Natural fabrics There's something to the feel of natural fabrics on your skin. They can be soft or rugged, in any range of colors, and make every type of clothing. What should you look for? Read on.
Cotton - Look for 100% cotton labels. A lot of items have spandex that helps it retain shape, if that's what you want. Weave is crucial with cotton so do the see-through test by holding it up to the light. Cotton is prone to shrinking so check if it's pre-shrunk or else order up a size or half. Look also for types: flannels, brushed, knits, muslin. Also look for organic cotton, grown without pesticides or herbicides, and processed without chemicals.
Hemp - Hemp fabrics (from the hemp plant) are very strong and warm. They can be both soft and stiff, but tend to be woven naturally, so look for bumps in some fabrics. Check for feel and fit if it's your first time wearing hemp.
Linen - Linen is made from the flax plant. This makes for a very fine, loose fabric that is great for summer. It falls well and is woven to various weaves into both dressy and daily wear. Look for organic varieties as well.
Other natural fibers include wool and silks, and blends like pashmina that are very soft. Whatever you choose, you'll feel better out of those nylons and polyesters and into something that actually came from a plant!