What are Natural Fibers?

Natural fibers are extracted from plants and animals, each having different properties. The structure of plant fibers is made of cellulose. The benefits of cellulose are it’s recyclable and biodegradable, reducing environmental pollutants. It also has a lower cost to grow and manufacture making it more sustainable than synthetic clothing. Unlike plant fibers, animal fibers are made up of proteins. Fibers like wool and other furs have scales that aid in the process of felting. Animal fibers are also biodegradable and eco-friendly. Both are a great choice for your skin and the earth. 

The skin is the body’s largest organ and one of its properties is absorption, so what you put on your body matters. Switching to natural fibers is healthier for your skin and a more eco-friendly way to go. A quick Google search of “chemicals in our clothes” reveals a longer list than I would have imagined. Formaldehyde, tributyl phosphate, and methylene chloride are only a few of the toxic chemicals found in clothing that could be in your closet. This is a concern because many of these are “forever chemicals” of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are “synthetic chemicals that contain fluorinated carbon atoms…and are highly resistant to breakdown, and accumulate in soil and water as environmental pollutants” (Merriam-Webster). If they are so synthetic that they don’t break down in nature, think about what they are doing up against your body. 

7 Common Natural Fibers

1. Bamboo. Bamboo is lightweight and breathable, yet durable. It is thermal regulating, meaning it helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer. It also has antibacterial properties which help prevent bacterial growth. 
2. Cotton. Cotton is absorbent and soft making it comfortable to wear. It is breathable and durable, as well as hypoallergenic meaning it does not trigger inflammatory reactions that other fabrics often do. 
3. Linen. Linen is breathable, durable, absorbent, and has no static electricity. It is also thermal regulating and hypoallergenic. 
4. Hemp. Hemp is breathable, durable, yet biodegradable making it an eco-friendly choice. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties as well as being hypoallergenic. 
5. Wool. Wool is breathable, durable, and sustainable like most other natural fibers but it has a few additional properties. It is naturally flame resistant making it a safe option for your home. Wool is thermo regulating and keeps your body’s heat. It can absorb 40% of its weight in moisture and still feel dry to the touch. The only negative to wool is it does have a small allergenic potential. 
6. Cashmere. Cashmere is exceptionally soft and warm to the touch; it is eight times warmer than wool. It traps heat in and insulates very well, while also being lightweight. Because cashmere is naturally a fine short fiber it is not as durable as wool and can be susceptible to piling. 
7. Silk. Silk is breathable, thermal regulating, and extremely durable. It is one of the strongest natural fibers. It also has antimicrobial properties and is hypoallergenic. 

Conclusion & Other Resources

Each of these fibers is unique but has similar overarching properties. Natural fibers are breathable allowing air to flow through them to keep your skin dry, comfortable, and healthy. Being sourced from a plant or animal, these fibers are naturally toxin-free and are usually processed with minimal to no chemicals. The result is a cleaner product that is safe to use on your skin. Using a natural fiber is overall balancing in nature as the fibers are sustainably harvested, can be safely used on your skin, and later can decompose, leaving a small impact versus adding to the many environmental pollutants. Natural fiber clothing is becoming more widely available. Thrift stores are a great place to look for quality materials at an inexpensive cost, while also being eco-friendly. There are also great brands online for sustainable natural fibered clothing and I recommend doing your own research to find what you like!