Made to matter

Why we choose natural fibers and reject synthetics?

by Neele Wette

Take a look inside any wardrobe today, and chances are the majority of garments you’ll find are made from synthetic materials. In fact, around 68% of all textiles produced globally consist of man-made fibres like polyester or nylon.

These fibres come from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. They don’t just disappear when we throw them away. In fact, it can take hundreds of years for synthetic fabrics to break down. Around 92 million tons of clothing are thrown away every year worldwide, and a large portion of it has never even been worn. Much of this waste ends up in landfills in already impoverished countries, because there is still no effective way to recycle synthetic fibers. In some regions, these textile dumps grow so large that they become toxic hazards to local communities, affecting soil, air and groundwater.

It doesn’t matter if the synthetic fibre content is very small. Once a chemical fibre is blended with a natural one, the fabric becomes almost impossible to recycle. Many people think they’re doing something good for the environment when a T-shirt is labelled as 97% cotton, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Even a minimal percentage of synthetic content can drastically reduce a garment’s end-of-life options, locking it out of circular systems like composting or mechanical recycling.

Every time you wash synthetic clothing, microplastics break off and end up in rivers, oceans, and even our bodies through the water we drink. It disrupts entire ecosystems, especially in the oceans. These microscopic plastic particles have been found in marine life, drinking water, and even in human blood, raising urgent questions about long-term health effects. (You can read more about this topic at our blob post about the “oceanic collection”.) And it’s not just the fibres themselves. Synthetic fabrics are often made using toxic chemicals, dyes, bleaches and softeners, which can irritate our skin and release greenhouse gases during production. The entire lifecycle of synthetic fabrics — from extraction to manufacturing to disposal — is resource-intensive and polluting. Each stage leaves a heavy environmental footprint that contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health concerns.

Given these environmental and health concerns, many people are turning towards natural fabrics as a better alternative. They’re made from plants, not oil and are more gentle to our skin. Natural fabrics are breathable, help regulate moisture, and are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. They also offer better temperature regulation, keeping you comfortable in both warm and cool conditions. Materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp and bamboo have gained popularity, not only for their eco-friendliness but also for their comfort and aesthetic appeal. In many cases, these practices support local economies, protect ecosystems, and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

By choosing natural materials, you’re also opting for textiles that are often produced with lower environmental impact and more responsible farming and manufacturing practices.

Natural fibres are not the ultimate solution either. At least not the way they are currently produced. The cultivation and dyeing processes of natural fabrics still involve the use of many chemicals. That´s why they are testing more and more plants that require less maintenance, such as nettles. They may offer a promising alternative in the coming years, so they might be part of the future of sustainable fashion.

Still most wardrobes look pretty similar: full of clothes bought quickly, worn briefly, and forgotten just as fast. Shiny fabrics, trendy cuts, cheap price tags. It all feels convenient, until you start to question yourself: Where do these clothes come from? Who makes them? What are they made of? And where do they go when we’re done with them?

And with these questions, there comes a quiet shift. A growing awareness. A sense that maybe there’s a different way to dress. One that feels better, not just looks better.

It might mean choosing fewer pieces, but ones that tell a story. Reaching for something natural, something that breathes, something that lasts. Buying with care instead of impulse. These are small actions, yes. But they carry weight.