What Are You Really Wearing? A Guide to Fabrics, Health, & Sustainable Sewing

Have you ever paused to consider what your clothes are truly made of?

The fabric resting against your skin, the sheets you sleep in each night, the tote bag you carry through your days—these everyday textiles quietly shape your comfort, your health, and your relationship with nature. In a world dominated by fast fashion and synthetic materials, it’s easy to overlook an important truth: many modern fabrics are saturated with chemicals, derived from plastic, and designed for speed rather than longevity.

But what if choosing fabric could feel empowering instead of overwhelming?
What if your sewing projects and wardrobe choices could support both your body and the natural world?

Understanding fabric—how it’s made and what it’s made from—is the foundation of confident, intentional sewing. This guide will walk you through fabric structures, natural versus synthetic fibers, and how to choose materials that align with health, durability, and sustainability.

Understanding Fabric Structure: Woven vs. Knitted

Before diving into fiber content, it helps to understand how fabric is constructed. Most textiles fall into one of two categories: woven or knitted.

Woven Fabrics

Woven fabrics are created by weaving threads over and under one another in a crisscross pattern. This structure makes them stable, strong, and excellent at holding their shape.

Common examples include:

• Cotton poplin
• Denim
• Linen

Wovens are ideal for garments and projects that benefit from structure, such as dresses, trousers, quilts, and home goods.

Knitted Fabrics

Knitted fabrics are made by looping yarns together, which gives them natural stretch and softness. They move with the body and are often associated with comfort.

Common examples include:

• Jersey
• Rib knit
• Fleece

Knits are especially well-suited for everyday wear, baby clothing, t-shirts, and pajamas.

Understanding this distinction helps you choose fabrics that behave the way you expect—both at the sewing machine and in daily life.

Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics: Why It Matters

Not all fabrics are created with the same intention—or impact. Some fibers work in harmony with your skin and the earth, while others introduce toxins, microplastics, and long-term environmental harm.

Natural Fibers: A Skin-Friendly, Sustainable Choice

Organic Cotton (GOTS & OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified)
Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and processed without toxic dyes. It is breathable, durable, biodegradable, and one of the best choices for clothing, bedding, and baby items.

Linen
Made from flax plants, linen is naturally antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and exceptionally breathable—perfect for warm climates and summer garments.

Wool
Wool is a natural insulator that keeps you warm while still allowing airflow. It is renewable, biodegradable, and remarkably long-lasting when cared for properly.

Silk
A luxurious protein fiber, silk is naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin. It offers softness without sacrificing strength.

Natural fibers age gracefully, wear beautifully, and return to the earth without leaving harm behind.

Synthetic Fabrics: The Hidden Costs

Many mainstream fabrics are petroleum-based and designed for mass production rather than long-term use.

Polyester
A form of plastic, polyester traps heat and sheds microplastics with every wash—polluting waterways and ecosystems.

Rayon (Viscose)
Often marketed as “eco-friendly,” rayon is frequently processed using harsh chemicals that pose serious risks to workers and the environment.

Nylon
Durable but non-biodegradable, nylon production releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.

The takeaway: choosing natural, organic, and OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics reduces chemical exposure, supports ethical production, and lessens environmental impact.

Best Natural Fabrics for Sewing

• Cotton Poplin & Lawn: Light, crisp, and versatile—ideal for blouses, dresses, and quilts
• Linen: Breathable and timeless, perfect for summer garments and home goods
• Jersey Knit: Soft and stretchy, well-suited for t-shirts, pajamas, and baby clothing
• Canvas: Sturdy and dependable for bags, aprons, and upholstery
• Wool & Natural Fleece: Warm, breathable options for outerwear and blankets

Synthetic Fabrics to Avoid

• Polyester Blends: Common in fast fashion, prone to pilling, and non-biodegradable
• Acrylic & Synthetic Fleece Blends: Shed plastic fibers that contribute to microplastic pollution
• Artificial Silks (Polyester Satin & Synthetic Chiffon): Often chemically intensive and far less breathable than real silk

Every fabric tells a story. Choosing natural fibers allows that story to be one of craftsmanship, care, and longevity.

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Project

When selecting fabric—whether in a shop or online—consider these key factors:

• Breathability: Will it allow airflow and feel comfortable against the skin?
• Drape: Does it fall softly or hold structure?
• Durability: Will it withstand repeated washing and wear?
• Sustainability: Is it organically grown or free from harmful chemical treatments?

These questions act as a compass for mindful making and help ensure your finished piece serves you well for years to come.

Transitioning away from synthetic fabrics doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start small and choose better materials as you’re able.

Shopping from small, values-driven fabric shops—such as Organic Fabric Company—makes it easier to find organic and OEKO-TEX® certified textiles you can trust. These fabrics support your health, honor nature, and elevate the quality of your sewing projects.

Your fabric choices matter more than you’ve been led to believe. Every thread carries a story—of sustainability or shortcuts, craftsmanship or convenience.

By choosing organic cotton, natural fibers, and OEKO-TEX® certified textiles, you create garments and home goods that are not only beautiful, but responsible.

Start where you are. Replace one synthetic fabric with an organic one in your next sewing project. Your skin, your home, and the natural world will thank you.

If you haven’t already, I warmly invite you to download my Quick Guide to Eco-Friendly Fabrics—a simple, practical resource to support you on this journey.

Happy sewing,
Gaby