Shop Smarter: How to Choose High-Quality Natural Fabric Clothing That Lasts

As a fashion designer with a passion for creating high-quality natural fabric clothing, I’ve seen it all when it comes to fabric fakes and mislabeling. It can be tricky for a consumer, especially when a piece of clothing is marketed as "natural," yet it doesn’t feel right or perform as expected. If you’re tired of getting home with clothes that don’t quite live up to the promise of being eco-friendly or breathable, you're not alone! Let me guide you on how to spot the real deal when it comes to high-quality natural fabric clothing and avoid the imposters.

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to identify high-quality natural fabric clothing, understand what to look for on the label, and how to avoid low-quality imitations. Ready to elevate your wardrobe with genuine natural fabrics? Let's start!

 

What Makes a Fabric "Natural"?

Before we get into how to spot high-quality natural fabric clothing, it’s essential to understand what exactly qualifies as “natural.” Natural fabrics come from raw materials like plants, animals, or minerals. These fibers are biodegradable and renewable, and unlike synthetic fabrics, they don’t harm the environment in the same way.

Types of Natural Fabrics

• Plant-Based: Cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, and jute.
• Animal-Based: Wool, silk, alpaca, and cashmere.
• Mineral-Based: Certain types of fibers like basalt and seaweed are also considered natural (though less common).

As a designer, I can tell you that natural fabric clothing breathes better, feels softer against the skin, and often has a luxurious finish that synthetic materials can’t replicate. But with all the buzz around "eco-friendly" fabrics these days, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what’s natural and what’s just clever marketing.

How to Spot High-Quality Natural Fabrics

Feel the Fabric

One of the easiest ways to determine the quality of high-quality natural fabric clothing is by touch. Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen have a distinct feel compared to synthetic materials.

• Cotton: Soft, breathable, and smooth. The feel should remind you of the comfort you get from your favorite t-shirt or a cozy set of sheets.
• Linen: Crisp and cool to the touch, linen tends to wrinkle easily, but that’s part of its charm! It’s lightweight and perfect for warmer weather.
• Silk: Luxuriously smooth with a subtle sheen. It should feel almost cool and velvety against your skin.

I remember when I first started designing with silk—it felt so different from the synthetic fabrics I’d worked with before. The smooth, weightless texture immediately convinced me of its superior quality. If the fabric feels too stiff, overly slick, or overly soft in a way that doesn’t feel natural, it may be a synthetic blend. Real high-quality natural fabric clothing has a more organic texture that evolves as you wear it.

 

Inspect the Fiber Composition

A fabric tag is one of your best tools when it comes to determining the quality of your high-quality natural fabric clothing. Labels will tell you exactly what materials are in the garment, but here’s where it gets tricky. Sometimes clothing will be labeled as "natural," but the fabric is actually a synthetic blend masquerading as something more eco-friendly. For example, "eco-silk" or "natural viscose" may contain a significant amount of synthetic fibers.

Check for % of Fabric: Look for clear labels that show a high percentage of natural fibers (e.g., 100% organic cotton or 100% linen). Anything below 50% natural fiber means it’s likely a blend, and the fabric’s quality and eco-friendliness will be diluted.

I once bought a dress labeled as "100% silk," only to find out it was actually a mix of polyester and silk. The feel was all wrong—no luxurious smoothness, just a cheap sheen. It was a valuable lesson for me as a designer, and now I always recommend my customers double-check the fabric content.

 

Examine the Texture, Weight, and Drape

The texture, weight, and drape of natural fabric clothing tell you a lot about their quality.

• Cotton: Feels soft but also a bit substantial. It should hold its shape when you drape it over your hand, but not be so thick that it feels heavy.
• Linen: Look for linen with a bit of texture. It should have a nice, slightly rough surface that softens with washing. Avoid linen that feels paper-thin—it’s probably a cheap blend.
• Silk: Real silk has an incredible drape that moves with you. It falls elegantly and won’t feel stiff. It should almost feel like it’s melting into your skin.

As a designer I’ve worked with many fabrics that were "okay," but only the highest-quality natural fabrics have that distinct movement and weight that makes them worth wearing. I’ll never forget the first time I worked with linen—it was a little intimidating at first, but its beautiful drape once sewn into a garment made it all worth it.

 

Check the Stitching and Craftsmanship

A high-quality natural fabric doesn’t just depend on the material; it also comes down to the craftsmanship of the clothing. Poor stitching can cause fabric to fray, unravel, or lose shape over time. Look closely at the seams—are they even and secure? Are the edges of the fabric neatly finished? The best high-quality natural fabric clothing will have neat, consistent stitching with no loose threads hanging out. It should also have attention to detail, like carefully placed zippers, buttons, and finished hems.

I learned the importance of craftsmanship early on when I was designing a linen blouse. I sourced the highest quality linen, but the garment didn’t come out as well as I’d hoped until I focused on the stitching—getting those seams just right made all the difference in how the fabric looked and felt.

Beware of Overly Shiny Fabrics

Shiny fabrics are often a red flag when it comes to high-quality natural fabric clothing. While silk has a natural sheen, fabrics that are too shiny or glossy are likely made from synthetic fibers like polyester or rayon. These materials are often coated with a shiny finish to mimic the look of luxurious fabrics like silk or satin. As a rule of thumb, if it looks too perfect—too shiny or too smooth—it's probably not a natural fabric. Natural fibers have a unique texture and finish that synthetic fibers just can’t replicate.

Understand the Price Tag

High-quality natural fabrics clothing cost more to produce than synthetic ones. The true price of natural fibers reflects the labor, craftsmanship, and environmental costs of growing and harvesting them. If you come across clothing made from high-quality natural fabrics at a price that seems too good to be true, the garment is likely made from a synthetic blend or low-quality natural fabric. While you can find sales, don’t expect to find high-quality linen or organic cotton clothing for rock-bottom prices.

When I first started sourcing fabric for my designs, I quickly learned that quality comes at a price. I knew that sourcing natural fibers that were sustainably produced and ethically harvested was a significant investment, but it made a huge difference in the final product.

 

Do a Quick Fabric Test at Home

If you’re unsure whether the fabric is truly natural, here are a couple of easy tests you can do at home:

• Burn Test: Gently burn a small fiber from the fabric (be sure to do this safely!). Natural fibers like cotton and linen will burn with a paper-like smell, while synthetics like polyester will melt and emit a plastic odor.

• Water Absorption Test: Drop a small amount of water on the fabric. Natural fibers absorb water quickly, while synthetics tend to repel it.
  While these tests might not be as conclusive as the fabric label, they can give you a general idea of whether the fabric is truly natural or synthetic.

Conclusion:

"Make Informed Choices and Invest in Quality Natural Fabric Clothing"

Choosing high-quality natural fabric clothing isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about investing in pieces that will last, feel great, and look beautiful for years to come. As someone who’s worked with natural fabrics for years, I can tell you that the investment in genuine, high-quality natural fabrics always pays off in the end. When shopping for high-quality natural fabric clothing, keep these tips in mind to ensure you're getting what you paid for. Look for the telltale signs of high-quality materials—like the texture, weight, and drape. Be mindful of the labels and always double-check the fiber composition. And, of course, don’t settle for less when it comes to craftsmanship—high-quality natural fabrics deserve the best attention to detail.

With these insights, you can shop confidently, knowing that you’re investing in clothing that not only looks good but feels good and supports a sustainable future. Happy shopping, and may your wardrobe be full of beautiful, high-quality natural fabrics that you’ll love wearing for years to come!

 

Written by: Marie Andersson / Fashion Designer

Visit: Onyx Sweden - Your Natural Fabrics Clothing Store!