A look at Natural Fibres vs Synthetic fibres
As I take my family on a journey to a more natural and low-toxic way of living, I’ve been doing a little of reading on natural fibres vs synthetic fibres. Up until the late 19th century, the main fibres that were used for garment making were cotton, wool, silk and linen. These fibres were easily processed from their natural source and were used to construct beautiful pieces that have stood the test of time. The benefits of natural fibres on the skin far outweigh their synthetic counterparts. Known for their quality, breathability, versatility and not to mention sustainability, natural fibres are fantastic materials to be used in clothing. I’ve written an easy guide detailing the components and facts of each natural fibres as well as synthetic fibres too. Have you ever wondered how long it takes for each material to decompose and where it comes from? Read on to find out!
Natural Fibers
Cotton
History:
Cotton is the most commonly used natural fibre in the world. Ancient civilisations used it and we still use it today. It is known.
Source:
Cotton comes from the cotton plant.
Popular regions grown:
The Americas, Africa, Egypt, China and India
Characteristics:
Soft, breathable, versatile, durable, easily wrinkled
Decomposition timeframe:
1 week – 5 months
Linen
History:
Linen fabric has been used since the ancient times amongst the Jews and Egyptians. It wasn’t until many centuries later in the Middle Ages that Europe began utilising linen.
Source:
Linen comes from the stalks of the flax plant.
Popular regions grown:
The Americas, Africa, Egypt, China and India
Characteristics:
Cooling, strong, high absorbency, versatile
Decomposition timeframe:
2 weeks
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands
Proverbs 31:13
Wool
History:
Woolen fibres have been used since time began. The bible makes mention of wool first in Leviticus.
Source:
Variations of wool come from the fur of animals such as sheep, goat (cashmere), alpaca, merino and lamb
Popular regions grown:
Worldwide, though Australia is the no.1 producer of wool
Characteristics:
Insulating, dyeable, flame-resistant
Decomposition timeframe:
3 – 4 months
Silk
History:
Silk, the material of luxury has been used in China for thousands of years.
Source:
Silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms.
Popular regions grown:
China
Characteristics:
Luxurious, lustrous, smooth, soft, strong, lightweight, draping
Decomposition timeframe:
4 years
Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic man-made fibres are created through chemical processes. Though they offer numerous benefits such as durability, wrinkle-resistance and elasticity, the impact on one’s health and the environment should be cause for some concern. Popular synthetic fibres include polyester, nylon, viscose (semi-synthetic), acrylic and spandex.
Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ found in mPs blood
A recent study has found that toxic “forever chemicals,” were present in the hair and blood samples of 17 UK politicians and environmental leaders. These chemicals are known for their prevalence in the environment and pose several potential health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system disruption.
Synthetic nappies on babies skin
It’s certain that individuals can have a negative reaction to synthetic fibres. Some man-made fabrics are not breathable and cause a reaction to the epidermis layer of the skin. I know this first hand as I saw how my child very quickly developed a rash after switching to another brand of nappies, which after checking, used polyester. Children’s skins are so delicate, it’s no wonder why the vast majority of childrenswear are made from cotton.
Synthetic fibres and their decomposition times
- Polyester: ~200 years
- Nylon: 30-40 years
- Modal: 20 years
- Acrylic: ~200 years
- Spandex: 20-30 years
- Polypropylene: 20-30 years
- Acetate: 1-10 years
- Viscose (Rayon): 30-40 years
Conclusion
Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk are beneficial not only for the skin but for the environment around us. Next time you’re shopping for new clothes, why not try to look for items that are made out of natural fibres? I’m trying to look for brands that offer good quality items and don’t cause me to break the bank. If you know of any, please share in the comments!
