Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers
2019-06-11 16:44:57
What’s the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Fibers?
In today’s market, fabrics come in many varieties—natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and blended fibers.
Unless you're a textile expert, it’s almost impossible to tell what kind of fabric a piece is made of without the manufacturer's label. Each type of fabric has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on its intended use.
Let’s take a look at the key differences, along with the pros and cons of each type.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers are favored for their skin-friendly qualities. They’re breathable, non-irritating, and have excellent moisture absorption, making them ideal for summer clothing, bedding, and towels. They’re also longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibers. Over time, natural fabrics tend to become softer, more flexible, and adapt better to your body’s shape.
Downside? They wrinkle more easily than synthetic fabrics.
Natural fibers are popular for many reasons—they’re eco-friendly, breathable, and highly absorbent, making them ideal for sheets and towels. However, they do wrinkle easily. Plant-based natural fibers like cotton are strong due to their cellulose content, and animal-based fibers like silk and wool are also known for their durability.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fibers were developed as cost-effective alternatives to expensive natural fibers. They're made from petrochemical materials—byproducts of crude oil refining—allowing for better control over strength, thickness, and molecular structure.
Because of this, synthetic fibers can be engineered to meet specific needs. For example, fabrics that require stretch might be blended with certain compounds during production to create Spandex. Materials that need to be waterproof or windproof also commonly use synthetic fibers.
Synthetic fibers are created through chemical processes and are designed to be affordable, durable, and resistant to water and stains. They’re widely used for outdoor wear, sportswear, and weather-resistant clothing. Their structure can be fine-tuned for specific characteristics, such as stretch or insulation.
References
What's Tencel?
Natural fibers
