00

Ultra-Stretch Ponte Cropped Wide Leg Pants

$49.90

5. For Long Work Days With Back-to-Back Meetings

100% Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Wide Leg Jumpsuit

$49.90

6. For Casual Fridays at the Office

Italian Wool Stand Collar Blazer

$99.90

7. For Travel Days or Weekend Getaways

Eco-Knit Milano Stitch Pullover Hoodie

$49.90

8. For School Drop-Offs When You Don’t Want to Look a Mess

100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cardigan

$49.90

9. For Fall Date Night

Ultra-Stretch Ponte Cap Sleeve Dress

$49.90

10. For “I Need to Feel Cute Today” Days

Tencel Rib Knit Long Sleeve Dress

$49.90