Just as you might opt for organic whole foods, there are many compelling reasons to choose healthier fabrics for your clothing. Throughout the day, your skin comes into contact with a variety of fabrics, from clothing and outerwear to towels, blankets and bed sheets. As the body’s largest organ, the skin plays a crucial role in immune defence, temperature regulation, and detoxification. Some fabrics can interfere with these functions, causing additional stress and even disrupting your energetic frequency. I have been on a mission to remove all polyester clothing from our wardrobes at home and replacing items such as my daughter’s static dressing gown with an alternative cotton towelling option. Summer sun, swim and active wear is particularly tricky!

Why Choose Natural Fabrics?

The healthiest fabrics are soft, gentle, lightweight, breathable, absorbent and hypoallergenic. In general, choosing natural, organic fibres and avoiding heavy dyes and toxic chemicals can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Always consider the climate and any personal allergies when selecting fabrics. Look for untreated fabrics or those dyed with natural dyes. Some of the healthiest fabrics include:

  • Organic Cotton
  • Flax Linen
  • Hemp Linen
  • Silk
  • Merino Wool

The Benefits of Linen

Did you know that linen is stronger than cotton? Linen is one of the few fabrics that becomes stronger when wet, rather than when dry. Since the fibres in linen don’t stretch, it’s far more resistant to damage or wear and tear, making linen clothing long-lasting. Linen is a textile made from the fibres of the flax plant and is often referred to as “The Healing Fabric” or the “Preferred Fabric” for a healthy lifestyle due to its many beneficial properties.

Concerns with Conventional Cotton

Cotton is widely considered to be a very natural fabric, but in reality, it is far from natural unless it is organic. Cotton, while popular, is only able to be grown in specific areas and is highly susceptible to disease and insect infestation. Consequently, almost all cotton fields are heavily treated with chemicals and pesticides, conventional cotton-growing is one of the most chemically intensive farming operations in the world, up to 1/3 pound per pound of the plant! Although some companies grow organic cotton, the crop loss rate is high and it must be replanted annually. 

Avoiding Harmful Fabrics

The wrong fabrics can be constricting, chemical-laden, pore-clogging, or irritating. Generally, avoid synthetic fabrics as they tend to contain more chemical dyes. Even some natural materials can be irritating, so choose carefully. While merino wool is softer and non-irritating, most other types of wool can be quite irritating, especially for those with eczema.

Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, rayon, and satin are notorious for not allowing the skin to breathe, leading to excessive sweating and clogged pores.

Then there is treated fabrics such as ‘Iron-Free’, ‘Stain-Free’ School Uniforms. What is the skin kind and eco-friendly choice? Uniforms are worn 30+ hours a week and children wear school uniforms made of polyester, acrylic or poly-cotton mix treated with chemicals for ‘our convenience’. Unfortunately, PFAS chemicals are often used to make clothing stain-resistant and iron-free and are in almost all high street and supermarket retail uniform garments as standard. Alternatives exist such as Eco Outfitters, two Mum’s Marina & Irina making a difference to the choices parents have available.

Best Fabrics for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to choose fabrics that minimise irritation. Sensitive skin often reacts to harsh chemicals, fragrances, and certain fabrics, resulting in redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. Therefore, selecting gentle, hypoallergenic products is essential for maintaining skin health and comfort.

Incorporating natural, organic fabrics into your wardrobe not only supports your health but also promotes sustainability. By choosing materials like organic cotton, flax linen, hemp linen, silk and merino wool, you can ensure that your clothing is breathable, gentle and free from harmful chemicals. Avoid synthetic fabrics and opt for natural alternatives to keep your skin healthy and comfortable. Make conscious clothing choices and experience the benefits of wearing natural clothing for yourself and your family.