Polyester is the source of all evil Thu, Jun 15. 2006
Here is the fabrics used by Castelli
Strange
Lenpur - made from cellulose ? Do you mean ground up news paper, has any one tried this stuff ?
yes
Polypropilene - though rough, very similar manufacturing process as polyester though typically does not cause an allergric reaction.
Maybe
Some times spandex contains polyester.
kiss reported as 80% nylon/20% spandex
Urano Lycra maybe same as kiss 80% nylon/20% spandex
Lycra 44
Supplex nylon - made by dupoint which I have found to make the lease reactive fabrics
unlikely
Hotflex - 17 % lycra + fleece layer, other unknown,
Stratosheer - uses lycra + a fleece layer like hotflex, fleece is often polyester of some sort but some fleeces I have managed to not react to.
resistex / carbon - said to be made from carbon and natural fibers.
no
Micro
coolmax
MicroSpitech
MicroSpitech Plus
Welly
Thermo
unknown
GORE WINDSTOPPER
warher
five y
compact
Here is a forum link on polyester allergic reactions, most of the postings I can relate to.
http://www.herc.org/discus/messages/28/110.html?1148157076
I seamed to fairly often get a bad reaction to mentioning a polyester allergy, Maybe the public is heavly influnced by Seinfeld and George. Seinfeld: The Chaperone suppositly has an episode on switching from polyester to cotton.
Buck Showalter and Danny Tartabull - After giving Tartabull some tips on his swings, George convinces manager Showalter to switch from polyester to cotton Yankees uniform ("The Chaperone"); George, on his way to a public television fund raiser with Danny Tartabull, delays Tartabull's promised appearance in order to take a detour to chase down a driver that he (wrongly) believes gave them the finger. ("The Pledge Drive")
What happens is Georges gets the uniforms changed and one game goes fine. Then the next game the clothes has srunk resulting in a not so good game. This most likely discredits cotton for any sports related thing just by the fact that people only remember cotton + sports = bad.
#1 - Jessica 2007-03-02 02:43 - (Reply)
I completely understand! I have recently developed a heavy alergy to polyester. Wearing it induces hives, swelling, and fevers. I am an avid backpacker and recently bought a mountain bike. Finding clothes for these activies. The world does not understand.
#2 - Erika 2007-08-31 22:35 - (Reply)
I developed an allergy to polyester about six years ago, when I was 20ish. Wearing the material will make me break out in an itchy rash that resembles "prickly heat" rash. I can't even tell you how horrible my forhead looked after being forced to wear a polyester Santa hat at work during the Christmas shopping season. The absolute worst, though, is trying to find a bra (in my odd size) that doesn't have polyester lined cups! That's an itch you can't really scratch in public!
#2.1 - nancy 2008-10-06 22:41 - (Reply)
I thought I was alone in this world with my polyester allergy. My itching, hives and rashes started in 1977 when I was pregnant and 20 years old. I was diagnosed with the polyester allergy in 1983 after years of tests, steroids, etc. I too am having a really difficult time finding a bra that doesn't make me itch. Have you found anything?
#3 - inga 2008-06-20 14:11 - (Reply)
And, I thought I coined the phrase, "Polyester is (the source of all) Evil!" I am sure I was the first to say, "Pantyhose are an abomination to the body, mind and spirit!" Wearing polyester for me means becoming dreadfully ill in a few minutes; the symptoms include feeling unsettled, irritable and mostly like I'm going to pass out. If not removed immediately, my heart is also affected. It's as if my entire body cannot get any fresh air!
I totally understand the dilema of trying to find cotton clothing at a reasonable price to wear to work. My challenge this year is to find cotton that I can afford and which can be worn to one of my son's wedding reception and another son's wedding, reception, etc. I literally spend hours searching online sources. By the time I find a quality source at an affordable price, I may well have a grand daughter...let's hope they don't name her Polly Esther!!
#3.1 - debbie said:
2009-01-14 01:16 - (Reply)
well, i have been simply devestated with this reaction to these fabrics.i thought i had some kind of vermant. at least thats what the dr. told me. gave me some pesticide to rub on my skin, i was appaulled. then i remembered that i broke out in bumps after a 5 month stay in hospital!i can,t breath, hot flashes, my friend next door calls me hot blooded.bumps everywear.
#4 - david Sherrill 2008-11-06 17:22 - (Reply)
I've discovered a couple of times in the past 12 months that I develop a rashy, uncomfortable series of little red spots under my right arm right after wearing polyester snowboarding shirt (winter), or polyester road biking shirt.(summer) I wonder if that polyester is what's causing my rash? They last for weeks...any help?
#4.1 - Charles Verge 2008-11-07 05:09 - (Reply)
I knew a fellow who's entire shoulders and arms where his tshirts touched him where covered with these red spots. For me the skin drys up, flakes off and is very itchy. Over time if you continue to wear polyester your reaction will get worse.
#5 - mark 2009-01-07 08:16 - (Reply)
I get no sleep when polyester is in my bedding. It seems to affect my respiratory system.Can we find a manufactuer who is knowledgeable about this.
#5.1 - Charles Verge 2009-01-07 08:37 - (Reply)
Spend a little more on some 300 thread count cotton sheets. They won't cause any reaction and they are more comfortable then cheaper polyester sheets due to not pilling.
Also keep in mind that if you have a comforter that the fill in side them are most likely to be polyester as well. There is down filled comforters which are warmer but have no polyester so long as the fabric is cotton.
#5.2 - Cherie said:
2009-09-02 08:10 - (Reply)
I have the same problem with polyester....can't sleep on it. I have other sensitivities also and am having a very hard time finding something to sleep on. I'm exhausted and as a result, have developed fibromyalgia. Polyester tightens my muscles, thus preventing my getting to sleep. It gives me cramps in my feet if they come into contact with it. Don't know how I'm going to get through the winter.
#5.2.1 - Charles Verge said:
2009-09-08 07:10 - (Reply)
I been working on a few articles in relation to polyester. There is a number of areas where you can pickup bedding that is polyester free. Take a look at.
http://www.polyesterallergy.com/articles/6-sleeping-itch-free-polyester
#6 - T 2009-01-23 14:01 - (Reply)
my allergy to polyester comes and goes, and it seems the newer the shirt the worse the allergy. I can wear polyester sweatpants but when I wear a polyester sweatshirt or shirt my eyes swell up and my face itches. really weird! takes a good 48 hours after the fact for the swelling to go completely away....any meds available out there??? some of my favorite clothes are polyester/cotton blend 
#6.1 - Charles Verge 2009-01-27 12:16 - (Reply)
I wash my clothes a few times to get rid of the excess dye which causes newer clothing to be itchy some times.
The tricky thing with sweat pants is they often don't have much contact with your skin.
Personally I avoid taking medication when ever possible as the side effects can be just as bad as what you are trying to cure.
#6.2 - C 2009-03-10 22:15 - (Reply)
If the allergy gets better as the clothing ages, you are likely sensitive to the chemicals they spray the fabric with for manufacturing and flammability. Formaldehyde releasers, etc.
#7 - John 2009-01-27 11:51 - (Reply)
Fruit of the Loom
50% Cotton / 50% Polyester
I bought a long sleeve warm "shirt" (?) (not sure if it's a shirt or a sweater?). It cost just $5. I wouldn't buy one for a $1 next time. When I wear it I feel discomfort, even pain in my heart or lungs or nervous system, I'm not sure. It's not a skin reaction, no rash, just overall internal body condition worsens wearing it. I "tested" it many times and when I wear it I feel not good, once I take it off, I feel so much better immediately. Especially wearing it in bed at night makes me feel bad.
#7.1 - Charles Verge said:
2009-01-27 12:12 - (Reply)
Allergic reactions are not always on the skin, it can include.
Head - Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; headache
Lungs - Wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath
Nose - Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing
Eyes - Red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery
Skin - Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives (itchy bumps or welts)
Stomach - Pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea
#7.1.1 - John 2009-01-27 13:21 - (Reply)
Thanks for info. I want to add, that waring that "shirt" I feel suffocated and get heart ache. You haven't mentioned heart ache as part of allergy. Can it be possible.
#8 - Andastar 2009-02-02 17:56 - (Reply)
from Australia - Now in my 60s, I have had polyester allergy since at least 1970. Causes unbearable skin irritability, feeling of broiling heat and suffocation, distress.
If caught out by a "cheat" cotton garment (containing poly) I have intuitive urge to rip the garment off. I unconsciously avoid that garment, until I find I have a small collection of nice T-shirts I never wear.
Laws/compliance not good enough. Aust-NZ standards allow up to 5% other fibre in garments labelled cotton.
Today I tested a suspect T-short - cut a piece out and took a match to it. It had some cotton, which burned away, leaving hard (melted and set) plastic residue suggesting much more than 5% plastic. I have the label and will follow up with Consumer Affairs.
#9 - Charles Verge 2009-02-09 11:28 - (Reply)
I figured the only way to really do it was to use a Spectrometer, by the sounds of it using the burning method is a little more practical.
Both United States and Canada's Textile laws are located here and the limits are 5 % as well.
http://ftc.gov/os/statutes/textile/textlact.htm
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cs/T-10/en
#10 - Charles Verge said:
2009-03-04 23:50 - (Reply)
I found a blog on allergies which makes a reference to formaldehyde some times being in polyester clothing.
http://drsundardas.wordpress.com/2009/03/04/are-allergiesfood-sensitivitities-affecting-your-child/
#11 - Lisa 2009-11-01 23:33 - (Reply)
From Australia:
As a female with eczema as well as a recently-developed polyester allergy when 21, finding some 'ladies items' has been quite a challenge! Here are some sources I have found so far - please post others that you have used ladies!
Cotton Bras:
Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Basics Contour Bra (available at www.zodee.com.au and a few Myer stores in Australia)
Victorias Secret (www.victoriassecret.com) also stock a range of cotton/elastane bras.
Stockings/Nylons:
During winter, Target in Australia have patterned cotton knit stockings.
Also love the Leona Edmiston range of stockings (Myer or online).
Knickers (underwear):
Target stock a good range of basic cotton/elastane items. Zodee.com.au can also have a range from various brands.
Aprons:
Jessie Steele aprons and mitts with matching tea towels, available at http://www.thecupcakecourier.com.au or http://www.laylagrayce.com, also on ebay
Dresses:
I love silk dresses as they look classy... search in Forever New stores for occasional tops and dresses in pure silk or cotton.
Scarfs & tops:
Cotton On have some good items through the year.
Just Jeans is an absolute wardrobe staple for me - I make great use of my membership card there!! Can get decent work pants from there in cotton, tops, skirts, shorts and more in pure cotton/elastane.
Sussan often have nice ladies wear and pjs in cotton.
Bedsheets:
Target does stock some rough cotton sheets (300) else spend a little more on 100% cotton sheeting with 600 thread count. Avail in Myer, David Jones, etc.
I also make use of pure cotton dustmite covers under pillowcases and sheets and this seems to allow me to use polyester pillows and quilt.
My mattress is entirely latex, which is quite firm and doesnt sag much. Am loving it despite the expense!
Furniture:
Place cotton throws over furniture and buy/make cotton cases for pillows.
Slippers:
I love my slippers even in summer. I found that Sussan and Target sometimes stock thin cotton slipons which are great instead of socks.
It seems I can also wear modal - a supersoft material great for loungewear/pajamas. It does stretch a lot over time however so buy a size smaller!
#12 - Sarah 2010-02-12 22:30 - (Reply)
Yes polyester is evil. I just figured out why I've been itchy for the past 5 months and why I've had respritary problems for the past 3 months. I was really curious to why medicine isn't getting rid of my "cold"!
Does anyone know where I can get dress pants for work at w/o polyester in them? My current pairs all have 70% a my leg are itching like crazy!
#12.1 - Charles Verge 2010-02-14 14:13 - (Reply)
Try 100 % wool or cotton for dress pants. Wool is more expensive but I find if taken care of it last quite some time.
