Fabric 101: Understanding Natural, Semi-Synthetic & Synthetic Fibres
- Libbie Rogers
- Feb 10
- 6 min read
Have you ever stopped to think about what your clothes are made of? Fabric isn’t just about how something looks or feels—it affects how long a piece lasts, how comfortable it is, and even its impact on the environment. Some fabrics are breathable and biodegradable, while others are durable but not so eco-friendly. Knowing the differences can help you make smarter wardrobe choices!
Let’s explore the world of fabrics, breaking them down into three main categories: natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. I’ll walk you through their benefits, some sustainability factors, and a couple of tips on how to care for them so your clothes can stay looking their best for longer.
Naturally Beautiful: Natural Fibres
Natural fibres come from plants, animals, or minerals. They’re breathable, biodegradable, and often get softer with wear. But not all natural fibres are equally sustainable, so let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ones.
Cotton
Soft, breathable, and versatile—cotton is everywhere! It’s great at absorbing moisture, making it perfect for everyday wear. However, conventional cotton farming uses a lot of water and pesticides. A better choice? Organic cotton! It’s grown without harmful chemicals and typically requires less water.
Care tip: Wash in cold water to prevent shrinking and maintain the fabric’s integrity. Air drying helps reduce energy use and keeps your clothes in top shape.
Linen
Linen is one of the oldest fabrics around, made from flax plants. It’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, and naturally antibacterial—perfect for warm weather. Plus, it’s a more sustainable option than cotton because flax requires minimal water and pesticides.
Care tip: Linen wrinkles easily, but that’s part of its charm! Wash gently and avoid over-drying. A quick steam will help maintain its effortlessly relaxed look.
Wool
From cozy merino to luxurious cashmere, wool is a natural insulator that keeps you warm while wicking away moisture. It’s incredibly durable, and if sourced ethically, it can be a sustainable choice. Look for responsible wool certifications or recycled wool options.
Care tip: Instead of frequent washing, air out wool garments to keep them fresh. When needed, hand wash with a wool-friendly detergent and lay flat to dry.
Silk
Silk is loved for its smooth, luxurious feel and beautiful drape. However, traditional silk production isn’t always the most ethical. If you’re looking for a cruelty-free alternative, try peace silk (Ahimsa silk), which allows silkworms to emerge naturally before the fibres are collected.
Care tip: Make sure you check the label to see if the item should be dry cleaned. Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent. Avoid wringing—just lay it flat to dry to keep it in pristine condition.
The Best of Both Worlds: Semi-Synthetic Fibres
Semi-synthetic fabrics start from a natural source (like wood pulp) but undergo chemical processing to become wearable textiles. They’re often softer and more versatile than purely natural fibres, but their sustainability depends on how they’re produced.
Viscose (Rayon)
Viscose, or rayon, is made from wood pulp and has a soft, silky texture. It drapes beautifully, making it popular as a silk alternative. However, conventional viscose production can be chemically intensive. A better choice? Look for sustainably produced versions like Tencel.
Care tip: Wash gently in cold water and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting, as viscose can be delicate when wet.
Tencel (Lyocell & Modal)
Tencel is a great sustainable option! Modal and Lyocell are both types of rayon derived from wood pulp, but they differ in their production methods and characteristics.
Modal is made from beech tree pulp using a chemical-intensive process similar to viscose but with better chemical recovery systems. It has a silky, breathable texture with a bit of stretch, making it ideal for soft, drapey clothing like lingerie and loungewear. While more eco-friendly than traditional viscose, it still involves chemical processing.
Lyocell is made from eucalyptus, oak, or birch tree pulp. It undergoes a closed-loop production process that recycles water and non-toxic solvents, making it one of the most sustainable semi-synthetics. Lyocell has a smooth, moisture-wicking texture with a slightly crisper feel than Modal, making it great for breathable activewear, shirts, and dresses.
Care tip: Wash both fabrics in cold water on a delicate cycle and air dry to maintain their softness and durability.
Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t need pesticides, but most bamboo fabrics undergo heavy chemical processing. If you want a more sustainable version, look for bamboo linen or mechanically processed bamboo fabrics.
Care tip: Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water and skip the high heat when drying to keep it soft.
Tech Meets Textiles: Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fabrics are man-made from petroleum-based materials. They’re durable and wrinkle-resistant, but they don’t break down naturally and can shed microplastics. While they have their place in fashion, being mindful of how you wear and wash them can help minimise their environmental impact.
Polyester
Polyester is everywhere—it’s durable, wrinkle-resistant, and affordable. The downside? It’s made from plastic, sheds microplastics when washed and can take hundreds of years to break down. Polyester is also prone to pilling over time due to its short, synthetic fibres that break and tangle with wear. If you need polyester, try recycled versions, which repurpose plastic waste.
Care tip: Wash on a gentle cycle inside out to minimise pilling. Avoid high heat when drying to prevent static and wear.
Nylon
Often used in activewear, nylon is a synthetic fabric that is strong, stretchy, and resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for high-performance clothing. However, nylon has a significant environmental footprint due to its energy-intensive production and reliance on fossil fuels. Recycling programs, are helping to reduce its impact by repurposing waste materials like fishing nets into new nylon fabrics.
Care tip: Wash in cold water inside out to prevent shrinkage and pilling. Popping your nylon garments in the dryer can cause them to shrink, warp and melt, so best to air dry where possible.
Acrylic
Acrylic is often used as a wool alternative because it’s lightweight, warm, and affordable. It is made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum or coal. While it mimics wool’s warmth, it lacks breathability and moisture-wicking properties, which can make it less comfortable in humid conditions. Additionally, its loose fiber structure makes it prone to pilling, and it isn’t biodegradable, contributing to environmental concerns.
Care tip: Use a fabric shaver to remove pilling and wash on a delicate cycle to extend its life.
Spandex (Elastane, Lycra)
Spandex, also known as elastane or Lycra, is a synthetic fiber made from a long-chain polymer called polyurethane. Spandex gives your leggings and stretchy clothes that extra bit of flexibility, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit. While it’s not biodegradable, it enhances durability and comfort when blended with other fabrics.
Care tip: Avoid high heat and harsh detergents to keep the stretch intact.
Australians are the world's biggest fashion consumers, purchasing an average of 56 new clothing items each year. This fast-paced consumption comes at a cost—around 300,000 tonnes of clothing are discarded annually, with most ending up in landfill or sent offshore for reuse.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Wisely, Caring Thoughtfully
Knowing what your clothes are made of helps you make more intentional wardrobe choices. Natural fibres are generally the most sustainable, semi-synthetics can be a good balance, and while synthetics have drawbacks, opting for recycled versions can help. But no matter the environmental impact of a fabric, the most sustainable choice will always be to buy less and wear more. Choosing well-made pieces that you truly love and will reach for again and again reduces fashion waste far more than chasing trends or impulse shopping. The longer you wear something, the lower its impact—so investing in versatile, high-quality garments is key to making fashion more sustainable.
Beyond what we buy, how we care for our clothes makes a difference. Taking simple steps like washing gently, air drying, and storing properly extends the lifespan of your wardrobe, keeping pieces looking great for years rather than months. When we treat our clothes with care, they become staples rather than short-term purchases, saving both money and resources. Sustainability isn’t just about fabric—it’s about mindset, and valuing what we own.
At the end of the day, the best wardrobe is one that reflects your personal style and suits your lifestyle. When you understand what works for you, you naturally make better, more intentional fashion choices.
If you're feeling unsure about where to start, I’m here to help! Book a free discovery call, and let’s chat about creating a wardrobe that truly works for you.
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