Textile Materials: A Guide to Natural, Artificial, and Synthetic Fibers
Cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, lyocell… the labels on our clothes bring together fibers from very different origins with very different properties. To better understand what we wear, it is useful to distinguish the main materials used in the textile industry, their characteristics, and the main issues related to their production.
This guide serves as a starting point: you will also find links to our detailed articles dedicated to each fiber.
What are the main families of textile materials?
Textile fibers can be grouped into several main categories. Boundaries and terminology may vary depending on classifications, but this distinction helps us understand their origin.
Natural fibers
They come directly from a plant or animal resource. These include cotton, linen, hemp, and wool. They then undergo various processing stages to become yarn and then fabric.
Man-made cellulosic fibers
They are made from industrially processed cellulose of plant origin. Lyocell, modal, and viscose belong to this family, among others. Their impact depends heavily on the origin of the cellulose and the process used.
Synthetic fibers
Polyester, nylon/polyamide, and acrylic are synthetic fibers, generally derived from fossil fuels. They often offer strength, lightness, or quick drying, but also raise issues related to fossil resources, their end-of-life, and microfibers.
Recycled fibers
A recycled fiber is not a distinct chemical family: cotton, polyester, or nylon, for example, can exist in recycled form. Recycling allows the use of an existing material, but its environmental benefit depends on the process, the origin of the waste, and the quality of the resulting product.
Cotton: the essential plant fiber
Cotton is a natural plant fiber widely used in t-shirts, shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, and underwear. Its softness, versatility, and ease of care largely explain its success.
However, its cultivation can require significant resources depending on the regions and agricultural systems. Organic cotton is based on different specifications from conventional cotton.
→ Read our guide: organic cotton: what are the differences?
→ Also discover: what is recycled cotton?
Linen: a plant fiber appreciated in summer
Linen is obtained from the plant stem. It is particularly appreciated for its strength, moisture-wicking capacity, and characteristic feel. It is found in shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, and home textiles.
A large portion of textile linen is grown in Western Europe, notably in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. As with all fibers, its impact then depends on the various processing, dyeing, and manufacturing stages.
→ Learn more: why is linen often presented as a more responsible fiber?
Hemp: an ancient fiber made new again
Textile hemp is a strong plant fiber derived from the plant stem. It can be used on its own or blended with other fibers, notably cotton, to change the feel and behavior of the fabric.
Its cultivation and technical characteristics explain the renewed interest of some brands in this material. This does not preclude examining the entire product: processing, dyeing, manufacturing, and lifespan.
→ Read our article: hemp in fashion
Wool: a natural animal fiber
Wool has long been used for its insulating properties and its ability to manage moisture. Depending on the animal, the fineness of the fibers, and the construction of the fabric, it can be used to make sweaters, coats, socks, or technical clothing.
Recycled wool also exists, obtained from textile or production waste.
→ Discover: what is merino wool?
→ See also: what is recycled wool?
Lyocell and Tencel: cellulose-based fibers
Lyocell is a man-made cellulosic fiber made from wood cellulose. TENCEL™ is a fiber brand marketed by Lenzing, which includes TENCEL™ Lyocell, among others.
The lyocell process is known for allowing the recovery of a large portion of the solvent used. However, the final impact depends on the origin of the cellulose, energy, processing, and manufacturing of the garment.
→ Our complete guide: Tencel and Lyocell: definition, advantages, and disadvantages
Polyester: the most widespread synthetic fiber
Polyester is a synthetic fiber used in a very large number of garments, from everyday pieces to technical textiles. It is appreciated for its strength, ease of care, and quick drying.
Recycled polyester allows part of the virgin material to be replaced by an existing material. However, this does not solve all the issues associated with synthetic textiles, notably end-of-life and the release of microfibers.
Nylon or polyamide: strength and technicality
Nylon belongs to the polyamide family. Lightweight and abrasion-resistant, it is widely used in outdoor clothing, accessories, shoes, and technical equipment.
As with polyester, recycled nylon streams exist. However, the actual recyclability of a product depends on its composition and the available infrastructure.
→ Read: nylon, polyamide, and recycled nylon: what you need to know
And what about leather in all this?
Leather is not a textile fiber in the same way as cotton or polyester, but it holds an important place in clothing, footwear, and leather goods. Its impact and characteristics depend notably on the origin of the skin and the tanning and finishing processes.
→ Understand: what is vegetable-tanned leather?
→ See also: what does Leather Working Group (LWG) mean?
What is the most eco-friendly textile material?
There is no single material that is systematically the best in all situations. Comparing only fibers can be misleading: the origin of raw materials, processing, dyeing, transport, quality, frequency of use, care, and lifespan all influence the impact of a garment.
A material with certain advantages can be used in a garment that does not last long, while a well-designed product worn for many years can have a very different profile.
How to choose the materials for your clothes?
Start by reading the composition and especially favor garments suited to your use, of sufficient quality, and that you intend to wear for a long time. Labels, traceability information, and brand commitments can then provide additional information.
At NEIWA, we select brands and products taking into account their style, their quality, and the initiatives put in place by the manufacturers. You can discover our selection of clothing and continue reading with our responsible fashion glossary.
Frequently asked questions about textile materials
What natural materials are used in clothing?
Among the most common are cotton, linen, hemp, and wool. They can be of plant or animal origin.
What is the difference between artificial and synthetic materials?
A man-made cellulosic fiber such as lyocell is obtained by industrially processing a natural raw material, cellulose. Synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon are industrially manufactured polymers, generally derived from fossil resources.
Is a recycled material always more eco-friendly?
Not automatically. Recycling can reduce the use of certain virgin materials and add value to waste, but its benefit depends on the process used, the quality obtained, the energy required, and the lifespan of the product.
How to find out what a garment is made of?
The composition appears on its label and generally on its product sheet. It indicates the different fibers used and their proportions.
