You know what they’re wearing – but do you know what it’s MADE OF?
We obsess over what goes in our bodies. We read the back of food labels. We question skincare ingredients. But the fabric that sits on our and our kid’s skin all day, every day? Most of us have no idea what we’re wearing – or what it costs the planet.
Let’s lift the label.
1. There are 2 types of fabrics
Natural fibres 🌿🐑
These come straight from the source – plants and animals. The OGs of textiles.
Plant-based: cotton, linen, hemp, jute, nettle
Animal-based: wool, alpaca, cashmere, silk, mohair
Pros?
Biodegradable. Breathable. Recyclable.
Cons?
Some are water-hungry. Others come with a side of pesticides or questionable ethics (especially leather and conventional cotton). They can be a bit pricey as well.
Why are natural fibres so great?
✅ Linen – low input, often local
✅ Organic cotton – less water, no nasties
✅ Wool – when animal welfare is non-negotiable
✅ They’re soft, comfy, and kind to the skin
✅ They let the body breathe
✅ And best of all? They’re super strong and last a long time!
Clothes made from natural fibres can be worn again and again, passed on to younger brothers, sisters, or friends – or bought second-hand and still be just as nice!
Did you know? Most of the brands on thelittleloop make clothes just like this – good quality, well-made, and perfect for sharing or re-wearing.
🧪Chemical fibres
Man-made. Science-driven. Often misunderstood.
Artificial fibres start with natural stuff (usually wood pulp) but get chemically transformed.
Viscose
Modal
Lyocell / Tencel
Acetate
Bamboo, soy, milk, even corn-based fabrics
Some, like Lyocell, use closed-loop systems to minimise waste. Others, like viscose, still rely on heavy chemicals.
Synthetic fibres are built entirely from petroleum.
Polyester
Nylon (polyamide)
Elastane (aka Lycra, Spandex)
Acrylic
They’re cheap, very cheap to produce, stretchy, strong – and everywhere.
Pros?
Can be recycled (in theory).
Cons?
They shed microplastics when washed. Makes a lot of pollution when it’s produced. Glitter, sequins, Lurex? Good luck recycling those.
So if you can't go natural, go artificial.
If you’re choosing between artificial and synthetic fibres, artificial ones (like viscose or Lyocell) are the less bad, especially when made responsibly.
They still involve chemicals, but they come from plants, not plastic, and can feel soft and breathable on your skin.
Synthetic fibres like polyester or acrylic? They’re made from oil, shed microplastics, and stick around on the planet for centuries.
So if you can't go natural, go artificial. And better yet, buy it second-hand ♻️
2. Why blended fabrics are a hidden problem
Ever seen a tag that says: “60% cotton, 40% polyester”?
That blend gives you comfort, durability, affordability and a recycling nightmare. Once the fibres are mixed, they’re almost impossible to separate. This means that cute jumper might be landfill-bound from day one.
3. Want to shop smarter? Read the label like a pro.
Think of the clothing label as an ingredient list. First fibre = most used. Last fibre = tiny fraction.
Here’s your quick decode:
Silky feel doesn’t always mean silk
Wool blend might be 90% plastic
“Eco” sounding names can still come with high-impact production
Knowing what the different textiles are is your best defence against greenwashing – and your greatest weapon for conscious shopping.
You don’t need to be perfect!
You don’t have to bin everything synthetic. You don’t need to start wearing sackcloth.
Buying brand-new natural fibres is not always easy or affordable. Getting them second-hand might be a better option.
Second-hand lets you enjoy the same quality, the same comfort, the same beautiful fabrics, for less. And when the clothes come from brands that make them durable (like the ones on thelittleloop), you’re not just saving money, you’re saving waste, too.