Searching for cycling clothing with out polyester is some what like trying to find a needle in a hundred haystacks. Nearly impossible. Some of the better items I have are custom made which is not an option for every one.
The fabrics that I can wear are
- Nylon - a bit rougher then other fabrics, some people are allergic to Nylon and polyester
- LYCRA - trade marked version of nylon and tends to be a higher quality
- Spandex - sometimes, most of the time spandex contains a mix of polyester
- Elastane / Elasthanne - 100 % Elastane can be quite rough and cause chaffing
- Acrylic
- Wool
- Cotton - not so great for cycling but at one point had a few modified tshirts with pockets and elastic's put in. This is a low cost solution if you like to sew or have someone that can do it for you.
Here is a list of products that I have no issues with so far, some of them require modification.
Shorts
Louis Garneau Classic Short - This is labed as 82% Nylon and 18% Elastane. The chamios is made of nylon and polyester so that needed to be removed.
Tights
Ice breaker leggings - I have a knickers version of this and for a long ride I find they need a pad.
Jersey's
With jerseys you have to watch out the cuffs and other trims are not polyester. They do not need to be declared. I sent one jersey to my tailor (mom) to swap out the cuffs and collars for a fabric I could wear.
Paragon branded wool jersey or Earth, Wind and Rider jersey, works well and has not shrinked.
Castelli Armando Wool Jersey - this is a combo of wool and Acrylic, very nice jersey though not as warms as 100 % wool. I had picked this up at Paragon in New York as well.
Socks
Defeet wool socks are avaiable online and in many stores. Their cycling socks work well and last.
There is a couple Castelli socks that I have picked up which I hope to get more in the fall. Well worth the few extra dollars and great for running as well.
Smart wool is another maker of good socks but don't have many of them
