Why Taylor Swift’s New Lover Cardigan Has Fans Talking (& Not in a Good Way)

Taylor Swift is known for smashing records, be it with her chart-topping hits, sold-out stadiums, and, yes, her very generous paydays. Just last December, she handed out $197 million in bonuses to her Eras Tour cast and crew (adding to an earlier $55 million after the North American leg, mind you). So while there are fair criticisms about the ethics of being a billionaire to begin with, it’s fair to say Swift knows how to spread her massive amounts of wealth.

But not all of her business moves are being applauded. On January 23, Taylor Nation got everyone talking with a teasing tweet that read, “Help we need a Valentine’s Day gift idea for our lover ????.” 

Swifties, fresh off freaking out about Reputation briefly vanishing from Spotify, jumped to conclusions. While fans initially thought what ultimately appeared to be a glitch was a sign that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) was on its way, the real “gift” was actually another piece of Taylor Swift merch.

The Lover cardigan joined Swift’s growing collection of album-themed knits, which includes the Folklore-starter to 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Decked out in pink and white hearts, this $70 “must-have” promised Valentine’s vibes but had fans feeling… well, as mixed as the polyester acrylic blend used to create these cardigans. 

“I love it, but the cardigans are not great quality,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “I have three and two are falling apart… I can’t justify +$70 for something that is bad quality :(.” Others were not-so-politely side-eyeing the synthetic fabric. “It’s basically all plastic ???? gorgeous, but the idea of shedding microplastic fibers as I wear it makes me cringe,” someone wrote, while another added, “I wish her team would make these out of a natural fiber or at least a blend.”

For those less familiar, polyester isn’t exactly your skin’s best friend — it traps heat, holds moisture, and can irritate sensitive skin make skin conditions like psoriasis flare up.

And the environmental cost? Massive. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, It takes 70 million barrels of oil each year to produce, releases 10 times more carbon than organic cotton, and lingers in landfills for centuries, leaving ecosystems to bear the brunt. 

Some fans held firm, declaring polyester a no-go. “We vote with our dollar, and this will help push us towards more sustainable options,” one vowed, armed with staunch eco-consciousness. But then, there were the ones who… couldn’t resist. “Did I need a cardigan? No. Do I like polyester clothes? Also no. Did I buy it? Most definitely,” admitted one fan.

This split among the Swiftie base isn’t just a fandom blip — it’s a wake-up call about what’s churned out by the celebrity merch machine. If Taylor Swift — one of the most market-savvy and wealthiest artists on Earth — can’t or won’t produce sustainable, high-quality merch, what’s happening with smaller artists? And how much longer can fans justify buying into mid-tier fast fashion disguised as exclusive treasures?

Meanwhile, the Lover cardigan sold out — as all of her limited edition merch tends to do — but it’s clear the hype came with strings attached this time.

Before you go, click to see all of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s cutest PDA moments.