N is for…Natural Fibres

Looking in the labels of many clothing items purchased on the high street, it’s quite likely the label states the fabric is Polyester or another synthetic fibre. So why aren’t more items made from natural fibres? 

People have a tendency to associate natural fibres with rough, itchy, sack like material. Rustic, rough and certainly not stylish or functional! However, this view is outdated. Whilst a lot of these natural textiles are derived from plants such as flax, cotton and jute, natural fabrics today are very different to the original textiles they started as. 

Modern technology developments mean that there’s a wealth of fabrics available on the market place that are just as fashionable and chic as any other fabric, silk, cashmere and mohair to name a few. The previously mentioned fabrics are known to be the most elegant and luxurious available and many high fashion designers choose to use them in their collections. Natural fibres can even spun with manmade yarns, to produce fabrics which deliver the best of both worlds. 

Why would you choose natural over synthetic fabrics? 

As well as being beautiful, natural fabrics are environmentally sustainable and renewable. They come from trees, plants or animals, which can continue to be replaced, raised or regrown. Unlike many synthetic materials, natural options are biodegradable and decompose harmlessly. They are easily recycled and can be reused without harming the environment.

As well as being luxurious, natural fabrics have less impact on the environment as they are renewable and environmentally sustainable. They come from trees and plants which are suitable for vegans, and some come from animals. All these sources can be replaced, raised or regrown. The benefit of natural material over synthetic is that they can easily be recycled and reused without harming the environment.