Suitable
What is synthetic clothing?
By synthetic we mean materials that are made by humans and therefore do not occur in nature. The main reason for developing them was to improve or imitate certain properties of natural fibres: stronger, more elastic, quicker drying or cheaper. In this article we list the most popular synthetic fabrics with their main properties.
Popular synthetic fabrics
- Polyester is the most common synthetic fabric because it lasts a long time and is easy to care for. Polyester holds its shape, is crease-resistant and does not shrink, which makes it a favourite choice for formal shirts, trousers and even suits. However, polyester is less breathable than natural fibres and is therefore less suitable in warm weather.
- Nylon is often used for sportswear and outdoor gear. The fabric is known for its lightness and strength, wicks moisture away well and therefore stays comfortable during exertion. Nylon is also very resilient and hard-wearing, which makes it ideal for garments that take a lot of punishment.
- Spandex, also known as stretch or elastane, is exceptionally elastic and therefore perfect for close-fitting clothing. It gives freedom of movement and holds its shape. On the other hand, elastane is less breathable than natural materials and is sensitive to heat.
- Acrylic imitates the softness of wool and is often found in jumpers, scarves and jackets. The advantage is that acrylic shrinks and fades less quickly than wool, while still offering warmth and comfort. Acrylic, too, is less breathable than a natural fibre.
- Microfibre is a very fine fibre of polyester and polyamide, known for its softness and silky texture. You find it in shirts, trousers and jackets. The fabric wicks moisture away well, is lightweight and hardly creases, which makes it ideal for travel clothing.
What are the drawbacks of synthetic clothing?
Synthetic fabrics are a godsend for a wide range of garments, but there are a few things to consider. In general they are less breathable than textiles made from natural fibres. Some people suffer from static electricity while wearing them, and with sensitive skin a synthetic fabric can cause irritation or even an allergic reaction.
How environmentally friendly is synthetic clothing?
Most synthetic fabrics are made from fossil raw materials, which means the vast majority is not biodegradable. In addition, harmful chemicals are not infrequently involved. In recent years there has also been more attention for microplastics: microscopic plastic particles that come loose when washing and end up in nature and drinking water. Synthetic fabrics are therefore quite burdensome for the environment. If you choose them anyway, it helps to keep them for a long time: the environmental gain lies mainly in replacing them less often.