Our Favorite Fashion Brands Using 100% Natural Fibers and NO Synthetics

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With skin sensitivities on the rise and the fashion industry contributing to microplastic pollution, it’s worth asking — do synthetics like polyester and nylon really have to be in our wardrobes? 

Finding completely synthetic-free fashion isn’t straightforward. The industry often blends natural fibers with synthetic, petroleum-based fibers to boost durability or elasticity. Plus, don’t forget tags and stitching. These small details,  often made from polyester fabrics, can scratch and irritate sensitive skin.

Sure, synthetic materials are popular for their low maintenance: you can skip the iron, they hold their shape, and are generally quite durable.

But for those with skin sensitivities, wearing synthetic fabrics against the skin can irritate due to their lack of breathability, especially in comparison to natural fabrics like silk or linen. Some people even react to polyester thread or tags.

That’s because synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum-based fibers, and are often treated with harmful dyes and finishes. Azo disperse dyes, used in dyeing polyester fabrics, can trigger allergic reactions and even be carcinogenic, contributing to significant skin reactions such as contact dermatitis. Alarmingly, studies have found high levels of the hormone-disrupting chemical BPA in polyester-spandex intimate clothing in major brands. Plus, science-backed reasons are abundant why working out  — and sweating —  in synthetics is detrimental to your health.

Natural fibers, derived from plants and animals, include pure cotton, linen, and wool. Some people with sensitivities tolerate or even enjoy man-made cellulosic fibers, including Tencel, lyocell, and bamboo rayon/viscose, which are technically plant-based because their core ingredient is plant cellulose. According to one study, people with atopic dermatitis prefer lyocell for its softness, temperature control and moisture control.

In addition to being skin-friendly, these natural fibers are also more environmentally sustainable. While synthetic, petroleum-based fibers like polyester, spandex, elastane, acrylic, and nylon can take decades to hundreds of years to break down in the soil — pure, natural, and undyed fibers can even be compostable. 

Digging deeper, thankfully, there is a growing interest in 100% natural fiber fashion. And we’re here for it.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite fashion brands using only natural fibers, from the fabric to the thread and the tags, and excluding those that incorporate recycled synthetics.

PlainandSimple

This London-based brand makes 100% cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and sweatpants. As the name suggests, the designs are simple and versatile. Branded as compostable, its recyclable products made in ethical factories in India, Plainandsimple boasts Oeko-Tex and GOTs certifications and uses double-strength cotton sewing thread. 

Iron Roots

Iron Roots is a Dutch sportswear brand that creates gear for both men and women. It produces locally produced tees, crop tops, sweaters, and shorts, all crafted from entirely plastic-free fabrics. Their sportswear is made from Tencel lyocell.

Alex Crane

Alex Crane makes clothing sourced from 100% natural and renewable materials for both men and women. From sweaters, t-shirts, jackets, pants, and shirts — the materials used include European linen, organic cotton, merino wool, raw leather, natural rubber, and alpaca. Buttons are made from corozo, which is made from the seeds of a tropical tree in South America, and coconuts. Clothes are dyed with botanical dyes sourced from flowers, plants, seeds and minerals. Conveniently, you can sort through items based on fabric type.

Community Clothing

As part of its mission to use organic, natural, biodegradable plant-based technology, Community Clothing launched a sportswear brand that is 100% plastic-free. It is made from 100% organic cotton, including cotton thread. You’ll find a mix of bright and timeless black-and-white shorts, tees, racerbacks, and sweatshirts for athletic activities.

Cottonique

Cottonique is a hypoallergenic brand that makes clothing free of spandex and latex. Focused on helping those with allergies, Cottonique offers men and women organic cotton clothing, from basics to loungewear to activewear. Cottonique has a 100% cotton line, including cotton thread. Its natural-colored items use 100% cotton thread.

Watch out for: Some of its product lines include synthetics, like plastic snaps and adjusters in bras and latex-free rubber for those with latex allergies. 

Harvest & Mill

This non-toxic brand exclusively uses organic cotton and natural and non-toxic dyes. In fact, most clothing is made with dye-free organic cotton. You’ll find everything from shirts, pants and shorts. 

Watch out for: While a good assortment of its clothes are synthetic-free, some of its items like socks contain stretch nylon.

Levis

Levis launched a new plant-based, 100% organic cotton that uses natural dyes for its 150th anniversary. The classic 501 jean style uses natural dyes and is non-stretch.

Watch out for: The jeans still contain some polyester thread in areas the need extra reinforcement.