Natural fabrics support slow fashion while being safe for both people and the environment. These fabrics are derived from plants or animals. Whenever you want to wear or use these fabrics, they tend to be more durable, breathable, and comfortable for clothing or any accessories.
These natural materials have been around for years, but some synthetic fabrics have taken their place due to their low cost and rapid production, while harming both people and the planet. As the textile industry is one of the world’s largest polluters due to the synthetic materials, choosing natural fabrics helps to reduce fabric pollution and supports healthier ecosystems.
Many people still don’t realize the impact their clothing choices have on the environment and on the people who make them. Learning about types of natural fabrics and their benefits is a key step toward making more responsible decisions. Here are 5 natural fabrics explained below that embody the values of sustainable slow fashion.
1. Organic cotton
Organic cotton is grown organically without harmful chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides. It is also not made from genetically modified (GMO) seeds. Farmers use natural methods to grow and harvest it, which is a safe choice for people with sensitive skin.
Top countries producing organic cotton in 2025: India (~38%), Turkey (~24%), China (~10%), Kyrgyzstan (~9%), and Tanzania (~6%).
Benefits of organic cotton
The organic cotton fabric is grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which helps to protect the soil’s health, reduces water usage, and protects the environment. It is also safe for farmers because they are not exposed to toxic chemicals during cultivation.
The fabrics are more breathable, comfortable, and gentle on the skin than any synthetic fabrics. Additionally, because it is biodegradable and often produced under ethical standards, choosing organic cotton supports more sustainable slow fashion practices. CLICK HERE to know more about this organic cotton fabric.
2. Linen
Linen fabric is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It’s one of the oldest known textiles, dating back thousands of years, and is valued for its strength, breathability, and durability. It keeps you cool and fresh on hot days.
Top countries producing linen in 2025: France (~75%), Belgium (~8–12%), Belarus (~2–3%), and Russia (~1–2%).
Benefits of linen
The linen cloth made from flax is antibacterial, antifungal, and hypoallergenic. It resists bacteria, odors, dust mites, and mold. So it’s a perfect choice for people with sensitive skin. Linen is also sustainable and biodegradable, as it is derived from the flax plant and breaks down quickly. It has excellent moisture-wicking properties and dries fast, which helps you stay cool and dry in hot weather.
Linen has breathable and thermoregulating properties, which keep you cool in summer and warm in the winter. It’s also very durable and machine washable and gets softer with every wash while holding its shape over time. To learn more about linen fabric, CLICK HERE.
3. Silk
Silk is a protein fiber that naturally exists in the silkworm cocoon. Fiber is made up of fibroin protein, which gives silk fabric strength and softness. It is also lightweight and softer than other fibers.
Top countries producing silk in 2025: China (~80%), India (~16%), Uzbekistan (~0.5%), Thailand (~1%), and Brazil (~0.3%).
Benefits of silk
Silk is a soft and natural fabric that is great for your skin and the environment. It helps keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. Even though it looks delicate, silk fabric is strong and lasts a long time while supporting slow fashion.
The fabric is gentle, breathable, and perfect for people with sensitive skin. Silk has a beautiful natural shine. It’s also eco-friendly and breaks down naturally in a short amount of time. To understand more about silk, CLICK HERE.
4. Wool
Wool is a natural fiber made from the hair of animals, most commonly sheep. The fabric is warm, soft, and insulating. It is a popular fabric for cold-weather clothing and textiles.
Top countries producing wool in 2025: China (19%), Australia (16%), New Zealand (8%), Turkey (4%), and the United Kingdom (4%).
Benefits of wool
Wool helps regulate body temperature, so you can stay warm without getting too hot. It also absorbs moisture from your skin and lets it evaporate into the air, which helps keep you dry.
One of the great advantages of wool fabric is that it doesn’t hold on to odors easily. Although it’s warm, wool is gentle on sensitive skin and can still be lightweight and breathable. Since it comes from animals, it lasts a long time and breaks down naturally over time. Some types of wool fabric, such as merino wool fabric, can even protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
5. Hemp
Hemp is a natural fabric that is made using fibers from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. It is similar to linen in texture and becomes softer with every wash. As it is resistant to mold and UV rays, it is a safer option for people with sensitive skin.
Top countries producing hemp in 2025: China (~38%), Canada (~20%), USA (~15%), France (~12%), and Chile (~5%).
Benefits of hemp
Hemp is a strong, natural fabric that offers many benefits. The clothes and products made from hemp can last a long time without wearing out. Hemp is also breathable and absorbent, which keeps you cool in hot weather and helps to wick away moisture.
Moreover, it grows quickly and needs very little water, and it doesn’t require harmful pesticides. It also improves soil health and is biodegradable, so it won’t harm the planet when it breaks down.
Conclusion
We hope the article provides you with a clear picture of the 5 best natural fabrics that support slow fashion. You already knew that selecting natural fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, silk, wool, and hemp is an excellent way to promote sustainable slow fashion. The shift toward plant-based materials for clothing is an essential step toward.
Today, natural fabrics are less produced than petroleum-based fabrics, as many people opt for cheaper synthetic materials. But there are still some brands that are concerned with the environment and slow fashion by providing natural fibers. Among them, Green Tailor is delivering natural fabrics and products worldwide by supporting slow fashion. All our ready-to-dye fabrics and products are available online with no MOQ.
Do you want to buy natural collections? Feel free to contact us at [email protected].
