I’ve mentioned in a few posts that I’ve been trying to move entirely to natural fabrics. For a mix of reasons – I just like the feel of natural fabrics first and foremost, and they age better too in my experience, at least for the machine wash pieces, they breathe better in all sorts of weather, and also a lot of the times they are better (especially the organic varieties) for the environment. It’s been a few years now, and here are some of my thoughts –
1. Shopping for natural fabrics garments itself can be hard, especially from department stores. There’s just so much stuff, and it isn’t as if Nordstrom has like a “natural” section on it’s site. One of the things I do is just search for what I want based on the fabric and type of item, like “linen jumpsuit“. I’ve found this works, and how I’ve landed on a lot of the pieces which I’ve then recommended here! And then I don’t get tempted by all the other goodies.
2. Natural fabrics really cost more a lot of the time! Which makes complete sense, but when I started the process, I think I had really gotten used to super super cheap clothing from the likes of Zara, H&M. But now, I’ve really gotten used to paying more for an organic cotton t-shirt and I promise that once you start, you will be too. Have you ever looked at a closet stuffed with cheaper items you’ve never worn once? Just think about that and pay for the organic coverup/tunic you’ve been wanting (me). PS – but also, once I started paying attention to fabrics, I feel that natural isn’t always more expensive? The Reformation dress in the photo above is $248 but this one is around the same price and viscose. Why?
3. Blends. I’m confused about blends. Ideally I try to go for all natural but when there’s something I really want and it’s a blend I try not to go for pieces with more than 1/3rd synthetic. .
4. But…there are some really cute pieces that are synthetic only. Do I make exceptions? Yes, especially when I think I’ll get a lot of wear out of a piece, like with this Kate Spade jumpsuit. Which I haven’t bought yet but am highly considering. If I think I’ll get high cost per wear, and really utilize an item, then I do allow synthetic. But I’ve been buying less and less.
5. Some natural fabric items on my wishlist – this Eileen Fisher tunic/dress (I want to get a dark color and use it as a dress, but I also really like the white as top layer), this gorgeous silk/linen jumpsuit (at least I can get one Kate Spade jumpsuit!), and this Reformation jumpsuit (though I’m a little frightened of the wedgie factor, ha).
Do you try to buy only natural fabrics? Or more of them? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips!
PS – Loved this Instagram post by Garance Dore.
9 Comments
Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life
April 8, 2019 at 10:44 amI haven’t done a lot of focusing on fabrics but I just learned this weekend that cotton is a terrible crop for the environment and I haven’t entirely processed what I can do with that information in terms of our shopping moving forward.
Katherine
April 8, 2019 at 11:54 amTry to do organic! That’s what I’ve been trying to do. And just getting good wear out of your clothes (which I know you probably do).
DK
April 8, 2019 at 11:01 amHi,
I don’t think you need to avoid viscose – it’s classified as a semi-synthetic because it’s derived from plant material which goes through a chemical process.
Semi-synthetics are a good option for linings. I avoid synthetic linings like the plague – the whole garment might as well be polyester if the lining is.
I know you love Max Mara’s coats – most of them have semi-synthetic linings.
Xx
Nvie
April 9, 2019 at 4:38 amNatural fabric is a natural choice especially living in a tropical weather. Anything synthetic or blend will just be irritating as they tend to be too hot and stick to the body. Linen, cotton and silk for tops. I can compromise cotton blends for bottoms. No doubt natural fabric is always more expensive. I can tell by just looking at the price tags, cheaper one are usually synthetic or blended fabric.
A.S.
April 9, 2019 at 11:16 amI’ve gone through a similar process for several reasons: wool retains less odor than other fabrics (I don’t glow… I sweat!), breathability and temperature regulation, the threat (real?) of microfiber pollution. It takes a ton more time. eBay has a “material” filter, though, which helps. I make exceptions for clothes that have to be super warm and don’t need to be washed very often, like coats. I’ve been trying to find an all natural fabrics bra but it’s really hard! For now I’m wearing the “Very Good Bra.”
Groupthink7
April 9, 2019 at 12:06 pmi have said this for years. I hate synthetics. I go out of my way not to buy them. This kind of curbs my need to shop so much. I only buy cotton, wool, alpaca, linen, flax, and some cashmere ( which is a miss most of the time). I hate acrylic, rayon, viscose, and other man made fibers because they don’t wear well. I have found that expensive items are often made with synthetics. Also, it has been found that synthetics make you sick. I don’t wear lingerie for that matter because every time I find something that I like; it is made out of polyester or rayon.
drifter
April 10, 2019 at 7:02 amI generally avoid synthetics, partly because of my mother’s brainwashing that polyester will melt in a fire! All the years of tagging along with my mother to fabric stores has made me unable to forget that polyester costs very much less than natural fabrics. I can’t believe how much some brands charge for clothes made from synthetics. I also hate acetate, especially since I live in the tropics and lots of brands line their clothes with acetate. Zara, Uniqlo and Muji put out some linen pieces for summer every year.
MM
April 10, 2019 at 12:06 pmHow does reformation fit? Am interested but can’t pull the trigger.
Katherine
April 12, 2019 at 11:32 amTrue to size but if you like a looser fit I’d size up!