How often do you look at clothing labels when you go shopping? Are they made with natural materials, synthetic materials or a blend of both?
The clothes you’re wearing hold a story, created with more than just thread. From ancient plant fibres to futuristic man-made synthetics, every fabric hides secrets about where it came from, how it was made and what it might be costing the planet.
Natural Fibers come from plants or animals.
Organic Cotton: Soft, breathable, and grown without the use of genetically modified seeds, pesticides or chemicals.
Linen: From flax plants; light and breathable, great for summer clothing.
Wool: From sheep, cozy and warm for jumpers, coats, and scarves.
Silk: Luxurious and smooth, made by silkworms—often used for dresses or ties.
Synthetic Fibers are man-made in factories, often created by petrochemicals.
Polyester:
Made from ethylene which comes from petroleum. It doesn’t breathe as well as natural fibres and can make you feel hot and sweaty. Some people with sensitive skin might find polyester irritating and it traps smells more than natural fabrics, especially during workouts.
If we look at it from an environmental perspective, polyester is made from petroleum (a non-renewable resource), takes a LONG time to break down in landfill and washing polyester releases tiny plastic fibres into the waterways which accumulate in our oceans and ecosystems. So why is polyester so common in our clothes? It’s cheap to produce, wrinkle resistant and durable (it’s plastic after all!)
Nylon:
Made from petroleum, produces nitrous oxide during manufacturing and is non-biodegradable. It is also often treated with finishes that may contain harmful substances. So why is nylon in our clothes? It is cheap, tough, flexible and water-resistant.
Acrylic:
Made from petroleum-based chemicals. Acrylic is a non-biodegradable synthetic material that imitates wool - common in jumpers and knitted items. So why is acrylic in our clothes? It is cheap, lightweight, holds dye well and low maintenance.
Spandex (Lycra):
Made from petroleum-based chemicals and like other synthetics, it sheds tiny fibres when washed. So why choose clothing with spandex? Spandex is super stretchy and is often mixed with other materials to add flexibility.
Maybe it's time to start looking at labels a little more. None of us are perfect, but we can all try to be more sustainable.
Our suggestion - Try to keep the consumption of synthetic materials to a minimum.
