4 Benefits of Natural Fabrics
Natural and synthetic fabrics are completely different materials, both used in the making of clothing. While natural fibers come from animal, plant, or mineral sources, synthetic fibers are usually produced using chemicals. Although they have their own advantages and disadvantages, many consumers are turning to natural fabrics. In this article, we will focus on 4 advantages of natural fabrics that make them more popular, as well as explain why they are relevant for seamstresses who care about their well-being and the environment. Happy reading!
Increased lifespan
If you want to keep your clothes and accessories for many years , natural materials will, in some cases, be a wiser choice, because they are more resistant to wear and fading. This is particularly the case with natural cotton, which is known to be durable , resistant and easier to maintain than synthetic cotton. If you want to make a cotton dress and keep it for a little while, we advise you to go for a natural cotton, such as this magnificent liberty cotton.
This is according to a study conducted by the market research firm, Textile Exchange . The study revealed that organic cotton clothing has a lifespan two to three times longer than polyester clothing. In addition, wool, silk and organic cotton clothing were rated as more resistant to washing than polyester clothing¹.
However, there are exceptions to this rule , especially when synthetic fabrics are designed to be resistant to wear and tear. Examples include polyester and nylon, which are treated to resist UV rays, water, and other elements that can damage the fabric throughout its life. If you want to learn more about the benefits of synthetic fabrics , we invite you to read our new article dedicated to the subject.
More comfortable clothes
It is very important to be able to feel comfortable throughout the day, and this starts with the comfort of your clothing. Natural materials are generally softer, more breathable and more comfortable to wear than synthetic fabrics. They are also more flexible and elastic, which allows the clothes to adapt to your body. This will induce an increased feeling of freedom. In terms of comfort, we suggest wool at this time of year. You can find our woolens available online.
To give you a slightly more precise idea, let's take the example of merino wool . One of its major assets is its ability to limit the proliferation of bacteria thanks to its natural antibacterial properties . It will therefore limit the formation of bad odors, unlike most synthetic fibers, which tend to retain them.
This antibacterial property is particularly interesting for athletes and hikers, as it allows them to stay dry and feel fresh for longer.
More environmentally friendly
Awareness of the environmental impact of our industry is growing. Opting for natural fabrics is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Natural fibers can be grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, and can be recycled once they have been used. Unfortunately, this is more difficult for synthetic fabrics. In fact, their recycling is very limited and most synthetic textiles are still thrown away in household waste. However, if you opt for the latter and are environmentally conscious, polyester and nylon are the most easily recyclable materials at the time of writing.
More suitable for delicate skin
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from skin allergies, we strongly recommend looking for natural materials. They do not contain the same chemicals as synthetic fibers, such as formaldehyde, azo dyes, or nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), making them less irritating to the skin. Clothing made from synthetic materials is more likely to retain sweat and moisture, which can cause itching.
Take linen fibers, for example, which are naturally hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic. They are soft, supple, and breathable, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Best of all, they are easily recyclable AND biodegradable.🌎
Conclusion
As you will have understood throughout this article, natural fabrics have several advantages over synthetic materials. The latter should not be completely excluded, but must be the subject of an informed choice, as mentioned above. We will also publish an article soon, dealing with the advantages of these.
On this, we invite you to discover our new fabrics , which include organic cotton, linen and various woolens. We hope you enjoyed the article and we look forward to seeing you very soon for a new article!
Bibliography
1. Textile Exchange, Preferred Fiber and Materials Market Report , 2019