Tips On Choosing Good Fabrics & How To Wear High-Waisted Pant
After mentioning that I stay away from 100% cotton when it comes to black items I had some email requests asking me to write more about what fabrics are best and what fabrics should be avoided. Fabric is very important to a garment: it is the foundation of any clothing item and it determines what kind of construction is possible, how fabric falls and drapes and how the garment will react to time, wear and tear.
Good quality fabric will valuate the garment because the better the fabric, the longer the life of the garment will be. The difference between excellent fabrics and lower quality fabrics is that the lower quality fabric tends to wear out more easily. When you invest in a good piece you want the garment to last a long time and to look new and fresh for as long as possible, so when shopping take fabric quality into consideration.
It is important to me that fabric not just lay well on the body but that it breathe well on the skin. A good quality fabric should have a good amount of natural fibers in it so that your skin can do just that. When I’m shopping, I like to look for all-natural fibers or natural fiber blends: they’re soft, lay well on your body and they last a long time. My personal favorites are silk, wool, cashmere, and cotton. My favorite to wear in the winter time or even in the spring time are cashmere and silk blends. Silk is a magic fiber: it will keep you surprisingly warm in the winter, yet help keep you cool in the summer. Natural fiber fabrics have long been considered to be the highest luxury fabrics and therefore have traditionally been used in the luxury clothing industry by all large fashion houses. If you’re looking for fabric to wear everyday, a blend of polyester and cotton is great because you can machine wash them and the polyester will prevent wrinkles.
I do make it a point to stay away from some fabrics. For example, 100% cottons in black, red, navy, and brown will usually fade after a few washes. I personally don’t like mohair because it tends to shed and that is especially visible on black garments. Even though mohair can be amazing for dimension and volume, wearing mohair (or even keeping it in your closet) can make all of your black clothes look like you have a cat or two. Another dangerous type of fabric is the type that has glitter and shine to it. I stay away from clothing made with that type of material because it dates so quickly and is so itchy! Also, a fabric called modal is BAD all around. Usually the fabric is used as a mix with a polyester or cotton. A modal mix is tricky because the clothes are usually very soft but they peel badly after a few wears.
Remember this Junya Watanabe top/dress that I wore on my previous post? I love pieces like this that you can wear in different ways. So versatile!!! I bought this top at Barneys New York awhile back. I have many readers ask me about it and this is the LINK FOR THE TOP .
Wearing: Junya Watanabe zebra top, Ann Demuemeester pant, DIY headband, and YSL booties
NiniChic: I love high waisted pants. They suit me really well because I have a rounder hip line and a slim waist. I bought these pants a while back in NYC at Resurrection and they are the best pants in my closet right now. High waisted pants are great because not only will they give you super long legs but they also accentuate a small waist. Since this Ann Demeulemeester is busy with little strings, it’s best for me to keep the rest of the outfit simple. If you have a clean pair of high waisted pants you always can wear them with an off the shoulder blouse tucked in or with a tank and a motorcycle leather jacket for fall.
Loc and I are heading to Austin to celebrate our 9th years anniversary. I’ll keep you guys updated!!! xoxo Nini Nguyen
hey hun!!! you look great as always
who could forget about that gorgeous top/dress?? 
loving the close up shots!!
goodnight sweetie :*
iyam
http://www.styleandbeyond.blogspot.com
Hi! I started reading your blog a month ago while I was waiting for my next class to start or time to get to work. You said you were going to Austin, and if you guys are looking for a place to swing by and grab a snack/dessert, you should stop by Swirll. It is a self-serve fro yo place, which I’m pretty sure Dallas has some, but you should come by and try it!
Thanks for the tips Nini.. And that painting is gorgeous.. Wow 9 years!! Congrats on your anniversary hope you and Loc have a great time.. Can’t wait for more of your outfit posts during your Austin trip..=)
Hi Nini!
You are fabulous, as always! ..will bookmark this tip. =)
Enjoy celebrating your 9th anniv!
You look fabulous Nini!! I love this outfit on you. You always made things look so unique and different. My all time favorite fabric is jersey cotton. It’s easy to wear and comfortable. Have fun in Austin. Don’t forget to visit By George
Liz
Really have a crush on your Junya Watanabe piece…you look good wearing it as a dress or top! Great post on fabric.
i love modal and some jersey fabrics, but like you said, it’s an unfortunate side effect is the piling.
i love those ann d’s!!!
I love that top but can’t decide between the zebra and leopard print. Fabrics can be really tricky, so I appreciate this post.I hope you have a blast in my city (Austin) as itvusually doesn’t dissapoint. Congrats on your 9th yr anniversary.
Wow thanks for the fabric tips! I always buy black, red, and brown cotton shirts anyway because they’re my favorite colors lol but they do fade pretty fast! I love your top and those pants really do suit you well! Congrats on your 9th anniversary you guys!
aww…lovely as always…you look like a supermodel dear in those blk and white photo!
Love,
fashionista
Nini I love how your blog as so unique, you give style tips like no other. And not to mention you look damn hot in all your photos too! Love it.
I totally agree with you. I didn’t know that silk can keep us warm. *grin*
I don’t think I can pull off a high-waisted pants though.
BTW, you look great!
Great pants! I have a high-waisted pair of black silk pants too, but haven’t used them much, which is a shame…Love the Ann D’s!
xx
Modal does pill but for some styles where the designers are trying to achieve tissue-weight jersey or anything that has great fluidity in drape, modal is the best option (only mentioning this as I work for a sweater company and we’ve tried all other yarns). I guess if you were to buy pieces made of modal, don’t wear them too often. My modal pieces are fine though, very minimal pilling, and I suppose it would just depend on how fine the yarn actually is and the exact finishing process of the yarn. Cheap modal would probably pill after 1 wear!
hi Nini,
What a great tips darling…and U look so awesome pretty. I really love those pants…
XoXo
What great advice, you always have such insight to offer us!!
Hey lovely sweetheart!
How are you doing today? We’re having some very hot late Summer days here in Germany (everybody was calling out for Autumn here – and then – surprise, surprise – Summer is back, Volume 3)
I love high waisted pants, too. I’ve discovered my love for them quite late but anyway, huh? Your Ann Demeulemeester pants look awesome! I love the details very much! Thanks for your advices about the fabrics. That’s true!
Wishing you and Loc a wonderful Wednesday and I’m sending you loooooove, hugs and kisses!! Sofie
I love the Nini tip again Nini
I love your whole outfit here! Very classy!
Thanks for the sweet comment Nini!
Have a nice day! xxx
http://chebarcelonaidrees.blogspot.com
You look great! I love animal prints done in a chic way.
I jusyt love heigh waisted pants, so elegant and u wear them brilliantly!
One Love,
Jowy
http://www.iseejanemary.blogspot.com
Great tips. I agree about fabric choices. If I don’t like the way something feels against my skin, I don’t buy it.
You look great as always! Congrats on your anniversary!
That’s what I love about your blog – besides everything else, you really write practical, and very sound advice – and write very well. I totally agree: silk is the ideal fabric. And I never thought that way about cotton, because I’m so used to thinking that cotton is always best, but I do have to keep in mind that the darker, deeper colours WILL change over time (altho, if it’s casual, like my favourite worn navy Gap zip hoodie, I like – no, love – the faded quality of it). And I’m safe as I’ve learned my lesson and never wear red: it’s just not my colour.
Just mentioned you in today’s post. And thanks so much for what you wrote! Did I see that our friend TF congratulated you on your anniversary? Did I miss that part? Happy Anniversary!
Hope the freeze is going well : )
xoxo
Nini, the fact that u listened and gave it a though and then went on to write a post, is very sweet.
It shows that u value ur readers : And also would like to keep the blog interactive
I was pleasantly surprised to see this post
Thanks
xo
Kaya
You’re an expert of clothing Nini and that’s why I love to come to your blog. You always look great and give the best advice. I love your Junya top and thinking purchase one for myself
Happy anniversary!
Lori
Good morning guys-
Thank you so much all the beautiful comments. I hope you all having a fabulous day.
xoxo
Nini
@kaya
I did it just for YOU 
Kaya,
I’m glad you like it
xoxo
Nini
happy anniversary!
thanks for sharing the tips!
OOooooh Dear Nini, so after your last post’s exquisite “Deer-y” Allure, once again you give us the (delicious) evidence that you really know how to emphasize your “Fashion bestiary” . . . on such a pretty “Zebra-esque” way !!!
ps: Mmmh I Frankly think that High-waisted shapes ideally illustrate the idea of “Urban CHIC”, on such a haughty/laid back mode . . .
Hope you’re Well.
à Bientôt, Antoine
hi nini! yes, fabric is very important. i only see modal fabric in my mango and zara clothes. they use the fabric a lot! silk is great! and ofcourse who can resist cashmere?
love your outfit! the junya top will look great with anything.
happy 9th anniversary! congratulations to you and loc!
Hi Nini,
I absolutely love reading your blog. Thank you for the great advice on fabric and what to look for when shopping for a garment. I never knew that fabric played such an important role in how you wear and take care of your clothing. This is definitely good advice to keep in mind for the future. I really like your blog because you always have such nice pictures and you write about practical ways to dress well, shop smart, and look fabulous. Just wanted to say that I appreciate you investing time in your blog and for sharing yourself and your secrets with your readers. And thank you for always taking the time to drop by my blog. I always love reading your comments.
I’m from Hue City, so central Vietnam. I usually spend most of my time in Hue with family, but I would love to explore Saigon because the city has so much to offer and I hear it’s very fun. I hope you and Loc enjoy your trip there and happy saving
All the best,
Carrie
I forgot to say, happy 9th anniversary. You should post pictures of the occasion. Have a wonderful and fun time in Austin
Hi Nini!
… 9 wonderful years!!! I´m sure you and Loc will have a wonderful weekend in Austin!!!
Welcome to the “Nini Bible”.
Always enjoy reading your “Ninitips” and “Ninichics”!
Holy Moly… you are such an expert when it comes to fabrics.. I realize the “Dilemmas” always
too late
I´m so fascinated about your DIY headband, so inspirational!!!
Sending you lots of hugs!!
ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL WEEKEND!!!!
Thanks for the wonderful tips. Those Ann D high waisted pants are amazing!
Great information thanks for sharing!!! I also love high waisted pants, but I need to loss my stomach for them to look their best on me. lol
Hi! I love your blog, and this entry was great. I love the look of the high waisted pants, but have been having problems finding the right one (all about fabric quality) and figuring out how to pair them with a not-so-basic top. I’ve been wearing dresses and skirts everyday for nearly the past year and a half, and looking at your blog has inspired me to finally buy some pants – in time for a move to a new city where there’s actually a winter.
And I love the YSL heels!
oh no! i just checked the label of my ALC dress and it’s 100% modal!! the fabric is soo thin n looks delicate to begin with, but it would really break my heart if this dress’ material doesnt hold up like u said Modal wouldnt do…=(
Happy anniversary guys! Thanks for this great advice Nini, this post was very informative.
those ad pants look super cute on you.
and as a caveat to no black cotton,
if you like the feel of cotton and love black, f21 always has a good selection of cheap ts. wash, wear and giveway when they fade.
the $4.50 price justifies this instead of $75 a. wang cotton.
aa is my next go to for black cotton.
Those pants are truly incredible. I LOVE THEM! High-waisted pants are my one style-signature (i stay away from trying to define my style, normally) because they’re truly the only type of pants that work well with my body! Nothing compares. I love your style advice.
And happy anniversary! 9 years is very impressive.
Thanks for this fantastic tips on fabric Nini!!!