Give your wardrobe an all-natural update and look after sensitive skin
Many of you, like me may have been born with hyper-sensitive skin and find that wearing garments made of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and rayon to be at best, uncomfortable and at worst even irritate our skin. Decluttering my wardrobe and rebuilding it around natural fibre garments like silk, pure cotton, linen and cashmere was a fun challenge and one that has given me a range of great new looks and made a positive difference.
Discover the advantages of natural fabrics
Looking again at the fabrics we wear has also taught me a lot about the qualities of many of the fabrics we use and I wanted to share some of these handy pieces of information with all our readers.
(left to right) Cotton Seersucker Trousers, Pure Cotton Pull-on Trousers
Natural fibres include Cotton, Wool, Silk, Linen and Bamboo which not only look and feel different from one another they also have different qualities:
Cotton
- Biodegradable
- Wicks away moisture
- Breathable
- Soft
- Can be produce organically
Wool
- Warm
- Doesn’t need pesticides or chemicals
- Durable
- Absorbent
Silk
- Biodegradable
- Lightweight but warm
- Breathable
- Durable
- Natural fungal repellent
- Soft and luxurious
Linen
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Durable
Bamboo
- Soft
- Moisture wicking
- Biodegradable
- It has antibacterial properties
Why I switched to Natural Fabrics:
- Natural Fabrics are Breathable
(left to right) Cap Sleeve Silk Vest, Bamboo Lacy Top, Cotton-Linen Dress
- Natural fabric has high absorption quality; it has a unique moisture wicking ability which allows ventilation through the garment to dry the dampness. This is why wearing a pure cotton blouse or pure silk socks can be very comfortable even on hotter days. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic are water resistant and can’t aid in wicking moisture and similarly it has zero water absorption and so makes you feel clammy in the same weather conditions.
- Natural Fabrics are often Naturally Hypoallergenic
(left to right) Silk-Satin Pillowcase, Silk Summer Duvet
- Natural fabrics like Silk, Cotton, Bamboo and Linen are naturally hypoallergenic and have unique anti-bacterial properties. Bamboo fabric for example, has a unique anti-microbial bio agent called “bamboo kun.” This natural anti-bacterial agent is preserved during the process of making bamboo fabric which makes the fabric naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and odour resistant. Using pure silk bedsheets is also advisable for babies and adults who have highly sensitive skin. Synthetic fabrics for example; nylon, rayon and polyester are man-made fabrics and can irritate sensitive skin or potentially exacerbate other health issues. These fabrics have undergone extensive chemical treatment during production which can cause rashes or exacerbate other forms of allergy.
- Natural Fabrics are Great Insulators
(left to right) Silk thermal Top and Long Johns, Silk Interlock Scoop Neck Top
- Do you know that Silk, Bamboo and Wool are self-adjusting thermal fabrics? A lot of skiers wear pure silk base layers to keep their body temperatures regulated whilst on the slopes. Silk, Bamboo and Wool traps air between the bends, creases and micro-holes of the fabrics. It uses this trapped air as an insulator to generate warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer.
- Natural Fabrics are a Sustainable and Renewable Choice.
- These materials come from animals, trees or plants that can be replaced, raised and regrown over time. Natural fabrics are biodegradable and decompose harmlessly once they have reached the end of their useful life or can be readily recycled and reused. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are made from chemicals using industrial processes which emit more chemical wastes, are typical more energy dependent, emit higher volumes greenhouse gasses, and are far harder to recycle and dispose of.
Now that I know so much more about natural fabrics, I’m planning to spend this summer wearing pure cotton and cotton-linen mixes. Because when I’m outdoors its light weight, simple styles and thermal regulation keep me looking and feeling cool. And silk and bamboo cotton are my perfect choice for under wear all year round. I hope you find your perfect fabrics too this summer!
