There are so many different fabrics on the market that it can be difficult to determine which one is best for you. How do they all stack up? How do you know which fabric to use in which circumstances? We want to help you expand your fabric knowledge and understand why we love our natural Bamboo bedding. Natural or synthetic fibers can be found in all fabrics (or a blend of the two). Both types have advantages and disadvantages; natural fibers are derived from plants and animals, whereas synthetic fibers are derived from chemical compounds, and each is valued in the textile industry for different reasons.
Natural Fabrics
Natural fibers are made from plants or animals and have been used to make fabric for thousands of years. Cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere, and our personal favorite, bamboo, are just a few examples. While all modern fabric undergoes some type of chemical process during production, natural fibers can be produced in a safe and nontoxic manner. That’s why it’s critical to check that your favorite natural fabric brands have trusted certifications, such as Bamboo’s OEKO-TEX®, which ensures no harmful chemicals are used at any stage of textile production. Our bamboo viscose is also manufactured in a way that minimizes the use of water, energy, and other resources. Natural fibers are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and gentle on your skin! The benefits of natural fibers far outweigh the drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the necessary care. When there are no chemicals to provide wrinkle-free fabric, you may need to iron on occasion. Natural fabrics typically do not hold dye as well as synthetics, so wash them separately rather than in a regular load with everything else you own. If you take care of them properly, they will take care of you for many years. The benefits of natural fibers far outweigh the drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the necessary care. When there are no chemicals to provide wrinkle-free fabric, you may need to iron on occasion. Natural fabrics typically do not hold dye as well as synthetics, so wash them separately rather than in a regular load with everything else you own. If you take care of them properly, they will take care of you for many years.
The Benefits of Using Natural Fibers
Natural fibers are popular for a variety of reasons, including the fabric’s environmental friendliness and durability.
Absorbent. Natural fibers have an extremely high absorbency because plant and animal fibers have a strong affinity for water. This makes natural fibers an excellent choice for bed sheets and towels, as absorbency is critical for these items because they are used to dry surfaces and are frequently used.
Eco-friendly. Natural fibers have a lower environmental impact than synthetic fibers because they do not use as many chemicals during the manufacturing process. Because some plants require more water than others, some natural fibers are less eco-friendly than others.
Durable. Most plant-based fibers are extremely strong due to the structure of cellulose, which makes up natural materials. Animal-based fibers, such as silk and wool, are also durable.
5 Natural Fiber Examples
- Silk: Silk is a natural fiber that insects use to make their nests and cocoons. Silkworms produce the most common type of silk. Silk is a material known for its shine and softness that is made primarily of a protein called fibroin.
- Wool: Wool is a textile made from the hair of animals such as sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, and others. Wool fabrics include cashmere, angora, mohair, and others. Wool is a warm, absorbent, and long-lasting fiber. It is water-resistant due to animal lanolin oils, and it is commonly used to make outerwear and cold-weather clothing such as sweaters and coats.
- Cotton fabric is made from plant fibers derived from the cotton plant. Cotton is a soft and fluffy material made primarily of cellulose, an insoluble organic compound essential to plant structure. Cotton fabric is soft and long-lasting, and it is frequently used to make t-shirts and undergarments. Organic cotton, denim, and canvas are a few examples of cotton fabrics.
- Linen: Made from the flax plant, linen fabric is strong and lightweight. Linen is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, making it an excellent fabric for summer clothing.
- Jute: A coarse natural plant fiber derived from the jute plant, jute is used to weave fabrics such as burlap cloth. Jute is a popular fabric for rugs and burlap sacks.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetics were invented in the 1880s and have grown in popularity since then. Polyester, nylon, and spandex are all examples of synthetics. Synthetics have a lot of advantages. Spandex provides the stretch that you love in your favorite jeans. They last longer and are easier to maintain than natural fabrics. They can be made wrinkle-free, stain-resistant, and water-resistant. Because of their snug fit and water resistance, nylon and spandex have dominated the swimwear market, keeping you from feeling weighed down and having wardrobe malfunctions.
While those benefits are difficult to overlook, the truth behind them is what should convince you to choose natural fibers over synthetics. Because synthetics are created through chemical reactions, they can be produced cheaply and with customized properties. You may already be aware that the wrinkle-free properties used in them emit formaldehyde resin, a carcinogen. Synthetics are more heat sensitive, produce more static electricity, irritate the skin, and are not biodegradable. Chemicals should not be your first choice for fabrics that will be in contact with your skin for an extended period of time.
The Benefits of Using Synthetic Fibers
Because synthetic fabrics are man-made, artificial fibers, they have many advantages for everyday use, including affordability and stain and water resistance.
- Cheaper. Most natural fibers are extremely expensive, especially in their pure form, and synthetic fibers offer less expensive alternatives. Many synthetic fabrics are knockoffs of natural fabrics such as wool and silk.
- It is stain resistant. Because synthetic fabrics are more stain resistant, and some are even designed to be stain resistant, synthetic clothing can be great for daily, regular wear.
5 Synthetic Fiber Examples
- The first is polyester. Polyester is a man-made fiber made from coal and petroleum. Polyester is known for its durability; however, the material is not breathable and does not absorb liquids well, making it unsuitable for the summer months.
- Rayon. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from recycled wood pulp. Despite the fact that rayon is made from plant fibers, it is classified as semi-synthetic due to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. Rayon can be used to make an imitation of silk, wool, and other fabrics. Rayon examples include modal, viscose, and lyocell.
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