Most people have heard about the worst materials your clothes could be made out of: Polyester, nylon, and more. The takeover of these specific materials comes from how inexpensive they are, making big corporations more keen to use them, and the convenience it provides consumers. Clothes containing synthetic fabric are considered durable and less prone to shrinkage and mold. These benefits make them the most appealing materials to use in the fashion industry.
However, using synthetic fabric can come with some detrimental causes. Those causes directly affect our environment. The accessibility of polyester and nylon have made it easier for companies to mass-produce articles of clothing. When this overproduction happens, more waste occurs, meaning more clothes end up in landfills. That’s where the second issue comes in: synthetic materials are non-biodegradable. Since they cannot be naturally absorbed by the environment, they end up being in landfills for what could be a hundred of years. In the meantime, they shed microplastics that end up in our water and our air (Cornell University). The ingestion of these hazardous materials can affect our bodies, with some instances resulting in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive issues.
Additionally, nylon and polyester tend to retain odor much more than environmentally conscious materials do. Sweat is absorbed easily by these fabrics, which over time leads to the clothes starting to smell. Skin irritation is also a prevalent problem caused by synthetic fibers, due to their poor breathability.
Learn more on how hazardous synthetic materials really are…
So, what materials should consumers and companies look into more?
1. Cotton
Right behind polyester and nylon, cotton is one of the most used materials in the fashion industry, and for good reason. It is one of the softest fabrics you can find, which is beneficial for those with sensitive skin. Often described as hypoallergenic, skin allergens such as Eczema and Dermatitis are soothed by cotton clothing (AllÓRA).
Cotton is a hydrophilic material, meaning it absorbs water. While this may deter people from buying it (especially in warmer weather), this means that moisture and heat will not be trapped on your skin, leading to less skin irritation.
The fibers of cotton are also exceptionally strong, making them more durable, similar to those of synthetic fibers. This makes the clothes easy to take care of as you won’t have to worry about the shape changing or pilling occurring.
Common articles of clothing that contain cotton are T-shirts and dresses, providing that breathability that you would lack with synthetic materials. Brands that are predominantly cotton include CottonOn and Pact.
2. Wool
Perfect for seasonal changes, wool is a great choice for thermal regulation. It is the go-to material for cold weather, since it keeps people warm and dry. It is also effective in warmer weather, absorbing moisture away from the body and keeping the wearer cool. Even better, wool doesn’t retain odor like synthetic materials do! It allows the body to remain dry without trapping sweat and bacteria that causes smells in the fabric, as stated by Norilia.
Similarly to cotton, wool is a breathable material, preventing skin irritation just as effectively as cotton. It is a more elastic material, since each fiber is like a ‘coiled spring’. So, means that even though wool clothes can be stretched out, they can spring back into their original shape once the tension disappears.
Common articles of clothing that contain wool are coats and sweaters, keeping yourself warm and regulating your temperature. Brands that commonly have wool in their fabric compositions include Unbound Merino and Ibex..
3. Linen
Repeating the pattern the previous 2 natural fibers established, linen is a great choice for those looking for breathability, hypoallergenic, and durable clothing. Commonly used in the summer, linen also keeps moisture away from the body without leaving an odor stuck to the fabric, making it suitable for warmer weather.
Linen is also highly favored due to the versatility of its pieces. Linen pants have been the latest trend, and they are suitable for both casual and special occasions. It’s a material that can elevate your wardrobe, regardless of how ‘simple’ your other clothes may be.
Common articles of clothing that contain linen are pants,shirts, and formal wear, giving the wearer a lightweight feel and look. Brands that have linen-based clothing include Quince and Eileen Fisher.
4. Silk
A material that is considered luxurious and elegant, the smooth feel and shiny look silk provides isn’t the only reason people want it. The fabric is also highly beneficial for the body! Just like the other fabrics, silk is hypoallergenic, helping to fight skin inflammation off. It can additionally keep the skin moisturized, making it the most favorable material for the skin.
Silk is also considered an investment due to its durability and breathability. From improving your sleep to improving your skin, the benefits of silk are well worth the expense of it. Like linen, incorporating silk into your wardrobe can elevate it immensely, giving an elegant look to your outfits.
Common articles of clothing that contain silk are formal wear and undergarments, which are best suited for the smooth texture and appearance silk has to offer. Brands that incorporate silk into their clothing include Quince and Lilysilk.
Find more brands that sell clothes made out of natural fibers…
Final Thoughts
Natural fibers are often the second choice to synthetics. This is because they are less accessible, making it more costly to obtain and manufacture, whichu deters companies from producing them. Since it’s expensive to produce them, these corporations will charge consumers more to purchase them, which also drives them away.
But the benefits of these fibers are amazing, for both the environment and the body. A common characteristic shared among these fabrics are that they are all breathable and hypoallergenic, preventing skin irritations from occurring. They are all also biodegradable, allowing them to be absorbed back into the environment in a matter of months or years, rather than staying in landfills for decades.
Synthetic materials are the inexpensive option, but natural fibers are an investment that most consumers don’t regret. Swapping out your polyester shirt for a cotton one makes all the difference.
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