What Fabrics Are Most Commonly Used to Make Clothing?

Cotton

Cotton is the choice for most clothing and with good reason.This natural fiber has been cultivated for over 7,000 years,appearing in various woven forms as denim, khaki,gabardine and sateen.As one of the few breathable fabrics,cotton is ideal for hot summer days because the fibers wick perspiration from the body. In winter, cotton helps retain body heat to keep the wearer warm.Durable,strong and easy to clean,it's no wonder cotton is the leading American cash crop.

Silk

Some would consider silk to be the “most hypoallergenic of all fabrics” due to the natural protein structure in silk.It naturally regulates temperature,absorbs moisture quickly,while still being odor and mess resistant.Silk is highly recommended for those with skin diseases like eczema because it is so smooth and light.  

Hemp 

Incredibly durable, hemp stretches the least out of all natural fibers,becomes softer with time, and is warmer than wool.It also breathes well due to its porous nature.Hemp holds color more readily than any other fabric, meaning that less chemicals are introduced during the dying process,which is great for your skin.  

Linen

Linen protects the skin against chemical exposure, noise, and dust.It reduces your exposure to the sun’s gamma radiation by around 50%, protecting the wearer from some seriously harmful rays. It also happens to be resistant to bacteria and fungus as well as relieves some effects found in skin conditions like eczema.

Lyocell

Produced from wood pulp at sustainable tree farms,lyocell is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and soft to the touch.It is a highly absorbent and antibacterial fabric that is safe for sensitive skin and easy to dye (which means less chemical processing is required).Though it takes a good amount of processing to get from wood pulp to fabric,it has a fantastic green footprint. Keep in mind that it isn’t as easy to dye so it would be safest to keep to more natural colors.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is gentle on skin and softer than its conventional counterpart.Hypoallergenic, the use of this fabric has been linked to reduction in respiratory problems. Powerful chemicals are not introduced during its production as per organic standards and therefore you no longer run the risk of introducing the chemicals to your body.

Wool

Wool absorbs humidity, thus keeping the skin dry.Some added bonuses to this fabric are is antibacterial qualities and its ability to  breathe well. Wool is dirt and dust mite resistant.Having it in your home will reduce the amount of allergens as well as upper respiratory tract infections,asthma,and skin diseases. No animals are harmed in the making of this fabric; it’s simply harvested from shearing, i.e. shaving the fur off.

Cashmere

Not plant-based,cashmere is produced from the hair of a Kashmir goat that is brushed off as the goat’s coat sheds seasonally.It is a non-allergenic natural goat fiber.Cashmere provides the benefit of insulation without having to wear ‘big bulk’,thus allowing your skin to still breath while staying warm. This fabric has a high moisture content, allowing it to adapt to the climate it is worn in.

Leather

Though you may not necessarily wear leather on a regular basis,it is recommended for both home furnishing and clothing.This fabric is great for those with allergies; it won’t act as a haven for dust mites, dander, or other common allergens.Soft, smooth, durable and absorbent: leather is a great addition to your fabric repertoire.If you choose not to endorse animal products, there are some great alternative leather options that are made from plants such as cork and pineapple.They retain the integrity of leather’s benefits without placing animals in harm’s way.