ALLERGY TO CLOTHING: COATS AND OUTERWEAR
If you are allergic to wool, and, in addition, are sensitive to a wide range of synthetic fibres or fabrics, it can be virtually impossible to find warm, windproof and waterproof outerwear, with tolerable linings. There are no reliable solutions, or sources of clothing, but here are some suggestions on how to cope.
It is not difficult to find warm jackets with 100 per cent cotton outers, 100 per cent cotton linings, with polyester wadding or quilting for warmth. The exceptionally sensitive will be bothered by fumes from the wadding. For most people, however, even if chemically sensitive, the wadding is enclosed sufficiently to reduce the level of fumes; airing the jacket before wearing, and washing it if possible, should be enough to avoid discomfort.
Look for corduroy jackets or coats. Although not waterproof, corduroy is often better tolerated than cotton poplin, because it is less treated with fabric finishes. Waxed 100 per cent cotton jackets with cotton linings are also on sale everywhere. While these can cause problems when new, the fumes from the wax do wear off; and the jackets can be tolerated quite well by chemically sensitive people. Waxed coats are surprisingly warm in cold weather. Re-wax only rarely; get someone to do it for you if you can.
In camping and mountaineering shops, you can find anoraks and jackets in proprietary 100 per cent cotton fabrics which are weatherproof and waterproof. Some chemically sensitive people can tolerate these, but there are no makes which emerge as more acceptable than others. You can waterproof fabrics yourself by applying a solution of Alum, alkaline salts, in water. You can buy this at any chemist. This also acts as a fire retardant. Unfortunately, the solution often leaves white streaks on the garment, so only use if you do not object to this. Avoid proprietary waterproofing compounds unless you can find out from the manufacturer what is in them. PVC rainwear gives off its fumes quite rapidly and can be well tolerated if rinsed in water and then left to air for some time.
Cut out linings if they upset you but the outer shell does not.
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