Are Natural Materials Having Another Come-back This Year? Check Out Now
Synthetic fibers have been criticized lately for the negative impact they have on the environment. Clothing manufacturers rely heavily on synthetic fibers as they are cheaper and faster to process. However, the manufacture of fast fashion has affected the planet negatively as it causes various forms of pollution. On the other hand, natural materials have been used since the dawn of humanity and they never had any impact on our planet. Voices all around the world have been calling for the use of natural fibers in the clothing industry for their various benefits on economies and the environment. Natural materials are still used in fashion but way less than before. This year, however, we are seeing a surge of natural fibers in clothes, so are they having another comeback this year?
Natural Fibers Sustainability
Synthetic fibers require more energy (which we mostly get from fossil fuels) to be manufactured which doesn’t make them as sustainable as natural fibers. Natural fibers come from plants or animals which allows them to decompose quickly. These fibers, however, are generally made of non-biodegradable material, which is extremely harmful to the planet. Organic cotton became a better alternative to conventionally-grown cotton as the latter uses a huge amount of pesticide and water. Other natural materials use much fewer pesticides and have minimal effect on the planet.
Criticism of Fast Fashion
The fashion and textile industry is believed to be the reason for 20 percent of the world’s wastewater. Even natural fibers are processed with chemical substances such as bleach and dye, which harms the environment. Synthetic fibers are also derived from fossil fuels which are one of the main reasons for air and water pollution. The fast fashion industry is criticized heavily for selling cheap clothes that are thrown away after being worn a few times. Fast fashion has affected economies negatively as consumers now purchase 60% more clothes than they did only 15 years ago, which means they discard more clothes than before. Additionally, a lot of these are made in sweatshops located in developing countries where the workers get paid extremely low wages.
Investing in Natural Materials Clothing
Look at your wardrobe and find the clothes that have been there for a long time, they will most likely be made from natural fibers. People started to understand the difference between natural and synthetic fibers as they found clothes made from natural fibers lasting much longer than synthetic ones. With frequent washing, synthetic clothes lose their integrity, while natural fiber clothes, including the ones found here, can be washed several times without losing their integrity or having their colors fade. However, clothes made from natural materials can be more expensive, but they are a better investment in the long run financially and environmentally.
Natural Fibers Are Better For The Body
Wearing a cotton shirt on a hot day will keep your body cool, not only because it is most likely a white shirt, but because natural fabrics absorb moisture as well which makes the clothes more breathable. Additionally, natural fibers enhance ventilation in clothes so your body will breathe and won’t sweat as much as it would when you are wearing clothes made from synthetic materials. Natural fibers are typically hypoallergenic such as silk, linen, cotton, and other fabrics. Some of these fabrics have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and odor-resistant properties. Wearing natural fabrics will prevent the irritation of sensitive skin while synthetic fibers can trigger allergies because they went through chemical treatments. In the winter, some natural fabrics such as wool, bamboo, and silk act as natural insulators to keep the body warm.
Natural Materials Challenges
While natural fibers are usually associated with words such as green, sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical, it is difficult to see them make a comeback in the fashion and textile industry. Global production is the most important challenge that faces the production of natural fabrics as the land and water resources needed to produce either plant or animal-based fibers are limited. The workforce needed to operate the production of natural fabrics is huge and can be difficult to acquire. While clothes made from natural fabrics are a good investment, their price might affect their demand and supply.
People started feeling the importance of everything natural as they come in their purest form which doesn’t harm our health or the environment. The fashion and textile industry is not an exception. Natural fabrics have always been a big part of this industry, and while manufacturers rely on synthetic fibers, natural materials are still in demand. We might not see the comeback we want for natural fabrics, but they are, once again, getting more popular, slowly but steadily.
