Why is it better to wear natural fabrics?

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

It is better to wear natural fabrics because they are kinder to your skin

We may not put a whole lot of thought into the materials we place on our body, but we should. There is some real science behind why it is better to wear natural fabrics,and to shop for natural fabric clothing.

Consider the processes material goes through before it makes it into the store, onto the shelves and then onto your back. Some materials, such as polyester, may be toxic. Polyester is constructed from synthetic polymers coming from esters of dihydric alcohol and terephthalic acid.

Rayon is recycled wood pulp treated with caustic chemicals such as acetone, soda, ammonia and sulphuric acid.

Nylon, made from petroleum, often features a lasting chemical finish, which may be harmful.

Clothing labeled stain resistant, static resistant, wrinkle-free, permanent press, moth repellent or stain proof is often treated with perfluorinated chemicals such as Teflon.

Natural fiber clothing such as silk, cotton, linen, wool, hemp and cashmere are a better bet — and more comfortable.

Natural plant fibers include seed hair, such as cotton, and flax and hemp, which are stem or bast fibers, as well as coconut, which is a husk fiber, and sisal, which is a leaf fiber. Animal fibers include silk, from hair and secretions, and wool.

Wool

Wool possesses hydrophilic ability. This means it removes excess moisture and heat from your skin. It is a natural insulator, keeping you warm in the winter.

Wool consists of built-in climate control allowing skin to breathe. When wearing wool clothing, the body remains at its optimal temperature. Synthetic fibers do not breathe as well as wool.

More so than other fabrics, wool naturally possesses UV protection, protecting skin from the sun. Wool is resilient and naturally recovers its shape because of its complex internal structure. It is crease resistant and drapes beautifully.

Wool consists of the same proteins found in the outer layer of protective skin on human. That is why it works well with a person?s natural protective mechanisms.

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fabric that breaths. Cotton transfers moisture away from the body, removing liquid from the skin. It is absorbent, absorbing one-fifth of its weight in water before it feels moist.

Other benefits of wearing cotton include thermal insulation in the winter and protection from the heat in the summer. The fabric does not cling to the skin, which enables air to become trapped between the material and skin, resulting in comfort and insulation.

Cotton is good for those with skin allergies because it does not irritate skin. Cotton stretches effortlessly and is soft. It is durable as well because it is comprised of high tensile strength.

Bamboo

Clothing made of bamboo works well for those suffering from allergies or possessing delicate skin. Bamboo can be spun along with hemp, silk and organic cotton resulting in a strong but light fabric that keeps you cool but doesn?t stick to the skin.

Silk

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Silk, a natural protein fiber garnered from cocoons made by silkworm larvae, is often considered the queen of fabrics because it is an all-climate material, and can be worn in hot or cold weather. It is absorbent and allows the skin to breathe.