Just like designers, consumers should also be aware that the fiber content of a garment is just as important as the style and comfort. So, what should shoppers look for this season? By popular use and demand, the fiber of choice is Made in the U.S.A. 100 percent acrylic and acrylic blends.

Retailer and specialty fashion stores are filling and refilling their racks with this season's trends in feminine knits made from soft acrylic. From the popular cardigan and twinset to fitted knit tops and dresses, acrylic promises the consumer fashionability and a quality made garment that will outlast apparel made from other fibers. "Cotton-like" acrylic fiber, popular in warmer seasons, has a softer drape and feel than apparel made from natural cotton, which can fade, sag and become stiff after repeated washings.

Top designers and manufacturers like Shu + Shu, Kerry n Kelsey, Cesar Galindo, and Post & Telegraph have all found the importance of using acrylic in their Spring lines. Acrylic looks luxurious for feminine knits, has a very soft hand, is lightweight for the season, and vividly reproduces pastels and bright colors, like the ice blue, mints and watermelons of Spring.

This is especially important to designers and consumers alike because acrylic ensures that these colors will never fade, even after repeated washings. Acrylic content also ensures that a garment will never shrink or stretch, an important attribute for Spring's slim and fitted knit looks.

So, when you shop for Spring, look for popular knits made with acrylic and be assured that you will have a garment you can trust is made with style and quality. Spring's knits can be found in major department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's, as well as better specialty fashion stores such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. (NAPSI)