What Your Clothes Are Really Made Of
A simple guide to natural fibres
When choosing clothing for yourself or your children, it is worth asking one simple question: what is this really made of?
The fibres that make up our clothing behave very differently — both for the skin and for the environment. Natural fibres, regenerated fibres, and synthetics each have distinct characteristics that influence comfort, durability, and sustainability.
Understanding these differences helps you choose clothing that feels better, lasts longer, and aligns with your values.
1. What is natural clothing?
Natural clothing is made from fibres that originate in nature and are transformed into yarn mainly through mechanical processes.
These fibres have been used for centuries because they are breathable, biodegradable, and comfortable when worn close to the skin.
Natural fibres include:
Plant-based fibres
Cotton
Linen (flax)
Hemp
Jute
Animal-based fibres
Wool (including merino)
Silk
Cashmere
These differ from synthetic fibres, which are chemically manufactured from petroleum-based materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and elastane.
Synthetic fabrics can offer durability and stretch, but they do not biodegrade and often release microplastic particles during washing, which accumulate in waterways and oceans.
2. What your clothes are really made of
Natural fibres
Natural fibres come directly from plants or animals and are processed mainly mechanically.
Cotton
Soft, breathable, and highly absorbent — cotton has long been a trusted everyday fibre. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified seeds.
Linen (Flax)
Strong, naturally breathable, and cool to the touch. Linen is one of the oldest textile fibres known to humanity.
Wool (Merino)
Merino wool offers a unique combination of warmth and breathability. The fibres naturally regulate body temperature and can absorb moisture without feeling damp.
Interestingly, scientific studies have shown that sleeping in wool can improve sleep quality by helping the body maintain a stable temperature throughout the night.
Silk
Silk is exceptionally smooth and naturally thermoregulating. It can absorb moisture while remaining dry to the touch and is naturally hypoallergenic.
Because of its smooth fibre structure, silk is often recommended for sensitive or reactive skin.
Regenerated (semi-synthetic) fibres
Some fabrics begin with natural raw materials, typically wood pulp or cellulose, which are then chemically regenerated into fibres.
Examples include:
Viscose
Rayon
Modal
Lyocell
Cupro
These fibres can feel soft and breathable like natural fabrics but rely on chemical processing that must be carefully managed to avoid environmental pollution.
Synthetic fibres
Synthetic fibres are fully engineered through chemical processes using fossil-based resources.
Examples include:
Polyester
Nylon
Acrylic
Elastane / Spandex
They are widely used because they are inexpensive and durable. However, they are not biodegradable and can release microscopic plastic fibres when washed.
Over time, these microplastics accumulate in soil, water, and marine ecosystems.
For garments worn directly against the skin — particularly for babies and children — many people prefer fibres that are breathable, naturally regulating, and closer to nature.
3. How fibres affect your skin
Breathability and temperature balance
Natural fibres generally allow the body to regulate temperature more effectively.
Cotton and linen absorb moisture and allow air to circulate freely.
Wool can absorb moisture vapour while maintaining insulation.
Silk helps maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout changing conditions.
Many synthetic fabrics, in contrast, tend to trap heat and moisture, which can lead to discomfort when worn close to the skin.
Sensitive skin
Natural fibres are often chosen for babies and people with sensitive skin because they tend to be soft, breathable, and less irritating.
However, the processing of a fabric matters as much as the fibre itself. Dyes, finishing treatments, and chemical residues can influence how a garment feels on the skin.
Certifications help ensure these processes are controlled.
4. Why fibre choice matters for the environment
Renewable resources
Natural fibres originate from renewable biological sources and are biodegradable.
Materials like wool, cotton, hemp, and linen can naturally break down over time and return nutrients to the soil.
Microplastics
Synthetic textiles are one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution in the oceans.
Natural fibres break down more safely and do not contribute to this form of pollution.
Responsible production
Not all natural fibres are automatically sustainable. Their environmental impact depends on:
- farming practices
- water use
- chemical processing
- labour conditions
Choosing certified materials helps ensure responsible production.
5. How to recognise responsibly produced clothing
Independent certifications help verify that fibres and textiles meet environmental and social standards.
Some of the most recognised certifications include:
GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
Ensures organic fibres and responsible processing across the entire supply chain.
https://www.global-standard.org
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Tests textiles for harmful substances and chemical residues.
https://www.oeko-tex.com
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
Ensures responsible treatment of sheep and sustainable land management.
https://textileexchange.org
Certification logos should include a license number, confirming traceability and verification.
6. Our philosophy at minimalisma
At minimalisma, natural fibres have always been at the heart of what we do.
Since our founding in 2011, our collections have been created using pure, natural materials such as silk, merino wool, cashmere, and organic cotton. These fibres are chosen not only for their comfort, but for their ability to breathe, regulate temperature, and age beautifully over time.
We believe clothing worn close to the skin should feel as natural as possible — soft, breathable, and gentle enough for even the most delicate skin.
Our goal is simple:
to create timeless pieces that are loved, worn, and passed on.
Learn more
Our natural qualities
https://minimalisma.com/pages/qualities
Our sustainability commitment
https://minimalisma.com/pages/sustainable-commitment-1
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
https://www.global-standard.org
Reference
National Eczema Association - https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-products/silk/
International Union for Conservation of Nature -
https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/microplastics
University of Sydney Wool Sleep Study -https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6716586/
European Environment Agency – Microplastics from textiles -