Unravelling the truth: Synthetic vs Cotton Fabric

When it comes to choosing the fabric for your clothing, you have a big decision to make. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk are made from natural fibres and can be more breathable and comfortable than their synthetic counterparts. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex are often less expensive and more durable, but may cause skin irritation and are not as environmentally friendly. Both natural and synthetic fabrics have their advantages and disadvantages and which one you choose for your clothing depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. With a little research and knowledge, you can make the best choice for you and your wardrobe.

What are natural fibres?
Natural fibres include cotton, hemp, bamboo, linen, silk and wool.

What are synthetic materials?

Synthetic fabrics are man-made materials such as polyester, rayon, modal, nylon, spandex and lyocell.

What are natural fibres made of?
Cotton is a natural fabric that is grown and harvested from the seed of the cotton plant. It is a renewable resource and has been used for centuries in clothing and other textiles. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, are man-made materials such as polyester, nylon, spandex, lyocell, and biobased plastics. These fibres are made from petrochemicals, so they don’t break down and can release microplastics into the environment.

What is the environmental impact?
When considering which fabrics are the most sustainable, natural fabrics like hemp, bamboo, cotton, linen, and silk have less environmental impact than synthetic fabrics. Hemp and bamboo are incredibly fast-growing, require very little water, and don’t need to be treated with herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Organic cotton is also grown without pesticides or chemicals, so it’s more environmentally friendly than conventional cotton. Additionally, linen and hemp don’t need to be treated with harsh chemicals during the processing phase.

Although synthetic fabrics can be more durable than natural fabrics, they are not as sustainable due to their contribution to the release of microplastics and other pollutants into the environment. Therefore, when making sustainable clothing choices, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the materials you are using. Natural fabrics like hemp, bamboo, cotton, linen, and silk are the best options for a more eco-friendly wardrobe.

We are working towards using the most sustainable fabrics for our clothing here at Rex & Isla. Stay tuned for our next clothing collection drop which will feature 100% organic cotton.