Natural Fibers vs. Synthetics: Which Is Better for You and the Planet?

When it comes to choosing clothing, comfort and style usually take center stage. But if you're looking to make more informed, sustainable decisions, there’s something else to consider: the fiber your clothes are made from. Natural fibers—like linen, cotton, wool, and silk—aren’t just better for the environment. They’re better for your skin, your long-term health, and even the longevity of your wardrobe.

Let’s break down why natural fibers are worth the investment—and when they’re not as sustainable as they seem.

Natural Fibers Let Your Skin Breathe

Unlike synthetics, natural fibers are breathable. Linen, for example, has a hollow fiber structure that allows air to flow freely, helping your body regulate temperature. This makes it ideal for both hot and cool weather—keeping you dry in summer and warm in winter.

Cotton and wool share this thermoregulating quality too. One study found that wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp, making it an excellent temperature buffer for your skin (CSIRO, 2007).

If you've ever felt sticky or suffocated in a synthetic shirt, this is why. Polyester and nylon trap heat and moisture, which can lead to discomfort and even skin irritation.

They’re Hypoallergenic and Gentle on Skin

Natural fibers are typically less irritating to the skin than synthetic ones. Cotton and linen are naturally hypoallergenic and don’t hold onto bacteria or odors the way synthetics do.

A study in the Journal of Dermatology found that synthetic fibers are more likely to cause irritation and exacerbate conditions like eczema due to their lack of breathability and the presence of chemical finishes (Kimata, 2006). Choosing organic, untreated fibers can be especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin.

Natural Fibers Are (Generally) Biodegradable

When synthetic clothing reaches the end of its life, it doesn't just vanish—it breaks down into microplastics that remain in the environment for hundreds of years.

Natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, and linen are biodegradable and can decompose in soil or compost in just a few months under the right conditions. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a cotton T-shirt can biodegrade in as little as 5 months, compared to synthetic alternatives which can take hundreds of years.

Synthetic Fibers Contribute to Microplastic Pollution

Microplastic pollution from synthetic textiles is a major environmental issue. The European Environment Agency estimates that between 0.2 and 0.5 million tonnes of microplastics from synthetic textiles enter the marine environment annually—mostly due to washing machines releasing fibers into wastewater (EEA, 2020).

These microplastics accumulate in our oceans, harm marine life, and have even been found in human bloodstreams (Leslie et al., 2022, Environment International).

Natural Fibers Last Longer—and Get Better with Age

While fast fashion garments made from synthetics are often designed for a single season, natural fibers can last for years. Linen, for instance, becomes softer and stronger with each wash. Wool and high-quality cotton garments maintain their structure and resist pilling better than cheap polyester blends.

With proper care, clothing made from natural fibers becomes more comfortable over time and can be mended or repurposed, keeping them out of landfills.

The Caveat: Not All Natural Fibers Are Equally Sustainable

Here’s where things get complicated. While natural fibers sound better on paper, their sustainability depends on how they’re grown and processed. Conventionally grown cotton, for instance, is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt—enough drinking water for one person for 2.5 years.

Organic cotton significantly reduces pesticide use and often uses water more efficiently, but it still requires agricultural land and resources.

In some cases, recycled synthetics or deadstock fabrics (leftover material from factories or designers) can have a lower environmental impact than new non-organic natural fibers. This is especially true when the alternative is producing virgin cotton or flax that contributes to water depletion or habitat loss.

The bottom line? Not all natural fibers are created equal—and not all synthetics are inherently bad. It’s about the full lifecycle: how the material was made, how long it lasts, and where it ends up when you’re done with it.

Our Take at Metre

At Metre, we’re committed to working with natural, high-quality materials that feel good and do good. We prioritize responsibly sourced fibers—whether that means organic linen or deadstock cotton—and always look at the bigger picture.

Our collections are made with purpose—from breathable linen to soft cotton—so you can feel confident that what you’re wearing is good for you and the planet.

 

Sources

• European Environment Agency (EEA). (2020). Microplastics from textiles: Towards a circular economy for textiles in Europe
• Leslie, H. A., et al. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environment International
• CSIRO. (2007). Wool comfort and performance factsheet
• Kimata, H. (2006). Increased skin response to synthetic fibers in atopic dermatitis patients. Journal of Dermatology
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion’s future
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2022). The Impact of a Cotton T-shirt