When you are looking for new clothing for your clothing brand, one of the most important decisions you have to make is whether to buy natural or synthetic fabric.
Both options have pros and cons, so decide which is best for you. After reading this post, you’ll know the differences between natural and synthetic fabric and help you decide which option is right for you!
What is Natural Fabric?
Generally speaking, natural fabrics are made from materials derived from plants or animals. Cotton, wool, silk, and linen are all examples of natural fabrics.
Some people might also consider bamboo fabric a natural fabric, as the bamboo plant is a natural source of cellulose.
And while rayon is technically a synthetic material, it can be made from plant-based materials like bamboo or eucalyptus and is sometimes considered a natural fabric.
Common Natural Fabrics:
- Organic Cotton
- Wool
- Silk
- Linen
- Bamboo
- Rayon
What is Synthetic Fabric?
Synthetic fabrics are made from petrochemicals using chemical processes. They are created in a lab, not on a farm. The most common synthetic fabrics are polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
Polyester is made from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Nylon is made from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. Acrylic is made from propylene glycol and acrylonitrile.
Synthetic fabrics are often cheaper to produce than natural fabrics like cotton or wool, which is one of the reasons they’re so popular. They’re also less absorbent and can be more difficult to dye than natural fabrics.
Common Synthetic Fabrics:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Spandex
- Lycra
Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Fabrics
You should know a few things about natural fabrics before deciding which suits you.
Advantages:
More Breathable:
Natural fabrics, such as wool and cotton, are more breathable than synthetic fabrics. This means that they allow air to circulate more freely, which makes you more relaxed in the summer and warmer in the winter. It also helps to prevent moisture from building up, which can make you feel uncomfortable and can lead to skin problems.
Most Natural Fabrics Are Hypoallergenic:
Most natural fabrics are also hypoallergenic and less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This is because natural fibers contain no chemicals that can cause allergies, such as formaldehyde or vinyl. As a result, natural fabrics are a good choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Great Insulators:
Natural fabrics, such as wool and cotton, are excellent insulators because of their fibrous construction. The individual fibers in these fabrics can trap pockets of air, which helps keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This means it can be an excellent choice for seasonal and year-round clothing.
Sustainable and Renewable Choice:
Natural fabrics are sustainable and renewable because they come from natural sources like trees or animals. This means they can be replaced as they are used, unlike synthetic fabrics made from non-renewable resources.
Disadvantages:
There are a few critical disadvantages of natural fabrics:
Less durable than synthetic fabrics:
Natural fabrics are not as strong or durable as synthetic fibers. This means they are more likely to tear, stain, or stretch out of shape. As a result, natural fabrics require more care and may need to be replaced more often than synthetic fabrics.
More difficult to clean and care for:
Natural fabrics can be more challenging to clean and care for than synthetic fabrics. They may require special detergents or treatments and shrink or bleed when washed. So, natural fabrics may require more time and effort to care for properly.
More expensive:
Natural fabrics are typically more expensive than synthetic fabrics. This is because they are more challenging to produce and require more care. So, natural materials may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Synthetic Fabrics
Now, let’s look at synthetic fabrics.
Advantages:
Good elasticity:
One advantage of synthetic fabrics is that they have good elasticity. This means they can stretch without breaking and return to their original shape when the stretching force is removed.
This is useful for garments that need to stretch or for fabrics that will be used in upholstery, where they need to be able to recover from being sat on or stretched.
Wrinkle-resistant:
Synthetic fabrics are also generally wrinkle-resistant. This is because the fibers are less likely to absorb moisture, which can cause wrinkles.
This is a useful property for clothing that needs to look good after being packed into a suitcase or for fabrics that will be used in upholstery, where wrinkles can be difficult to remove.
More durable:
Synthetic fabrics are also usually more durable than natural fabrics. This is because the fibers are less likely to break and are often treated with chemicals that make them resistant to damage from sunlight, mildew, and other environmental factors.
Less expensive:
Another advantage of synthetic fabrics is that they are usually less expensive than natural fabrics. This is because they are easier to produce in large quantities, and the manufacturing process is often more efficient.
More readily available:
Synthetic fabrics are also more readily available than natural fibres. This is because they are produced in large quantities and can be made from various materials.
Disadvantages:
Less breathable:
One disadvantage of synthetic fabrics is that they are often less breathable than natural fibres. This means they don’t allow as much air to pass through, making them feel hot and sticky.
This is a problem for clothing that needs to be worn in warm weather or for fabrics in upholstery, where they need to be able to breathe.
More likely to cause skin irritation:
Another disadvantage of synthetic fabrics is that they are more likely to cause skin irritation, because the fibers can trap sweat and bacteria against the skin and irritate the skin if made from harsh chemicals.
This problem is for clothing next to the skin and for fabrics in upholstery, where people may be in contact with them for long periods.
Can melt:
Another disadvantage of synthetic fabrics is that they can melt if exposed to high temperatures. It can be problematic if synthetic fabrics are used in clothing or upholstery near a heat source, such as a fireplace.
Not biodegradable:
Synthetic fabrics are also not biodegradable, meaning they will not decompose in the environment. This can be a problem if you are trying to reduce your environmental impact.
Natural Vs. Synthetic Fabrics, which is more sustainable?
There are two opinions on this, and we will discuss both:
- Traditional Opinion: Cotton is more environmentally friendly than Synthetic.
- New Opinion: Cotton plans might cause water abuse while there is an eco-friendly recycled synthetic fabric that is more sustainable.
The traditional opinion is that cotton is more sustainable than synthetic fabrics since cotton is renewable and biodegradable.
However, the new opinion is that synthetic fabrics are more sustainable than cotton. Because synthetic fabrics can be made from recycled materials, which are not as damaging to the environment as cotton production.
Cotton is a natural fiber and has been in use for centuries. It is biodegradable, meaning it will decompose in the environment. Cotton is also renewable, meaning it can be grown again and again.
Synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum products, which are not renewable. Synthetic fibers are also not biodegradable, meaning they will not decompose in the environment.
So, which is more sustainable?
I think the answer depends on your point of view. If you are worried about the impact of synthetic fibers on the environment, then you might think they are more sustainable. However, suppose you are worried about the impact of cotton production on the environment. In that case, you might think cotton is more sustainable. It depends on what you value most!
Wrapping Up:
So, what’s the verdict? Are natural fibre or synthetic fibre better for your clothing brand? The answer is it depends.
Both natural and synthetic fabrics have benefits and drawbacks that you must consider when deciding. If you want a durable fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily, go with synthetic materials.
However, choose natural fibers if you want something breathable and environmentally friendly.
Remember to do your research, so you can make an informed decision about which type of fabric is best for your business.
Lezhou Garment is a professional clothing manufacturer with over 10 years of experience. We are able to provide you with high-quality, sustainable clothing made from both natural and synthetic materials. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information!
Thank you for reading!