FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Acetate
D
Made from cellulose acetate derived from wood pulp. Has a silk-like appearance and is commonly used for linings and formal wear.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
48/100
DurabilityPoor30
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortTypical65
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityTypical55
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthPoor30
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingPoor30
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EasePoor28
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityPoor35
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using acetate
8 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains acetate. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Stussy
8 products
PLST
7 products
YMC
6 products
Comme des Garçons
2 products
Club Monaco
2 products
Aime Leon Dore
2 products
Zara
1 product
Kith
1 product
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing acetate.
Products with acetate
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains acetate. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
PLSTC
Cotton Blend Relaxed Cardigan
43% Cotton, 39% Acetate, 18% Nylon
$43 · JP
PLSTC
2025Model Cotton Blend Tank Top
36% Cotton, 33% Nylon, 31% Acetate
$40 · JP
PLSTC
Cotton Blend Gilet Cardigan
43% Cotton, 39% Acetate, 18% Nylon
$23 · JP
PLSTC
Cotton Blend Crewneck Knit T
42% Cotton, 39% Acetate, 19% Nylon
$47 · JP
ZaraC
FINE KNIT SHORT SLEEVE TOP
55% Cotton, 45% Acetate
$46
PLSTC
Cotton Blend Flare Sleeve Sweater
43% Cotton, 39% Acetate, 18% Nylon
$17 · JP
Comme des GarçonsC
Simone Rocha - Women's Lace Trim Negligee Bralette - (Black)
73% Acetate, 27% Silk
$275
KithD
Needles Jacquard Cloth Italian Collar Shirt - Square
83% Rayon, 17% Acetate
$325
Club MonacoD
Bodycon Pant
60% Acetate, 40% Polyester
$89
PLSTD
Linen Blend Jacket
63% Triacetate, 37% Polyester
$167 · JP
Club MonacoD
Fluid Crepe Trouser
71% Acetate, 29% Polyester
$129
Comme des GarçonsD
Black Comme des Garçons - Reversible Frilled Jacket - (Black)
66% Acetate, 34% Polyester
$1025
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from acetate. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same acetate feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best Uses
formal
60Affordable lining and formal wear material
Pros
- ✓ Silk-like sheen
- ✓ Good drape
- ✓ Resists shrinking
- ✓ Affordable luxury look
Cons
- ✗ Very delicate
- ✗ Dissolves in acetone
- ✗ Poor abrasion resistance
- ✗ Wrinkles badly
Better alternatives
Higher-scored semi-synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
TencelB
+34 vs Acetate · 82/100
BiodegradableLenzing branded lyocell made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood pulp using a closed-loop process. Softer and more consistent than generic lyocell.
LyocellB
+32 vs Acetate · 80/100
BiodegradableMade from wood pulp using a closed-loop solvent process. The most sustainable semi-synthetic fiber, with excellent drape and comfort.
MicroModalB
+30 vs Acetate · 78/100
BiodegradableAn ultra-fine variant of modal made from beech tree pulp, with fibers significantly thinner than silk. Exceptionally soft and lightweight, it is the premium choice for high-end underwear and loungewear.
Care Guide
Washcold (30°C)
Cyclehand
Detergentmild
BleachDo not bleach
Dryflat dry
Ironlow
Dry Cleanrecommended
SoftenerNo
Special Notes
• Very heat sensitive — never use hot water
• Dry clean preferred
• Acetone (nail polish remover) dissolves acetate — keep away
Additional Care Tips
- • Dry clean only — acetate is very sensitive to water, heat, and chemicals
- • Never use nail polish remover (acetone) near acetate — it literally dissolves the fiber
- • Iron on the lowest heat setting with a press cloth; acetate melts and glazes with heat
- • Store on padded hangers in a breathable garment bag to prevent creasing
- • Avoid perfume and alcohol-based products directly on the fabric — they can cause spotting
- • Handle with care — acetate has very poor abrasion resistance and snags easily
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
May shrink 2-5% — wash cold
Eco Rating
High environmental impact