This post breaks down which natural fibre to choose for each type of clothing for non-toxic clothing swaps!
People are becoming more and more aware that synthetic clothing is not just terrible for the environment, but also toxic to our skin and health. High-street clothing brands are only pushing them because they are cheap and easy to make (check out my post about Why Plastic Is Bad for more).
Trying to replace your entire wardrobe with natural, non-toxic clothing swaps can be incredibly overwhelming; I am still only halfway there. The main priority is to take it slow, since the most sustainable garment is the one you already own and wear to death. Then, when a clothing item naturally wears out, you can replace it with a sustainable, non-toxic option (ideally secondhand).
I’ve previously written a breakdown of the best fabric choices in my Guide to the most and least sustainable fabrics. But knowing which fabrics are most sustainable doesn’t always mean you know which fabrics you should search for when trying to find specific clothing items, since all fabrics behave differently. So, this post will summarise the best sustainable fabrics in order, outline their performance qualities, and recommend the best fabrics to prioritise per clothing category.
Natural, Non-Toxic Clothing Fabrics Guide
My Guide to the most and least sustainable fabrics focuses mainly on the environmental and ethical impacts of each fabric type, but less on the qualities and performance of each fabric. It also divides the fabrics into either sustainable or unsustainable, but in reality that divide is not always clear.
So, before we dive into the best non-toxic fabrics for specific clothing swaps, here is a quick breakdown of the best fabrics, the second best ones, the fabrics to only buy secondhand, and the ones to always avoid.
The Best Natural Fabrics
Let’s start with the classics. These natural, plant-based fibres have been used for clothing for centuries and are still the best options for most clothing. They should be the priority for most non-toxic clothing swaps.
- Organic cotton: versatile, soft, and comfortable, and grown without chemicals.
- Linen & Hemp: breathable, textured, and grown with minimal resources.
- Recycled Natural Fibres: supporting the circular fashion economy and keeping most of their original qualities.
Second Best Natural Fabrics: Semi-Synthetics
Semi-synthetics are fabrics made from natural plant cellulose, but they go through a chemical- and energy-intensive process to be turned into fabric. Viscose and rayon are examples of this, which have significant environmental impacts and are therefore not considered sustainable.
But there are semi-synthetics specially made using a more sustainable process, using closed-loop systems, fewer chemicals, and less energy. The most well-known versions of these are from the TENCEL™ brand, which are similar to each other but have some key differences.
Semi-synthetics can have great performance qualities which are harder to find in purely natural fibres, which is why they are becoming a popular way to replace synthetic fibres.
- Lyocell: the most sustainable semi-synthetic due to a closed-loop system with minimal chemicals. It’s a crisp, silk-like, glossy fabric, and is more structured, has exceptional strength and durability, is wrinkle-resistant, and has moisture-wicking properties. It works best for high-performance garments and high-quality, smooth clothing and bedding.
- Modal: also much more sustainable than regular viscose but less so than Lyocell because it uses more chemicals. This fabric is more like cotton; it’s drapable, soft, stretchy, and comfortable. It is most often used for soft basic and everyday clothes and anything that needs good draping.
Note: a recently popular fabric is “bamboo”, which is always a semi-synthetic. Unless it is specified as Bamboo Lyocell or Bamboo Modal, you should assume it is unsustainably made and avoid it.
Only When Thrifted: Animal-based fabrics
There are several animal-based natural fabrics which have amazing qualities and don’t pollute the environment during or after wear. However, they all have significant environmental and/or ethical impacts from their production, like animal cruelty and methane emissions. So, many people, including me, choose to buy these fabrics only second hand, so you can still enjoy their qualities without the negative impacts.
- Wool: warm, timeless, breathable, and versatile from sweaters to activewear (yes really). Specifically, merino wool is one of my favourite fabrics ever because it is not scratchy, is super soft and breathable, and does not hold sweat or smell.
- Silk: the most elegant but still breathable fabric out there
- Cashmere: the softest and most comfortable warm fibre option
- Leather: timeless, cool, and can last a lifetime with the proper care
- Fur: controversial, but if thrifted, it can make for the softest and warmest winter garments
Avoid
Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, here are the main fabrics to avoid for non-toxic clothing swaps. It obviously includes all synthetics, but also some natural fibres that are produced in environmentally unfriendly ways.
- Non-organic cotton: the most water- and chemical-intensive crop in the world.
- Synthetics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic: plastic made from fossil fuels that releases microplastics and is very unbreathable.
- Recycled synthetics: often used to sound sustainable, but they are just as polluting as virgin synthetics and of lower quality, so they are mainly greenwashing.
- Viscose and rayon: semi-synthetics made using energy-, water- and chemical-intensive processes.
- Vegan leather or fur: just plastic rebranded, and it ages horribly.
14 Non-Toxic Clothing Swaps With The Best Natural Fabrics For Each Category
Now that we know which fabrics to choose and avoid for non-toxic clothing, let’s look at which fabrics are the best choice for each clothing category. Each fabric has different strengths and weaknesses, and performs differently depending on how it’s used. For example, activewear has totally different fabric requirements than dresses, so you would choose different fabrics.
Knowing which natural fibre to target for specific non-toxic clothing swaps makes finding them a lot easier, because you can use filters on shopping sites and secondhand platforms, or simply online search for the fabric + clothing type. Finding sustainable clothing brands can take a bit more research, but it is the best way to find natural and non-toxic clothing.
As a side note, in many cases where some stretch is required, you will find elastine blended with it. This is often unavoidable for a well-performing garment, and is not a huge issue if it is less than 10% of the total fabric.
This list summarises the best natural fibres for each main clothing category in terms of functionality and comfort. These recommendations are based mainly on my own experience and online research for clothing items I have not managed to try myself yet.
1. Natural Fibre Tops
Organic cotton, linen, hemp, Modal
Most of my everyday tops are made from organic cotton because it’s soft, breathable, easy to wash, and goes with everything. Linen and hemp are great choices in warmer weather if you like a more relaxed, textured look, while Modal is perfect if you prefer tops with a softer feel and a bit more drape. You really can’t go wrong with any of these, so it mostly comes down to the look and feel you’re after.
2. Natural Sweaters
Wool, organic cotton, cashmere
Sweaters are one area where natural fibres really outperform synthetics. Organic cotton is a great everyday option if you don’t need too much warmth. But wool is a classic sweater choice for a reason: it’s naturally insulating, breathable, and keeps you warm without making you overheat. If you’re buying wool or cashmere, I recommend looking for second-hand pieces, where you can often find beautiful high-quality jumpers that will last for years.
3. Non-toxic Trousers & Shorts
Linen, modal blend, organic cotton
For most of the year, I just wear jeans for daily wear. Denim can and should be made from cotton, so it’s not that hard to find organic cotton versions, made with natural dying processes.
For other everyday trousers and shorts, especially in summer, it’s best to go for linen or organic cotton. Linen keeps you cool on warm days, while organic cotton is comfortable, durable, and works well all year round. Modal blended with linen or cotton is another great option if you want something a little softer and smoother with more movement, especially for relaxed trousers.
4. Plastic-Free Dresses & Skirts
Organic cotton, linen, silk, Modal, Lyocell
Different fabrics create completely different styles of dresses, so there is a lot of flexibility here depending on what you’re after. Organic cotton and linen are perfect for casual summer dresses, while Modal and Lyocell create beautiful flowing fabrics that drape really nicely. For more formal occasions, nothing compares to the elegance and breathability of silk, and you can find some amazing pieces secondhand.
5. Non-Toxic Work Blouses
Silk, organic cotton, Lyocell
For officewear, you want fabrics that feel elegant but comfortable enough to wear all day without feeling too hot or restricted. Unfortunately, many work blouses on the market are made from polyester or other synthetics, which always used to make me sweat even when it is not hot before I started replacing them with better options.
For natural fibre work blouses, organic cotton shirts are timeless and easy to style. Lyocell is also a great option, which has a smooth finish that looks smart and hardly wrinkles. But silk is my absolute favourite, since it looks so elegant and feels incredibly light and breathable against the skin.
6. Natural Fibre Work Trousers
Wool, organic cotton, linen, Lyocell blend
Finding comfortable yet smart work trousers made from natural fibres can take a bit more searching, but they’re definitely out there. Organic cotton and linen work well for everyday office wear, and blended with Lyocell, it can create a smarter look with a bit more drape and fewer wrinkles. In the colder months, wool trousers are surprisingly breathable and elegant, and can last for decades if you buy a good-quality pair.
7. Plastic-free Work blazers
Organic cotton, wool, linen
A well-made blazer is one of those wardrobe pieces that you can wear for years, so I think it’s worth investing in quality natural materials. Unfortunately, most blazers on the market are made with synthetics, but natural options do exist.
Linen blazers are perfect for warmer weather and create a more relaxed look, though be careful of wrinkles. Wool is a timeless option ideal for autumn and winter, and is a lot more structured than linen, so it looks a lot smarter. Organic cotton sits somewhere in between and is a great all-round choice that works throughout most of the year.
Just remember to pay attention to the lining of blazers too, as many companies unfortunately ruin natural fibre blazers by lining them with polyester. You ideally want organic cotton or semi-synthetic lining, or something unlined.
8. Natural Fibre Summer Coats
Waxed or canvas cotton, light wool, linen
I haven’t swapped out my old polyester light bomber jacket yet, but I am on the hunt for one. From my research, versions of cotton are the best options for summer jackets.
I didn’t know this, but classic trench coats are made from tightly woven cotton, which makes them durable and weather-resistant. There is also canvas cotton, jersey cotton, and waxed cotton, which all have similar properties but different looks. I think these will be the best options for a natural, light, and weather-resistant summer coat.
Another nice option is a linen jacket when you just need an extra layer on cooler mornings or evenings. A slightly warmer option for spring is light wool jackets, such as boiled wool or merino wool, or blended with another fibre like cotton.
9. Natural Winter Coats
Wool, leather, fur
If you’re looking for warmth, it’s hard to beat natural materials. Wool coats are the best option; they are breathable, insulating, and can easily last for decades. Other great options are second-hand leather jackets or sheepskin jackets, which are durable and warm. Vintage fur is obviously a personal choice, but if you’re comfortable wearing it, reusing an existing piece is far better than buying a new plastic faux-fur version.
As I mentioned earlier, pay close attention to the lining of coats, as you don’t want a natural coat with synthetic lining, which ruins the breathability and feels uncomfortable. You ideally want organic cotton or semi-synthetic lining.
10. Natural Activewear
Organic cotton, merino wool, Lyocell
For decades, we have been told that synthetics like polyester and nylon are the only fabrics that perform well for sportswear. But synthetic sports clothes are extremely unbreathable and trap sweat, and once you switch to natural fibres you’ll wonder why you ever believed in the lie that synthetics make good activewear.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to find good natural fibre options currently, but they are slowly becoming more available. Organic cotton is a good basic option for low-intensity workouts, and works for tops, sportsbras, leggings, and joggers. It is breathable but does hold on to moisture, so it can feel uncomfortable if you sweat too much.
Lyocell, as a semi-synthetic, is a natural fabric with many of the better qualities of synthetics, since it’s moisture-wicking, stretchy, and structured. I haven’t seen many lyocell activewear options without synthetics mixed in yet, but they do exist.
The absolute best activewear fibre that I never knew about is merino wool! I know wool sounds like it only belongs in sweaters, but merino wool can be spun so fine that it can be worn in any weather. More importantly, it is temperature regulating, meaning it keeps you warm in the cold but also cool when it’s hot. And instead of trapping sweat as synthetics do, it absorbs it but then quickly lets it evaporate, keeping you sweat-free. Seriously, I have a few merino sport tops, and I can wear them multiple sweaty workouts in a row without them ever getting smelly. Though it is more expensive and not as commonly available for all-round workouts, it is the most amazing fibre for activewear ever.
11. Non-toxic Swimwear
Organic cotton, hemp, merino wool
Swimwear is one clothing category that I personally haven’t managed to replace with a non-toxic version yet. Synthetics completely dominate this industry, and even the more “sustainable” brands only try recycled plastic as an alternative, which is not more sustainable at all.
But from my research, there are three good natural fibre options for swimwear, and I am planning to replace my old bikinis with one of these this year. The main options are organic cotton, hemp, and merino wool. There are a few brands online that sell them, though they are on the pricier side, but I think it will be worth the investment. I’ll report back once I get one, but in the meantime, search for these fibres if you are looking to switch to plastic-free swimwear.
12. Plastic-free Underwear
Organic cotton, Modal, merino wool
I have yet to try merino wool for underpants, but I do have organic cotton and Modal ones, and they are amazing. I have seamless organic cotton pants which are laser cut, so they are great as invisible underpants. Modal is the most comfortable, with a cool feeling on the skin, and it even claims to have anti-bacterial properties. I am looking to buy merino underpants too since they should be very breathable and temperature regulating.
I do have a merino wool camisole undershirt which I wear practically every day, either on its own as a lounge top in summer or under sweaters and shirts when it’s colder. It can literally be worn for weeks without ever getting sweaty or smelly.
13. Non-Toxic Pyjamas
Silk, organic cotton, Modal
Your sleepwear is in contact with your skin for around eight hours every night, so I think it’s one of the most important places to switch to natural fibres. Organic cotton is my favourite everyday option because it’s breathable, soft, and easy to care for. Modal sounds like another good option as it feels incredibly smooth and cool against the skin. If you want something a little more luxurious, silk naturally regulates temperature and feels amazing to sleep in.
But to be honest, I just use old cotton shirts, and until they wear out, I won’t buy something new.
14. Natural Fibre Socks
Organic cotton, merino wool, cashmere
Socks are one of those things you can’t get completely plastic free. It has to be blended with a fair amount of synthetics to be stretchy enough to be held up. Trust me, I’ve looked. Apparently, before elastic synthetics existed, socks were held up with garters; that is the reason garters existed.
If you look well, you can find socks with a natural fibre base and no more than 20% elastane or nylon. Organic cotton and merino wool are the best options for everyday socks, being breathable and non-toxic. For lounging, I bought myself some 95% secondhand cashmere loungesocks, and they are unbelievably soft and warm but still breathable. Highly recommend!
I hope this post has made your journey towards natural and non-toxic clothing swaps feel a little less daunting! Feel free to leave a comment with your own experience with natural fibres; I would love to hear your recommendations.
