Natural fibers

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers are fibers that are made from materials found in nature. They are generally categorized into three types: plant-based, animal-based, and mineral-based fibers. Each type has its own distinct properties. Below are some of the most commonly used natural fibers in clothing production:

Cotton

Cotton fabric is made from plant fibers derived from the cotton plant. One of its key features is excellent breathability. It's soft, durable, and resistant to sunlight and heat. Cotton is also easy to care for.

Cotton is primarily composed of cellulose, an organic compound vital for plant structure. It is soft and fluffy, commonly used for T-shirts and undergarments. Popular types of cotton fabric include organic cotton, denim, and canvas.

Silk

Silk is a natural animal fiber, best known for its shiny, smooth, and soft texture. It is gentle to the touch. However, its downside is that it is not sunlight-resistant, relatively delicate, and requires careful maintenance.

Silk is mainly produced by silkworms and is made of a protein called fibroin. It’s valued for its luxurious shine and smoothness.

Linen

Linen fabric is another plant-based fiber, like cotton, but with a few differences. Linen is stiffer and absorbs moisture better than cotton but is less elastic. It wrinkles easily, so it’s better stored rolled than folded to prevent fiber breakage.

Linen is made from the flax plant. It is strong, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and very breathable—ideal for warm-weather clothing.

Wool

Wool is made from the hair of animals like sheep, goats, alpacas, and rabbits. It provides excellent warmth, has good absorbency, and is highly durable. Wool is great for winter clothing. When stained, it should be brushed while dry—never while wet.

Different types of wool include cashmere, angora, and mohair. Thanks to the natural lanolin oils, wool is water-resistant and often used for sweaters, coats, and other cold-weather garments.

Semi-Synthetic Fibers from Natural Materials

Viscose Rayon

Viscose rayon is not made from synthetic chemicals but rather from wood pulp that undergoes a chemical process to be turned into yarn. Rayon retains many natural fiber qualities: it’s soft, shiny, breathable, and cool to wear. The production process helps lower costs, making it more affordable than most natural fabrics. Rayon is widely used in the market.

Rayon is considered semi-synthetic because although it's made from plant materials, its production involves chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. Rayon can mimic the look and feel of silk, wool, and other fabrics. Types of rayon include modal, viscose, and lyocell.

TENCEL™ Lyocell

TENCEL™ is a registered trade name for lyocell fiber. It is made by breaking down wood pulp (commonly from fast-growing trees like eucalyptus) into cellulose, which is then spun into yarn. TENCEL™ represents a new innovation in the textile industry. Its production process is certified as environmentally friendly.

All TENCEL™ fabrics are made from dissolved plant fibers—mainly cellulose—from trees. While the specific trees used have changed over time, fast-growing hardwoods such as poplar and eucalyptus are commonly mentioned. TENCEL™ Lyocell is recognized as a low-impact product with minimal environmental effects during production.

References

• https://www.masterclass.com/articles/natural-vs-synthetic-fibers

• https://www.mendetails.com/style/เสื้อผ้า-วัสดุ-natural-vs-synthetic-fibers-apr20/

• https://silverbobbin.com/difference-between-natural-and-synthetic-fibers/

• https://animac-wear.com/en-int/blogs/news/natural-vs-synthetic-fabrics-a-guide-to-fabrics

• https://www.tencel.com/b2b/sustainability

• https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cotton