Acrylic is a synthetic fibre created as an affordable alternative to wool, which it resembles in look and feel: soft, fluffy and warm. Acrylic is light, holds bright colours well, is resistant to moth, mildew and fading, is non-allergenic and inexpensive. It is knitted into sweaters, hats, scarves, blankets and woven into faux fur and plush. Its main drawbacks are a tendency to pill, a build-up of static and poorer breathability compared with natural wool, so acrylic is often blended with wool or cotton to improve its properties. Despite this, it remains one of the most popular materials for warm knitwear thanks to its affordability and practicality. Acrylic is a democratic, versatile material that makes the warmth, colour and softness of a woollen aesthetic accessible to everyone.
