Synthetic fibres
A lot of the clothes we find in stores today contain synthetic fibres – aka, plastic.
Here are some of the most common ones:
Polyester
This is a real heavyweight in the fashion world. Made from petroleum, this fabric is in everything from t-shirts to dresses and jackets because it's durable and easy to care for.
Nylon
First developed as an alternative to silk, nylon is strong and stretchy, making it perfect for sportswear and hosiery.
Acrylic
Often used as a cheaper alternative to wool, acrylic is lightweight and warm, found in everything from sweaters to knitted hats.
Spandex
Love your stretchy yoga pants? That’s spandex (also known as Lycra or elastane) It’s super stretchy and helps clothes maintain their shape.
These materials are popular because they tend to be durable, easy to wash, and resistant to shrinking and wrinkles. However, they’re not without issues - washing these fabrics can release microplastics into our water systems, which isn't great for the environment.
Natural fibres
If you’re curious about more eco-friendly options, let’s take a look at some natural fibres.
Cotton
It's one of the most beloved fabrics around the globe due to its softness, breathability, and absorbency.
Wool
From your warm winter jacket to that chic hat, wool is a fantastic insulator, naturally regulating body temperature. Pill-proof your clothes
Silk
Known for its luxurious feel and natural sheen, silk is a protein fibre produced by silkworms. It’s hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin.
Linen
Made from the fibres of the flax plant, linen is loved for its strong and breathable qualities, which make it especially good for summer wear. The downside is it needs lots of ironing!
Hemp
This is a bit of a superhero. Hemp fabric is not only durable but also environmentally friendly, as it requires very little water and no pesticides to grow.
Bamboo
Soft, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking, bamboo fabric is gaining popularity for its comfort and eco-friendly profile.
Cashmere
Derived from the undercoats of cashmere goats, this luxurious fibre is softer, lighter, and can be up to three times more insulating than sheep wool.
Angora
Produced from the fur of Angora rabbits, this fibre is extremely soft, fluffy, and is often used for luxury knitted items and accessories.
Mohair
Comes from the hair of the Angora goat (not to be confused with Angora rabbits), known for its high sheen and dye-ability, often used in scarves, winter hats, and suits for its moisture-wicking properties.
Hybrid Options
There are also some hybrid options that mix synthetic and natural qualities:
Rayon
Made from wood pulp, rayon mimics the feel of natural fibres like cotton and silk but is technically considered semi-synthetic.
Modal and Lyocell (Tencel)
These are similar to rayon but are produced in a more sustainable way, offering a soft, breathable fabric that’s great for sensitive skin.
Micro Modal
A type of rayon, micro modal is crafted from wood pulp and stands out for its softness and breathability, often used in underwear and loungewear.
Tencel (Lyocell)
Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel is a biodegradable fabric that's soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin. It's also produced using a closed-loop process, which means the chemicals used are recycled and reused.
So, what to wear?
When choosing what to buy, it all comes down to what matters most to you. Love the durability and easy care of synthetics? They might be your go-to. Prefer something a bit more earth-friendly? Natural fibres could be your best bet. Or maybe you like the best of both worlds with options like rayon and modal.
Understanding what goes into making our clothes gives us the power to make choices that suit our lifestyle and values. So next time you're shopping, take a quick peek at those labels - it's a simple step that can help you feel good about the clothes you wear, both inside and out!
