In my case, it's an allergy to the wool that affects my breathing, especially when worn anywhere near my face. I'm currently interested in making a ladies' waistcoat (vest) in Hubby's tartan to wear with my solid-color separates, but can only find it in wool. I'd love to make a matching tam or some other headwear too, but again, would have to make it from non-wool.
Unfortunately, I've learned over the years that I'm allergic to pretty much all animal fibres. I recall back in my college days, I saw a beautiful, aqua-colored little angora sweater that I loved! I saved up and finally bought it, then proudly wore it to school one morning. Before classes were out that day, I was in the ER suffering one of the worst asthma attacks of my life. Subsequent testing proved that I cannot wear any type of animal hair. It hasn't really been an issue, since I'm not crazy about wearing fur anyway. It's just that this tartan/wool thing is posing a problem now because I'm trying to create an outfit to match my Hubby's kilt and can't find the stuff in a synthetic fabric. What a dilemma.
I appreciate all the links and helpful suggestions that you guys have offered. I'm not giving up yet!