For me I mostly avoid blends for the same reasons outlined above but they are a good compromise, and sometimes you do just have to compromise. It's great when you can find items with non-synthetic blends like a silk/linen knit jumper I have which is the best of both worlds.
Good quality silk can go in the washing machine at 40 degrees in wash bags (although where I live it is not normal to use tumble driers, we just hang clothes outside or on radiators. So I do not lose any time by hang drying silk because I do it with all my clothes anyway). Never had the shrinking issue with cotton interestingly, but do find cotton/elastic blends are not as durable as more synthetic options. Cotton is something that can have wildly varying qualities and be constructed in completely different ways. I hate wool to be honest. And most linen I have come across has been weirdly see-through? Although linen is good upholstery material in my opinion.
Are there any blends you find bearable or necessary? Any that you avoid entirely?
If you dislike wool and linen then what natural materials do you, respectively wear in winter and summer?
With regards to cotton, while it can have wildly varying qualities depending on structure and weave, there are plenty of properties that remain the same. Raw denim, a cotton twill fabric, shrinks drastically.
Good quality silk can go in the washing machine at 40 degrees in wash bags (although where I live it is not normal to use tumble driers, we just hang clothes outside or on radiators. So I do not lose any time by hang drying silk because I do it with all my clothes anyway). Never had the shrinking issue with cotton interestingly, but do find cotton/elastic blends are not as durable as more synthetic options. Cotton is something that can have wildly varying qualities and be constructed in completely different ways. I hate wool to be honest. And most linen I have come across has been weirdly see-through? Although linen is good upholstery material in my opinion.