Everything you need to know about what your clothes are made of

There is such a big push these days towards sustainability and a frowning down on fast fashion, specifically what these cheaper items are made of. As a personal stylist, I am seeing so many more clients ask for capsule wardrobes with pieces of a higher quality, they can wear more often.

Now there are two teams when it comes to fabric – natural and synthetic.

Natural materials are more breathable and biodegradable. Synthetic materials are more durable but have a bigger impact on the environment.

So, let’s go through some of the most common materials in our clothing.

NATURAL

Cotton

It’s one of the most highly produced fabrics in the world and one of the cheapest to produce, so obviously a significant amount of what is available and what we buy is made from cotton.

It’s made from the seeds of the cotton plant. It’s breathable and very moisture wicking (dries quickly) but can be prone to pilling.

Wool

It’s so warm because the fibres it’s made of trap air. It’s durable but needs special care when washing – hand wash or dry clean only – and is known to pill. If you have anything made of wool, please fold it to keep its shape.

The most popular types of wool are merino (the majority or merino sheep are bred in Australia) and cashmere. Cashmere is very expensive because cashmere goats can’t produce much wool a year, making it in high demand.

Linen

It’s breathable and cool, strong and durable but wrinkles so easily. Linen blends reduce how wrinkled it ends up. Linen becomes softer with each wash.

It’s one of the most expensive natural fibres in the world.

Silk

It’s strong, soft and luxurious, breathable and moisture wicking. It’s very delicate so handwash or dry clean.

As well as made into clothes, it’s used for silk pillowcases and hair wraps because it’s less abrasive on the skin and hair than other materials.

It’s an expensive fabric because it’s hard to produce.

Leather

It’s not breathable and has high heat retention. Suede is also a type of leather.

You also have PVC (pleather) or PU (vegan leather). These are cheaper and seen as ethical alternatives to animal leather but are made from plastics, so the environmental impact is obviously bigger.

SYNTHETIC

Polyester

It’s low cost, durable and low maintenance, retaining heat, making it not very breathable.

Being such a cheap textile makes it so popular, but it’s made from petroleum, isn’t biodegradable and sheds microplastics when washed. There has been somewhat of a shift to recycled polyester to reduce the environmental impact.

Nylon

Durable, strong and stretchy making it popular in activewear, swimwear and stockings. It’s quick drying but not very breathable. It’s inexpensive but energy intensive to produce.

Acrylic

Warning, flammable. It’s designed to be similar to wool but can be made to resemble other materials like cotton and silk, is durable and cost effective.

Elastane

Also known as spandex and lycra. It’s stretchy, lightweight and holds its shape, making it popular in activewear and underwear. It’s often blended with cotton, polyester and nylon.

It’s energy intensive to produce.

SEMI-SYNTHETIC

Rayon

It’s soft and lightweight and can feel like cotton or silk. It’s breathable and ideal for hot and humid climates. It’s not very durable so be careful when washing it.

Viscose and lyocell are types of rayon.

And then when you see on your label something that has a blend of materials, it has been made using the best properties of each mixed together.

For more style tips, check out my style blog and if you think you need a hand updating or refreshing your wardrobe, check out my style services. I can help you detox your wardrobe and take you for a one on one shopping experience.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.