What Is Acrylic Fabric — And Should You Actually Be Wearing It?

By Ella Blake | Tellar Fashion Hub

Acrylic is a fully synthetic fibre made from a petroleum-derived polymer called polyacrylonitrile — in plain terms, it's plastic that's been spun and processed into yarn. And before you recoil in horror, hear me out: it's not all bad news. But it's not all good news either. Let me give you the full picture, because the acrylic question comes up constantly — and honestly, it's more complicated than a simple "avoid it" verdict.

Why Does Acrylic Even Exist in Fashion?

The short answer? It's incredibly cheap to produce. Acrylic was developed in the 1940s as a wool alternative, and that's exactly what it mimics — the soft, warm, slightly fluffy appearance of knitted wool, but at a fraction of the cost. Which is why you'll find it absolutely everywhere on the high street, particularly in jumpers, cardigans, fleeces, socks, and blanket-style knitwear.

I'll be honest — I've picked up many an acrylic jumper in my time. The colours are always stunning, the price is unbeatable, and in the shop it feels genuinely lovely. The problem tends to reveal itself a few washes in. More on that shortly.

What Are the Actual Benefits of Acrylic?

It's not without its merits — and understanding them helps you shop smarter:

It's lightweight and warm. Not as thermally efficient as real wool, but it holds heat reasonably well for its weight, which is why it works in casual everyday knitwear.
It takes dye brilliantly. Acrylic produces some of the most vivid, colourfast results in fashion — those bright, saturated knitwear shades that don't fade wash after wash? Almost always acrylic.
It's easy care. Machine washable, quick drying, doesn't shrink the way wool does. For kids' clothes, everyday loungewear, and anything that needs to survive repeated washing — this genuinely matters.
It's hypoallergenic. People with wool sensitivities often find acrylic blends a perfectly comfortable alternative.
It's budget-friendly. There's no shame in wanting good-looking knitwear at accessible prices. Acrylic makes that possible.

The Downsides — And They're Real

I won't sugarcoat it. Here's where acrylic consistently lets you down:

It pills badly. Those miserable little bobbles that appear after a handful of washes? That's acrylic degrading. It happens fast, and it makes even a nice jumper look tatty within a season.
It doesn't breathe. Being a plastic-based fibre, it traps heat and moisture against the skin. Wear an all-acrylic jumper for an afternoon and you'll know about it — it can feel clammy and uncomfortable.
It feels synthetic over time. That initial softness can harden and lose its appeal. Quality wool or a natural blend just drapes and ages so much better.
It's an environmental concern. Every single wash releases thousands of microplastic fibres into the water supply. If sustainability matters to you, this is a significant issue.
It's not a great long-term investment. A well-chosen merino wool jumper will last you a decade. A cheaper acrylic equivalent? Probably a season or two before it looks tired.

Stylist tip: If you do buy acrylic, use a Guppyfriend wash bag — it captures microplastic fibres during washing. Small habit, real difference.

Where to Shop — And What to Look For

If you're after affordable knitwear and acrylic is inevitable, here's where I'd steer you based on quality and value:

M&S — Their knitwear consistently punches above its price point, and they're increasingly transparent about fibre content. Look for their wool and cotton-acrylic blends rather than pure acrylic.
Boden — Brilliant for colourful knitwear that actually holds up. Their merino and lambswool options are excellent quality, and when acrylic does appear it tends to be in a well-considered blend.
Hush — A great mid-market option for cosy, soft knits with an emphasis on natural fibres where possible. Their fleece and lounge pieces do contain acrylic but are well-constructed for the price.
Mango — Their knitwear is very on-trend and reasonably priced. Worth checking labels carefully — they offer a good mix of wool blends and acrylic across price points.
Whistles — Step up to Whistles for knitwear that uses higher percentages of wool and natural fibres. Their pieces last seasons, not weeks.
Phase Eight — Strong knitwear range that uses acrylic thoughtfully in blend fabrics with good structure and finish. Their occasion knitwear is particularly reliable.
White Stuff — Lovely ethical credentials and they're upfront about fabric composition. Great source for natural-fibre jumpers at fair prices, with some cotton-acrylic blends for the more casual pieces.

For a real step up in quality, Nagnata (an Australian-founded brand with a loyal UK following) creates stunning merino-cotton knitwear that's genuinely worth the investment. And for something truly independent, Carrier Company — a small Norfolk-based label — produce beautifully constructed wool and cotton pieces that are the antithesis of fast fashion acrylic.

The Honest Verdict

Acrylic has its place — in a budget-friendly brights, kid's knitwear, gym layers, or a fashion-forward trend piece you only intend to wear for a season. But for anything you want to wear consistently and keep looking good? Always read the label, and wherever possible opt for at least a wool, cotton, or cashmere blend. Your clothes will last longer, feel better on the body, and hold their shape with every wash.

The key is being an informed shopper rather than a label avoider. Knowing what you're buying and why gives you the power to make choices that actually work for your wardrobe — and your budget.

Never Get Your Size Wrong Again — Tellar Has You Covered

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