The Advantages of Natural Fibre Clothing: Why You Should Shop Natural Fibres

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest trends in both fashion and consumer goods in general, you’ve probably noticed that environmental sustainability is at the front of many shoppers' and companies' minds. More and more of us are hunting for eco-friendly and ethical clothing options, and guess what? Natural fibre clothing is stealing the spotlight. With its numerous benefits, it’s perfect for those who care about style and the planet. Let’s dive into why natural fibres are a must-have in your wardrobe and how Impulse Boutique has got you covered with a fabulous selection of natural fibre brands.

Characteristics of Natural Fibres: What Is Natural Fibre Clothing?

So, what exactly are natural fibres? They come from plants like cotton and flax or animals like sheep and silkworms. These beautiful materials are spun into threads and woven into the fabulous fabrics we love. Unlike synthetic fibres, which are made from petrochemicals and can be a bit harsh on Mother Earth and the people involved in their processing, natural fibres have a much lighter environmental footprint. They’re biodegradable, renewable, and require fewer chemicals during production. So whether you’re after comfy basics or luxurious statement pieces, natural fibre clothing is your eco-conscious bestie.

Cotton Plants Flax plant / dried flax (creates linen fibres) Petrochemical processing plant

For more tips on how to build a wardrobe that’s kinder to the planet, check out our blog on Sustainable Fashion Choices.

The Benefits of Natural Fibre Clothing

Natural fibre clothing is not just good for the environment; it’s a total game-changer for your wardrobe! Let’s explore why you should make the switch:

Breathable and Comfortable

Let’s talk comfort. Natural fibres are usually more breathable (more air flows through the weave), making them a dream to wear every day. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool allow air to flow freely, which is a lifesaver when the temperatures rise. In summer, cotton wicks moisture away, keeping you cool and comfortable. And in winter? Wool gathers up that precious heat without overheating you. Talk about versatility! With the unpredictable Aussie climate, investing in natural fibre clothing is a fab way to stay comfy and stylish year-round. It’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with some breathable, natural pieces. Check out our Spring Trends article for some seasonal inspiration.

Hypoallergenic

If you’ve got sensitive skin or allergies, natural fibres are often the more comfortable option. Unlike synthetic fabrics made from nasty chemicals, natural fibres like cotton and silk are usually more gentle on your skin. They’re more likely to be hypoallergenic, which means fewer irritations and flare-ups for those with conditions like eczema. 

Long-lasting Quality

Now, let’s chat about durability. Natural fibre clothing is built to last! These fabrics tend to be way more robust than their synthetic counterparts. Wool can bend over 20,000 times without breaking, and cotton holds its strength even after countless washes. Sure, you might invest a bit more upfront, but in the long run, you’ll save money and avoid the constant cycle of fast fashion. Plus, investing in durable pieces means fewer replacements, which is a win for your wallet and the planet.

Are Natural Fibres Biodegradable?

Here’s a fun fact: natural fibres break down much quicker than synthetics when they hit the landfill. Fabrics like cotton and wool decompose naturally, returning to the earth without a trace. For example, cotton can decompose in just a few months, while polyester can stick around for hundreds of years. Choosing natural fibres means you’re making a choice that’s kinder to our planet—every little bit helps!

The Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Fibres

Let’s break it down. Natural fibres come from living sources and are usually more eco-friendly. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are made from petrochemical compounds and have a bigger carbon footprint. And guess what? They often lack the comfort factor. Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and feel sticky, while natural fibres keep you feeling fresh and breezy. So when you choose natural, you’re not just getting a wardrobe upgrade; you’re also supporting more sustainable fashion practices.

What Are the Types of Natural Fibres?

Now, let’s chat about the different types of natural fibres. Each one has its unique vibe and benefits, perfect for different clothing purposes. Here are some fab options to consider:

  • Cotton: Soft, breathable, and oh-so-versatile—cotton is a wardrobe staple!
  • Linen: Lightweight and breezy, linen is your go-to for warm weather.
  • Hemp: Durable and eco-friendly, hemp is a sustainable star that requires less water and pesticides.
  • Wool: Insulating and breathable, wool keeps you cozy in winter without overheating.
  • Silk: Luxurious and smooth, silk adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Each of these fibres brings something special to your wardrobe, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Is Rayon a Natural Fibre?

Is viscose a natural fibre? You might have heard about rayon, or viscose, and wondered if it fits in the natural fibre club. While it’s derived from plant cellulose, it goes through a pretty hefty chemical process, which makes it more of a semi-synthetic. While it does have some cool properties, it doesn’t have the same eco-friendly credentials as fully natural fibres. Beware of "greenwashing" in the marketing of bamboo viscose products - when shopping for bamboo viscose be sure to seek out fabrics that are made in a closed loop production process - where almost all of the chemicals and materials used to make the fibre are captured and recycled. Tencel is one such fibre, which is used in the Tani range of layering basics - proudly stocked at Impulse Boutique.  

 
Tani Swing Tee in Tencel modal

 

Brands Using Natural Fibres in Clothing

Many fabulous brands are embracing natural fibres and creating stunning, eco-conscious clothing. One standout at Impulse Boutique is Maud Dainty, known for its beautiful, high-quality pieces made from natural fibres. These brands are redefining what it means to be stylish while being kind to the planet—who said you can’t have it all?

 
M.A. Dainty Mantaray Silk Shirt

 

Shop Natural Fibre Clothing and More at Impulse Boutique

Natural fibre clothing is bursting with benefits for both you and our precious planet. From being breathable and hypoallergenic to boasting long-lasting durability and biodegradability, it’s clear why more of us are making the switch to these eco-friendly fabrics. Impulse Boutique makes it easy to kickstart your journey toward a more sustainable wardrobe with our curated selection of natural fibre clothing. Ready to dive in? Sign up to save on your first order, or contact us for more info on our fabulous collection!

Rebecca Impulse