Natural fibres or synthetic fibres: What is the sustainable option?

Have you ever checked the label inside your clothes to see what materials it is made of? Go ahead and check the label on your left side, what does it say?...

If it says 100% wool, cotton or linen, then congratulations you are wearing sustainable natural materials!

If it says polyester, nylon or acrylic, then unfortunately, you are wearing man-made synthetic fibres- materials that contribute to environmental damage.

Don't fret though, I am going to inform you of everything you need to know about sustainable materials.

 

What are natural fibres?

Natural fibres are obtained from animal or plant sources- like cotton, wool or flax (linen). They are biodegradable and renewable, and generally much more eco-friendly than synthetic alternatives.

However, not all natural fibres are created equally:

• Cotton may be natural, but conventional cotton farming can be water-intensive and involve harmful pesticides. That’s why organic cotton is the better choice- it’s grown without toxic chemicals and uses far less water.
• Wool is wonderfully renewable and warm, but animal welfare matters. Sadly, not all farms treat their sheep responsibly. Look for ethical certifications like The Woolmark or Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) to ensure the wool is ethically sourced.

 

What are synthetic fibres?

Synthetic fibres like polyester, acrylic and nylon, are made in factories from petrochemicals, a non-renewable resource derived from oil. These fibres are:

• Energy-intensive to produce
• Non-biodegradable (they won’t break down for hundreds of years)
• Responsible for microplastic pollution, which washes into our waterways every time we do laundry

In short, they’re convenient for industry but costly for the planet.

 

What are "synthetic/wool blends"?

Synthetic/wool blends are a combination of wool (natural) and synthetic fibres such as acrylic or nylon. They are:

• More affordable than pure wool
• Durable and stretchy
• But… harder to recycle
• And they still shed microplastics during washing

If you want to be truly sustainable, blends should be approached with caution.

 

My Choice: 100% natural wool

Overall, natural fibres are a sustainable option. That is why I choose 100% natural wool in all of my knitwear. I source wool from a company who are active members of The Woolmark Company and support The Campaign for Wool.

 

What can you do?

Next time you are out shopping, check the label. You may be surprised at what you find- many fibres that feel or look natural are actually packed with synthetics. Every small choice makes a difference, choosing the sustainable option is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to begin conscious consuming.

 

Happy woolgathering,

Caitlin