Choosing natural fibers for clothing means choosing comfort, quality, and alignment with a more responsible approach to fashion.
Natural fibers (linen, hemp, cotton, wool, cashmere, silk…) and plant-based regenerated fibers (TENCEL™, Modal, viscose…) all come from natural raw materials.
The difference between these two categories mainly lies in their transformation:
- Natural fibers are processed mechanically.
- Regenerated fibers are derived from plant-based materials transformed using a solvent.
In both cases, their origin remains natural — unlike synthetic fibers derived from petrochemicals.
To learn more about our approach to responsible materials, explore our fibers.
Natural vs synthetic fibers: what’s the difference?
Understanding the differences between natural vs synthetic fibers helps you make more informed clothing choices.
Natural and plant-based fibers offer several advantages:
Biodegradable
Unlike synthetic materials, most natural fibers in clothing break down naturally at the end of their life cycle.
Lower carbon impact
Many sustainable fabrics have a more controlled carbon footprint, especially when cultivated and processed responsibly.
Better for your skin
Clothing made from breathable natural fabrics is generally softer and more comfortable on the skin.
Thanks to their moisture-absorbing properties, natural fibers regulate humidity and reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Some fibers are naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Thermoregulating properties
Linen, hemp, and wool are naturally thermoregulating.
They help maintain a stable body temperature — both in summer and winter.
Comfort and long-lasting quality
Because of their natural origin, these materials are antistatic, flexible, and often more pleasant to wear than synthetic fibers.
With proper care, eco-friendly clothing materials maintain their shape and quality over time.
You can also read our tips on how to care for your garments and extend their lifespan.
Not all natural fibers are equal
It’s important to nuance the conversation: not all natural fibers automatically mean low environmental impact.
Some cultivation and manufacturing processes may require:
- high water consumption
- pesticides or chemical treatments
- extensive transportation between countries
This can be the case for conventional cotton, certain types of viscose, or silk produced under poorly regulated conditions.
Choosing natural fibers clothing also means paying attention to origin and production methods.
Which alternatives should you prioritize?
To reduce environmental impact while keeping the benefits of natural materials, some alternatives stand out:
- Organic cotton, grown without synthetic pesticides and with more responsible water management
- ECOVERO™ viscose, made from certified and sustainably managed forests
- Certified fibers such as TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal, known for their closed-loop production process
You can learn more about these materials in our dedicated article on TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal.
Choosing natural fibers for clothing is a conscious decision — one that supports everyday comfort and a more responsible fashion industry.
These materials interact naturally with our skin, allow the body to breathe, and move with us more fluidly.
Understanding where natural fibers come from and how they are transformed allows you to choose fashion that is better for the planet, for your skin, and for the people involved in its production.
