Walk into any mall retail store and you can grab a trendy outfit for only a few bucks. The catch? Don’t expect it to last; it’s made from synthetic fabrics.
Over the last decade, synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, rayon etc.) have become a mainstay of the fashion industry for obvious reasons - they’re significantly cheaper than natural fabrics (cotton, silk, linen etc.) The result is low quality clothing at ultra-low prices— good for our pockets but extremely damaging to the environment.
Synthetic fabrics affect the environment throughout their life cycle. They’re made from fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gas emissions in the production process; then dyed in toxic chemicals that compromise our health and pollute water bodies. When washed, synthetics release microfibers which can harm marine life. After a couple of washes, they begin to pill, unravel and shortly become unwearable. Upon disposal, they persist in the environment for hundreds of years because they’re non-biodegradable.
Why natural?
Pieces made from natural fibers are more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic fibers because their production process uses less energy and fewer chemicals. You can also feel better disposing of them when they’ve *finally* worn down because they’re biodegradable.
Most can be produced organically to limit their impact on the environment. They also can be grown with very little water and no pesticides to preserve biodiversity and save natural resources.
With proper care, clothing made from natural fabrics can last for years, even decades, because of the structure of the fibers. They hold up over many washes and wears and save you money in the long run.
Our favs?
Silk
Silk is produced by silkworms as a material for their cocoons. It’s strong and durable, yet soft and lustrous. It’s also known for its hypoallergenic properties, making it compatible with all skin types.
Wool
Wool is a textile derived from the hairs of sheep, goats and alpacas. A natural insulator, wool provides a high level of thermal comfort. It’s also a hard-wearing fabric, which can withstand heavy wear and tear and harsh weather.
Cotton
One of the most widely used textile fibers in the world originating from, of course, the cotton plant. It’s lightweight, breathable and soft properties making it ideal for t-shirts, denim and undergarments.
Linen
Linen fabric comes from the flax plant; which requires no more than naturally occurring rain water to grow. The fabric is very breathable and a great textile for warm weather clothes.
All in all, next time you’re shopping or thrifting, choose something natural. If the above doesn’t have you convinced yet, natural fabrics have a sweet way of grounding and connecting you to mama earth.