GUIDE TO NATURAL FIBERS (and which synthetic fabrics to minimize)
COTTON
source: cotton boll (can be standard, organic, recycled)
PROS
+ breathable, soft, absorbent
+ common & affordable
+ hypoallergenic
CONS
- wrinkles easily
- environmental concerns when grown with pesticides, high amounts of water
LINEN
source: flax fibers
PROS
+ breathable, moisture-wicking, thermoregulating, anti-static
+ softens over time
+ environmentally sustainable
CONS
- wrinkles easily
- can be expensive
SILK
source: silkworm
PROS
+ soft, thermoregulating
+ hypoallergenic
+ gentle on hair & skin
CONS
- fragile & stains easily
- difficult to wash
- can be expensive
WOOL
sources: sheep/lamb/merino; goat/cashmere/mohair; alpaca; rabbit/angora
PROS
+ warm yet breathable, moisture-wicking, durable
+ antimicrobial & stain resistant
+ provides full UV protection
CONS
- can be itchy or irritating to skin
- can shrink & pill
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Petrochemical-based, often contain microplastics, BPA, PFAS, chemicals from production/dying
polyester
spandex
elastane
nylon
rayon
acetate
polypropylene
olefin
acrylic
lyocell
microfiber
aramid
modal
viscose
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References
Song, S., van Dijk, F., Vasse, G. F., Liu, Q., Gosselink, I. F., Weltjens, E., Remels, A. H. V., de Jager, M. H., Bos, S., Li, C., Stoeger, T., Rehberg, M., Kutschke, D., van Eck, G. W. A., Wu, X., Willems, S. H., Boom, D. H. A., Kooter, I. M., Spierings, D., Wardenaar, R., … Melgert, B. N. (2024). Inhalable Textile Microplastic Fibers Impair Airway Epithelial Differentiation. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 209(4), 427–443. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202211-2099OCde
Oliveira, C. R. S., da Silva Júnior, A. H., Mulinari, J., Ferreira, A. J. S., & da Silva, A. (2023). Fibrous microplastics released from textiles: Occurrence, fate, and remediation strategies. Journal of contaminant hydrology, 256, 104169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104169
Natural Fibre. Encyclopedia Britticana. Retrived from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/natural-fiber