As a species, we have been using natural textile fibers for thousands of years, both to create clothing that protects us from the cold or heat, and to build shelters and accessories. With the growing interest in sustainability and respect for the environment, these fibers have become a preferred option over synthetic materials. But what natural textile fibers exist? How do they differ? Which one is better? In the following post we will tell you everything.

What are natural textile fibers?

Natural textile fibers are materials obtained directly from plant or animal sources that are then used to manufacture textile products. Unlike synthetic fibers, they are biodegradable, renewable, and have unique properties such as breathability, softness, and strength.

Natural textile fibres are those that we have been using for hundreds of years. These fibres have been fundamental for humanity, firstly because they can be manufactured and worked without the need for specialised machinery and secondly because they protect us from external agents.

Types of natural textile fibers

Natural textile fibres are divided into two main categories according to their origin: vegetable and animal. We explain what characterises each one:

• Vegetable fibers: These fibers come from various parts of plants such as seed threads, stem, leaf or husk fibers and are mainly composed of cellulose.

• Animal fibers: Obtained from animals through their hair, wool or secretions, these fibers stand out mainly for their warmth and softness.

Fibers of vegetable origin

Because plant-based fibers are mostly composed of cellulose, they have properties such as strength, freshness and the ability to absorb moisture. The most commonly used fibers today are:

• Cotton : Coming from the seeds of the cotton plant, it is one of the most popular fibers due to its softness, breathability and ease of dyeing. Cotton is widely used in clothing, bedding and home textiles.

• Linen : Extracted from the stems of the flax plant, it is a very light, resistant and fresh fibre. Its texture has made it a highly valued material in the manufacture of summer clothing and luxury textiles.

• Hemp : Obtained from the stems of the hemp plant, it is a durable and sustainable fiber, mainly used to make clothing, laces and eco-friendly products due to its low environmental impact.

• Jute : Known as the “golden fiber” for its natural shine, jute is used in bags, rugs and decorative products. It is very economical and biodegradable.

• Sisal and abaca : Extracted from the leaves of agaves and banana trees, these fibers are resistant and are used in the manufacture of ropes, upholstery and handicraft products.

• Coir (Coconut fiber): Coming from the coconut shell, it is resistant and ecological, used mainly in carpets, tapestries and filling materials.

• Bamboo : Used in sportswear and socks for its softness and antibacterial properties, it is highly sustainable due to its rapid growth.

• Ramie : Obtained from the stems of the ramie plant, this fiber is shiny, strong and also has antimicrobial properties.

• Seaweed : This innovative fiber is extracted from algae and mixed with cellulose, it is very soft and ecological.

• Kapok : Derived from the pods of the kapok plant, it is a lightweight, water-resistant fiber used in pillows, mattresses and stuffing.

Fibers of animal origin

Fibers of animal origin come, for example, from the hair of animals or from their secretions. The most common fibers are:

• Wool : Sheep's wool is one of the most well-known and versatile fibres, and one of the ones we have been using for the longest time. It offers thermal properties, elasticity and wear resistance.

• Silk : Obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm, it is famous for its natural shine, lightness and softness.

• Cashmere : Derived from the hair of Cashmere goats, this fiber combines luxury and functionality.

• Alpaca and vicuña : Originating from South American camelids, they are extremely soft and warm fibers.

• Mohair and Angora : Mohair, obtained from Angora goats, and Angora, from the hair of rabbits, are light, silky and shiny fibers, used in high-end clothing.

Benefits

You may be wondering why many say that natural textile fibers are better or more convenient than those created artificially. Well, it is because they provide the following benefits:

• Environmental sustainability : Being biodegradable and renewable, natural fibers such as organic cotton and linen significantly reduce environmental impact compared to synthetic fibers.

• Comfort and softness : These fibres are naturally soft to the touch, ensuring comfortable and pleasant garments even for sensitive skin.

• Breathability : The vast majority of natural fibers allow excellent ventilation, absorb moisture and promote thermal regulation.

• Durability : Fibers like hemp and wool are strong enough to last for decades with little wear and tear.

• Antibacterial properties : Some fibers, such as bamboo and merino wool, have natural properties that prevent the development of bacteria, reducing bad odors and improving hygiene.

How to know if a fabric is made of natural fiber? Characteristics

The most recommended and easiest way to know if a fiber is natural is to read the label of the product you are buying. By law, the label must state exactly what fibers the garment is made of. Now, if you are looking at fabrics or for some reason what you want to buy does not have labels, look for the following characteristics:

• Texture and feel : Fabrics made from natural fibres tend to be softer, with a pleasant, slightly irregular texture. They do not have the shiny or plastic finish that characterises synthetic fibres.

• Moisture absorption : Natural fibers absorb moisture well, which results in slower drying. You can test this by placing a few drops of water on the fabric: if the fabric absorbs them quickly, it is probably natural.

• Burn Test : When you burn a small sample of fabric, natural fibers produce an odor similar to burning paper or hair and leave a fine ash. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, give off a chemical odor and melt.

Common uses of natural textile fibers

Natural fibres offer a combination of sustainability, comfort and versatility, making them ideal for a variety of products. At Clotsy we use natural fibres, which respect your skin and our planet, to create sustainable, practical and beautiful garments and products.

Clothing

Our clothing is made from natural fibres such as organic cotton and linen, for their ability to regulate body temperature, absorb moisture and ensure maximum comfort. Our sustainable jeans , sustainable women's trousers , tops, dresses and our sustainable sportswear combine functionality and care for the environment, ideal for those seeking performance and sustainability.

Underwear

To make our sustainable underwear we use seamless organic cotton and a small portion of vegan elastane. In addition, to give you greater peace of mind when shopping, we are certified according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Socks

Within the collection of socks that we have at Clotsy you will find traditional options and barefoot sock options so that you can choose the option that best suits you, all made with more than 80% Italian organic cotton.

What natural fibers are most used in textiles?

As you may have noticed, the textile market is full of natural options that offer quality, versatility and sustainability, but there are always options that are more popular than others. In this case, they are:

• Cotton : It is the most widely used natural fiber globally thanks to its softness, breathability and ease of handling.

• Wool : Known for its ability to retain heat, wool is essential for making winter clothing such as sweaters and coats.

• Linen : Valued for its durability and coolness, this fiber is common in summer clothing and home textiles such as curtains and tablecloths.

• Silk : A luxury fiber used in fine clothing, sleepwear and accessories thanks to its soft texture, natural shine and strength.

• Organic cotton : Similar to conventional cotton, but grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, ideal for everyday clothing and baby clothes.

What fiber can replace cotton?

Although cotton remains the most widely used fiber in textiles, there are natural alternatives that can replace it in different applications:

• Hemp : One of the most sustainable alternatives, hemp consumes less water than cotton and grows quickly without the need for pesticides. It is also resistant and breathable.

• Linen : Similar to cotton in freshness, but more durable and less resource intensive to produce. Ideal for summer clothing and home textiles.

• Bamboo : Transformed into fiber, bamboo is soft, light, breathable and grows very quickly.

• Tencel (Lyocell) : Although not technically a pure natural fiber, it is derived from wood cellulose, primarily eucalyptus. It is biodegradable, soft like cotton, and more efficient to produce.

Practical tips for choosing the best natural textile fibres

To finish this post we leave you with 3 practical and key tips so that you can always choose the best natural textile fibers when purchasing:

Consider the type of use

Choose your fibre based on what you'll be using it for. If you're looking for sustainable activewear, choose fibres like organic cotton, bamboo or hemp, which are breathable and durable. For outerwear or luxury garments, merino wool, alpaca or cashmere are better options.

Check sustainability

Research the origin of the fiber and the cultivation or production practices. Organic fibers, such as organic cotton or linen, have a lower environmental impact because they avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals.

Organic certifications

Make sure the fibers you choose have certifications that support their sustainability, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic cotton or OEKO-TEX to ensure the product is free of harmful substances.

Conclusion

In short, within the natural textile fiber market there are options for everyone looking for sustainable, comfortable and high-quality products. Of course, you need to know the properties and benefits of each type of fiber in order to make informed decisions that favor both your well-being and that of the planet. Always remember to verify the source of the fiber and opt for certified options that guarantee production that is respectful of the environment and people.