If you have ever pulled on a polyester dress on a warm day and immediately regretted it, but wasn’t sure why, this guide is for you.
Fabric composition is one of those things that makes such a difference to how you look and feel in your clothes, and yet it is something so many of us don’t think about until we are standing in a changing room wondering why we feel so uncomfortable.
Once you start paying attention to what your clothes are made from, it genuinely changes the way you shop. So here is your complete guide to natural fabrics, what they are, why they matter and how to make them work for you.
What Are Natural Fabrics?
Natural fabrics are made from fibres that come directly from nature, whether that’s a plant, an animal or an insect. Unlike synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon or acrylic, which are made from plastic and petroleum based chemicals, natural fabrics are breathable, biodegradable and have been used in clothing for thousands of years. There is a reason they have stood the test of time.
What Types Of Natural Fabrics Are There?
Cotton
Harvested from the cotton plant, it is the most widely used natural fabric in the world. Soft, breathable and incredibly versatile, it works across every season and every occasion.
Linen
Made from the flax plant, linen is the go-to fabric for hot weather. It is lightweight, breathable and gets softer with every wash, though it does crease easily which is all part of its charm.
Silk
Produced by silkworms, silk is one of the most luxurious natural fabrics available. Incredibly soft, lightweight and with a beautiful natural sheen, it regulates temperature brilliantly making it perfect for both warm and cool days.
Wool
Shorn from sheep, wool is warm, breathable and naturally moisture wicking. It is far more versatile than people give it credit for, working across autumn, winter and even cooler summer evenings.
Cashmere
Comes from the cashmere goat and is one of the softest, most luxurious fibres in the world. Lightweight yet incredibly warm, it is an investment worth making.
Bamboo
Technically a plant based fabric, bamboo sits on the boundary between natural and semi synthetic as it goes through a manufacturing process. It is incredibly soft, breathable and has natural antibacterial properties, making it a popular choice for activewear and loungewear.
Why Natural Fabrics Are Better For You
They Breathe
The difference between wearing a natural fabric and a synthetic one becomes very obvious very quickly, especially in warm weather. Natural fabrics breathe, which means air can circulate through the fabric and your body can regulate its temperature naturally. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture against your skin, which is why you can feel so uncomfortable in them on a warm day.
They Are Kinder To Your Skin
Natural fabrics are also much kinder to sensitive skin. Polyester and nylon can cause irritation, itching and even rashes for a lot of people, whereas cotton, linen and silk sit gently against the skin without any of that friction. If you have ever noticed that certain clothes make your skin feel uncomfortable, the fabric composition is often the reason.
They Last
And then there is the longevity. A well made natural fabric piece, cared for properly, will last years. Synthetic fabrics tend to bobble, lose their shape and deteriorate much faster, which means you end up replacing them more often. Investing in natural fabrics really is exactly that, an investment.
How To Care For Natural Fabrics
Cotton
Cotton is the most low maintenance of the natural fabrics. Most cotton pieces can be machine washed, though always check the label. Wash at 30 or 40 degrees to preserve the colour and shape, and avoid tumble drying where possible as cotton can shrink in high heat.
Linen
Linen can be machine washed on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees. Embrace the creases, they are part of the charm, but if you want a smoother finish iron while the fabric is still slightly damp.
Silk
Silk is the most delicate and is best hand washed in cool water with a gentle detergent, or dry cleaned. Never wring silk out, instead press it gently between a towel to remove excess water and leave to dry flat.
Wool
Wool should be hand washed or machine washed on a wool cycle at 30 degrees. Never tumble dry wool as it will shrink and felt. Lay flat to dry to help it keep its shape.
Cashmere
Cashmere is best hand washed in cool water with a specialist cashmere wash. Like wool, always dry flat and never tumble dry. Store folded rather than hanging to prevent it stretching out of shape.
Bamboo
Bamboo can usually be machine washed on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees. Avoid high heat in both washing and drying as it can damage the fibres. Air dry where possible and avoid wringing to keep the fabric soft and in good shape.
Are Natural Fabrics Worth The Investment?
You Don’t Need To Spend A Fortune
My honest answer is yes, but with a caveat. Not every natural fabric piece needs to cost a fortune. Cotton and linen in particular are widely available at accessible price points, and you can build a really strong natural fabric wardrobe without spending a huge amount.
Know Where To Spend A Little More
Where it is worth spending a little more is on the pieces you will wear again and again. A beautiful linen shirt, a classic cotton dress, a cashmere jumper for the cooler months. These are the pieces that will last, that will feel better every time you wear them and that will never look cheap.
Think About Cost Per Wear
The other thing worth considering is cost per wear. A £20 polyester dress that bobbles after five washes works out far more expensive in the long run than a £60 cotton dress that you wear for years. When you start thinking about clothing that way, the investment in natural fabrics becomes a very easy decision to make.
Ready to start shopping natural fabrics?
I have put together a carefully curated edit of the best natural fabric pieces available in petite right now. Every piece has been chosen with the short girl in mind, so head over to the Natural Fabrics Collection and take a look.
