The Ultimate Guide to Fashion Materials: Natural, Synthetic, Semi-Synthetic, and Recycled Fabrics

The fashion industry uses a wide range of materials, each with unique properties, sustainability factors, and environmental impact. As consumers become more eco-conscious, understanding different fabric types can help in making better choices.

This comprehensive guide explores the major natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, and recycled fabrics used in clothing production. We will break down their origins, characteristics, pros and cons, and sustainability impact.

1. NATURAL FIBERS

PLANT-BASED MATERIAL

Organic

Cotton is a natural fibre that is derived from the cotton plant. Cotton is used for its durability, breathability and ease of care – most commonly in wardrobe basics like denim and t-shirts.

Organic cotton 

Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemicals, pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, or GMO crops. Less than 1% of the cotton grown in the world is organic.

Recycled cotton 

Recycled cotton is derived from the scraps of textile manufacturing processes, cuttings, and discarded garments, which are then processed to create recycled cotton fibres. These become shorter and weaker after recycling, so recycled cotton is often blended with a non-recycled fibre for strength. 

Linen

Linen comes from cellulose fibres in the stalk of the flax plant. Flax is a versatile crop, growing well in most types of soil regardless of quality.  

As a fabric, linen is durable, naturally moth resistant, and stays cool in warm temperatures. The loose structure of linen gives it a relaxed look and breathable feel. It holds colour well which provides it with a lustrous shine. Linen is used for creating pieces in spring and summer collections. Its light weight makes it ideal for shirts, t-shirts and trousers. 

Hemp

Hemp, derived from the sturdy hemp plant, represents a sustainable and versatile textile option. Known for its strength and durability, hemp fibers create fabrics that endure over time while becoming softer with each wear. Notably eco-friendly, hemp requires minimal water and pesticides in its cultivation, making it a frontrunner in sustainable textiles. Its natural resistance to mold and UV rays adds to its appeal. 

ANIMAL-BASED MATERIAL

Wool

Wool is a natural fibre that is obtained from sheep and other animals: cashmere and mohair come from goats, and alpaca is from animals in the camel family. Wool is best known for its warming properties when it’s cold, but it is also temperature-regulating to stay cool when it’s warm. This is due to the structure of wool fibres, which enables them to trap air and absorb moisture without becoming damp. Each type of wool has unique properties.

Merino wool 

Merino wool comes from the fleece of merino sheep, a breed known for its fine and soft wool. These sheep are primarily raised in countries with suitable climates for merino farming, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and certain regions in South America. Merino is one of the finest types of wool – it is finer and softer than regular wool, yet it has the same temperature-regulating qualities. It is high in quality and can be spun into fine wire threads that create a breathable material.

Recycled wool 

Recycled wool is not directly derived from sheep or goats. Instead, it is made from reclaimed or recycled wool fibres obtained from discarded woolen garments or textile waste in production. 

Mohair

Mohair comes from the fleece of the Angora goat and the fibre is known for its lustre and shine. The fibre has a soft and lightweight feel, and it provides a unique fluffy textured appearance that sets it apart from other types of wool. Mohair fibers are strong, contributing to the durability and longevity of garments made from this material.

Alpaca

Alpaca wool comes from the fleece of the alpaca, a domesticated South American camelid. Alpacas are primarily found in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. This type of wool is renowned for its softness and is often compared to cashmere or mohair. The silky fibres are long (10-20 cm) and fine, giving it a softer and more durable quality than sheep’s wool. Despite being lightweight, alpaca wool has good insulation properties that keep the wearer warm in colder temperatures.

Cashmere

Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, particularly breeds like the Kashmir goat. These goats are primarily found in regions of Central and South Asia. The fibre is renowned for its luxurious softness and is six times finer than human hair. Despite its lightweight nature, cashmere provides significant warmth which makes it a popular choice for winter clothing. Cashmere has natural breathability, allowing air to circulate while regulating temperature, providing comfort in various climates. However, it can be prone to pilling due to its natural properties.

Yak

Yak wool is a luxurious fibre derived from the undercoat of the yak, found in the Himalayan regions of Central Asia. The wool they produce is valued for its warmth, breathability, and durability. Like other natural fibres, yak wool has natural breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate while maintaining a comfortable temperature. The fibre is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a suitable choice for individuals with sensitive skin.

Silk

Silk is derived from the glands of silk-producing insects, particularly the silkworm. Silk fabric has a natural sheen that adds an elegant and glossy appearance to clothing. Although silk is a durable material, it is also sensitive to abrasion, light, perspiration and static. It is lightweight, soft to the touch and moisture-absorbing, which allows the wearer to feel cool in high temperatures and warm in low temperatures. When cared for properly, it can retain its qualities to last a long time.

Down

Down comes from the soft underfeathers of ducks or geese. These are lightweight, fluffy, and have insulating properties – they create tiny air pockets that trap warm air, retaining the heat of the wearer. Down is incredibly resilient and can withstand being compacted many times without losing its loft or ability to fluff. Down also allows moisture to escape, contributing to breathability and helping regulate body temperature.

Leather

Leather comes from the processed and tanned raw hides of animals – most commonly cows, goats or lambs. The tanning process is essential as it preserves and strengthens the hides as well as making them more supple and pliable for a garment. Leather is highly durable and can withstand wear and tear, contributing to the longevity of clothing items. With proper treatment and wear, leather becomes more supple and comfortable over time, conforming to the shape of the wearer.

2. MANMADE CELLULOSIC MATERIAL

Viscose

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a man-made fibre derived from natural sources, primarily wood pulp. The production comes from various trees, including beech, pine, and eucalyptus. It’s a sensitive fabric that is comfortable to wear, easy to wash, and retains colour well over time, but it can be prone to shrinking if not cared for properly.

Lyocell

Lyocell is a man-made fibre derived from wood pulp, typically sourced from eucalyptus trees. It is comfortable to wear with a unique powdery texture and smooth feeling. It’s most commonly used in our jersey tees, dresses and men’s shirting.

Modal

Modal is a man-made fibre derived from beechwood pulp. Its characteristics are similar to those of cotton, although modal is more resistant to pilling and more absorbent. It is often used as an alternative to, or blended with, silk or cotton. Modal will not shrink when it’s washed, and it retains colour very well.

Cupro

Cupro is a cellulose fibre made from cotton linter, which is a by-product of the cotton industry. The fine, silky fibres are produced using a closed-loop process. The material is soft to the touch with many functional properties: it controls moisture and stays breathable, making it warm to wear in the winter and cool in the summer. The consistency of the fibre can absorb dye well, meaning the colour stays vibrant for longer.

Acetate

Acetate is often considered as a semi-synthetic fibre, because it is made from cellulosic origins derived from wood pulp or cotton linters mixed with acetic acid. The wood pulp used in acetate production is typically sourced from fast-growing trees. Acetate is soft and delicate providing drape, flow, and a slight sheen to the styles that it is used in. It’s often mixed with other fibres for strength and durability. Acetate and triacetate are very similar: they are both semi-synthetic fibres with luxurious characteristics, but the distinction in their chemical structure leads to differences in properties.

Triacetate 

Triacetate is often considered a semi-synthetic fibre, because it is made from cellulosic origins derived from wood pulp or cotton linters mixed with acetic acid. Triacetate has a relaxed, flowy feeling and is a long-lasting and durable material that maintains its properties for years of wear. It resists shrinking and wrinkling (so it doesn’t need much ironing), dries quickly, is machine washable, and doesn’t pill or produce static. Acetate and triacetate are very similar: they are both semi-synthetic fibres with luxurious characteristics, but the distinction in their chemical structure leads to differences in properties such as wrinkle resistance. Triacetate is often chosen when enhanced wrinkle resistance is desired in clothing.

3. SYNTHETIC MATERIAL

Polyamide

Polyamide, commonly known as nylon, is a synthetic polymer derived from oil. Nylon is known for its high strength and durability, making it a robust material for clothing. It can withstand wear and tear, making it suitable for activewear, hosiery, and outerwear. Nylon has moisture-wicking properties and dries quickly, making it suitable for activewear and outdoor clothing.

Recycled polyamide 

Recycled polyamide is derived from used textiles, industrial waste, or other nylon products. The recycling process involves breaking down the existing polyamide into its raw form to create new fibres.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic polymer derived from oil. The material is very durable, tear-proof and abrasion-resistant, though it can be prone to pilling. It is designed to absorb moisture but not retain it which makes it ideal for activewear garments.

Recycled polyester 

Recycled polyester is currently derived from post-consumer PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic bottles or post-industrial waste. The process involves collecting, cleaning, and processing used plastic bottles into polyester fibres. These hold the same qualities as virgin fibres. There are no technologies at scale which can create recycled polyester from textile waste.

Elastane

Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fibre derived from oil. The incorporation of elastane in clothing enhances comfort by allowing freedom of movement due to its elastic properties.

Today, clothing containing a high percentage of elastane is not recyclable as commercial technology to separate elastane from other fibres does not exist.

Conclusion

Sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary shift toward a more ethical and eco-friendly future. By making mindful choices, we can all help reduce waste, support ethical labor, and create a more sustainable fashion industry.