Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics: Why I Started Paying Attention to What I Wear

I used to buy clothes and bedding without ever reading the tags. Cotton, polyester, a blend, it didn’t matter to me, I just liked how something looked or felt in the store. That changed when I started reading about synthetic fabrics and what they’re actually made of.

Research has found that synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed microplastics every time they’re washed, tiny fibers that end up in our water systems and, over time, our bodies. Then came the reports on PFAS, “forever chemicals,” found in a lot of athletic and performance wear, linked to real health concerns.

That was enough for me to start paying attention. Now, I look for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool whenever I can, for our clothes, our bedding, and our towels. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about knowing what’s touching my family’s skin every single day.

Natural vs. Synthetic: What’s the Difference?

Natural fabrics come from plant or animal fibers and are minimally processed:

Synthetic fabrics are made from man-made fibers, often derived from petroleum:

Most clothing and bedding today is a blend of the two, which is why reading the tag matters more than most of us realize.

What I Look For When Shopping

• Organic cotton whenever possible

• 100% cotton, or at least 95% cotton blends

• OEKO-TEX certification for bedding and towels

• Cotton underwear, no synthetic blends

• No underwire or traditional bras, cotton bralettes or going without when possible

Where I Shop

Target actually carries a surprising amount of organic cotton towels, sheets, and even some clothing, underwear, and baby items, making it an easy, affordable place to start if you’re just beginning to pay attention to fabric labels.

I also shop Pact for organic cotton clothing and underwear, Quince for high-quality linen and cotton basics at a more accessible price point, and Amazon, where you can often find organic cotton and OEKO-TEX certified options if you take the time to read the product details and certifications

One Simple Step

I’m slowly replacing older synthetic clothing with natural fibers as items wear out. It’s a gradual process, and I’m learning as I go. This week, check the label on one item you already own. You might be surprised by what it’s made of. The next time you need to replace clothing or bedding, see if there’s a natural fiber option that fits your budget. Remember, you don’t have to change everything at once.