There’s a lot of talk these days about sustainable fashion, and for good reason. The way many fashion companies produce clothing has a massive environmental impact and we are not here for it! The good news is that there are many natural fabrics that can be used to create beautiful, sustainable clothing. In this blog post, we will take a look at four of the best natural fabrics to build into your wardrobe: linen, cotton, silk, and wool. Each of these fabrics has amazing benefits that make it a great choice for your wardrobe. We’ll also explore one unique fabric you may not have heard about — stick around till the end to find out more!
1. Linen
Linen is the ultimate summer fabric, but it’s actually something you can wear year-round in layers. The natural fiber comes from the flax plant, which — through the work of busy hands — becomes a durable, absorbent fabric that gets softer with each wash. It’s perfect for summer clothing because it helps keep you cool and comfortable in warm weather. And, no, linen garments do not have to be boxy pieces with no shape! Check out the amazing dress our maker Merces can create for you.
Another one of our favorite facts about linen is that it’s antibacterial, meaning it should stay fresh for longer and require less washing. Designers such as Shantima and Aiste Anaite create absolute works of art through their linen clothing, and the best part is that their items come in tons of different colors from neutrals to brights!
2. Cotton
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the world. It’s soft, durable, and breathable, making it perfect for all seasons. If you look into your wardrobe, you’ll surely find some cotton, or cotton-mix pieces in there! Though mixing it with synthetic materials can help the longevity of your garment, when it comes to reducing the impact of synthetic fibers, it’s always better to go for pure fabrics.
And cotton doesn’t just have to mean T-shirts! Our designers get creative with it, like this dress by Samshek, made of cotton lace!
3. Silk
What comes to your mind when you hear the word silk? Luxury, pampering, elegance — to name a few? Here at Balodana, we think of all these, plus one more: attainable! Through the work of our artisans, you can get your hands on your own beautiful silk garment. Snatch the amazing Anywhere is Away dress for the price of a fast fashion piece… but in pure silk and made perfectly in your shape!
Did you know? Natural silk is actually made from the cocoons of silkworms! It does sound kind of icky at first, but this delicate manufacturing process is one of the reasons why it’s such a valuable fabric! There are some other alternatives to this material, such as artificial silk, which is a synthetic fiber that imitates the look and feel of natural silk. It is usually cheaper than natural silk, but it is not as durable or sustainable.
4. Wool
Wool is a durable, absorbent fabric that is perfect for winter clothing and also for suits year-round. The best coats are made of this amazing natural material that can keep you warm in any weather. Thankfully, we are not short of wool coats in our selection! You might want to get familiar with EUG Fashion and their many wonderful pieces, including a truly chic coat made for the coldest months.
4+1. Bamboo
Yes, you heard that right. Bamboo is more than panda food — it can be turned into fabric! Though much rarer than the materials we covered above, bamboo contains its own set of wonderful characteristics: it’s soft, yet strong, and has a beautiful sheen. Because of its anti-microbial, hypoallergenic, and thermal regulating qualities, it’s the perfect fabric for activewear.
Canadian designer Delia Von Hahn makes magic with this material. Try out her daily wear pieces, such as these high-waisted leggings — you’ll never want to take them off!
All of the above fabrics are great choices for your wardrobe; they’re all sustainable, durable, and beautiful. They are also naturally biodegradable, which means they won’t harm the environment when your beautiful pieces reach the end of their lifecycle – and they can be recycled, unlike many manmade fabrics. We believe that these fabrics are the best of the best, and we know you’ll love them as much as we do. Start building your own all-natural wardrobe with us!