Natural fibers are materials derived from plants, animals, or minerals, as opposed to synthetic fibers made from petroleum-based chemicals. Common natural fibers include:
Plant-based:
- Cotton
- Linen (from flax)
- Hemp
- Bamboo (though processing can involve chemicals)
- Jute
Animal-based:
- Wool
- Silk
- Cashmere
- Alpaca
Benefits of natural fibers include biodegradability, breathability, and absence of microplastic shedding during washing. However, not all natural fibers are equal - conventional cotton uses heavy pesticides, while organic cotton does not.
For the safest natural fiber products, look for organic certification (GOTS) and testing for harmful substances (OEKO-TEX).