Natural vs. Synthetic

There are so many different fabrics on the market; it can be overwhelming to try to figure out which one is best for you.  How do they all compare against each other?  How do you know which fabric is best in different situations?  We want to help build your knowledge of fabrics and understand why we love our natural Simply Organic Bamboo bedding.

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetics were first created in the 1880s and have grown in popularity ever since.  Some synthetics that you’ve probably heard of are polyester, nylon, spandex.  Synthetics have some wonderful perks.  Spandex gives you that stretch you love in your favorite jeans.  They’re more durable and easier to care for than natural fabrics.  They can be created to be wrinkle-free, water-resistant, and stain-resistant.  Nylon and spandex have overtaken the swimwear market because of their snug fit and water resistance which keeps you from being weighed down and having wardrobe malfunctions. 

While those perks are hard to ignore, the truth behind them is what should push you to choose natural fibers over synthetics.  Synthetics are able to be made cheaply with customized traits because they’re created through chemical reactions.  For example, you may already know that the wrinkle-free properties used in them release formaldehyde resin, a carcinogen.  Synthetics are more heat sensitive, create more static, irritate your skin, and aren’t biodegradable.  Chemicals shouldn’t be your first choice for fabrics that will linger on your skin for prolonged periods of time. 

Natural Fabrics

Natural fibers are plant or animal-based and have been used for fabric for thousands of years.  Some you will recognize and may own are cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere, and our personal favorite, bamboo.  While all modern fabric goes through some type of chemical process during production, natural fibers can be created safely and nontoxic.  That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re most-loved natural fabric brands have trusted certifications like Simply Organic Bamboo’s OEKO-TEX®, which guarantees no harmful chemicals are used at any stage of textile production.  The manufacturing process of our bamboo viscose also ensures that the use of water, energy and other resources is kept to a minimum.  Natural fibers are biodegradable, eco-friendly, sustainable, and gentle on your skin!  

The perks of natural fibers far outweigh their negatives.  The main negative is the proper care they require.  When you don’t have chemicals giving you wrinkle-free fabric, you may have to iron occasionally.  Natural fabrics typically don’t hold dye as well as synthetics, so you need to wash them as instructed instead of tossing them into a regular load with everything else you own.  Care for them the right way, and they will care for you for years to come.

The key to understanding the many fabrics on the market is knowing where they began.  Natural fabric is going to treat your body and the environment better than its synthetic counterpart.  Synthetics will always have their place on the market, but for your ordinary circumstances like clothing, towels, and bedding, make the choice that’s best for your skin, overall health, and environment.  

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