A Complete Guide to Natural vs Synthetic Fabrics

More people than ever are acknowledging the importance of the materials we wear. From the procurement of raw materials to the end of their lives, fabrics have an impact on the feel and longevity of clothing as well as its environmental impact.

Choosing between natural and synthetic textiles is one of the most important fashion considerations. In order to help you make better long-term decisions, this article breaks down the differences by examining factors including comfort, durability, recyclability, and environmental effect.

Natural Fabrics: What Are They?

Fibres from plants or animals are used to make natural textiles.

Typical natural materials include:

• Cotton (including organic cotton)

• Flax (linen)

• Hemp

• Wool

• Silk

Their effects on the environment

Although natural fibres are sometimes commended for being biodegradable, their effectiveness is mostly dependent on the production process.

Important elements consist of:

• Water consumption, particularly for traditional cotton

• Chemical inputs and pesticides

• Soil health and land usage

• Certifications and farming methods

For instance, organic cotton improves soil quality while avoiding synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, protecting farm workers and ecosystems.

Synthetic Fabrics: What Are They?

Man-made fibres, typically produced from fossil fuels, are used to make synthetic garments.

Typical synthetic textiles consist of:

• Acrylic, Polyester, and Nylon

• Elastane (spandex)

• Effects of synthetic materials on the environment

Synthetic fibres typically:

• Use less water to make

• Require a lot of energy to produce

• When washed, shed microplastics

• Take hundreds of years to decompose.

Since synthetics are made of plastic, they add to the microplastic pollution that has been discovered in soil, waterways, and even the food chain.

Comfort: The Feeling of Fabrics on the Body

One of the main reasons consumers favour natural fibres is comfort.

Comfort and natural textiles

Unlike synthetic fibres, typically, natural fibres are:

• Great for breathability

• More adept at controlling temperature

• Softer against the skin over time

• Less likely to retain smells

They are therefore especially appropriate for:

• Daily necessities

• Skin sensitivity

• Warmer weather

Synthetic blends are fairly common, nevertheless, as they’re useful for stretch or performance aspects.

Longevity and Durability

How long a garment lasts is just as essential as its construction when it comes to sustainability.

Natural fibres

High-quality natural textiles:

• With the right care, age well

• Soften with time

• More easily repaired

Natural fibres greatly increase durability when they are:

• Strongly woven

• Composed of longer staple fibres

• Finished without the use of harmful chemicals

Synthetic textiles

More often than not, synthetic fibres are:

• Wrinkle-resistant

• Not as likely to shrink

• Dry quickly

But they can:

• Pill more easily

• Loose their form over time

• Deteriorate when heated

• Release microplastics with every wash

Impact on End-of-Life and Recyclability

Natural Textiles: End-of-Life 

Natural fibres are:

• Biodegradable under the right circumstances

• Easier to recycle when not blended

• Safer to compost if left untreated

Synthetic Textiles: End-of-Life 

Synthetic textiles:

• Are rarely recycled at a large scale

• Require intricate chemical processing

• Sit for decades or more in a landfill

We'll go into more detail about this important topic in this month's follow-up piece. Blended textiles are particularly challenging to recycle.

In general, which is more sustainable?

Although there isn't a single ideal fabric, natural fibres often have a reduced long-term environmental impact when produced ethically and worn for longer.

They fit in nicely with:

• Slow fashion principles

• Longevity-oriented clothing

• Decreased pollution from microplastics

• Circular fashion systems

The clothes you'll wear the most and retain the longest are frequently the most environmentally friendly option.

Choosing Fabrics More Carefully

When comparing synthetic and natural textiles, take into account:

• How frequently do you plan to wear it?

• How long is it intended to last?

• How does it feel on your skin?

• How simple is it to take care of?

• What happens when it reaches the end of its life?

One of the easiest ways to lessen the impact of fashion without compromising comfort or elegance is to make thoughtful fabric choices.