FABRIC: Are Natural or Synthetic Fibers Better?

Q. What is the difference between 'natural' and 'synthetic' fabrics?

A. Natural fabric refers to fabrics made from fibers found in nature. Natural fibers come from animal and vegetable sources. Synthetic fabric refers to fabric made from manufactured fibers and fibers created by scientists including some manufactured from natural materials like cellulose and wood pulp.

Remember, though, that although natural fibers may be a renewable resource, those that are not certified as organic may have pesticide residues and may be processed or treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process and are not necessarily ecologically sound in that regard.

Q. Which is better for home decorating, natural or synthetic fabrics?

A. Both types of fabric have their advantages and disadvantages in home decor. Synthetics can be durable, easy-care, and fade-resistant, but that does not mean that natural fibers are weaker, less durable, prone to fading, and higher-maintenance. These characteristics often depend on more than the type of fiber being used. Durability, for instance, often depends on the weave and finish of a fabric. Cotton fabric can be delicate and sheer, like a batiste, or heavy and durable like a denim or tapestry. Unlike the synthetics of the 70s and 80s, today's manufactured fibers, especially the ones made in Europe, are often indistinguishable from the finest natural fibers in fabrics. Some fibers generally considered "synthetic," since they are manufactured, are actually made from renewable natural resources and, depending on manufacturing processess, can even be quite eco-friendly!

Q. But aren't synthetic fabrics for home decor less expensive than natural drapery and upholstery fabrics?

A. Not necessarily. Cost is not determined by fiber content alone. Some synthetics are very expensive and so are some natural fabrics, and vice versa. Other factors such as fabric design, quality of fiber, manufacturing processes, exclusivity and type of fabric contribute to the cost of a fabric.

Q. Fiber. Fabric. It gets confusing? Is cotton or nylon a fabric or a fiber?

A. The answer is both. I'm afraid that isn't much help, and at the risk of making things even more confusing, let me say that a FIBER is the material a FABRIC is made from. 100% Cotton fabric refers to any fabric made exclusively from cotton fibers. Cotton fabrics, like many others, come in different TYPES of fabrics, such as chintz , denim, damask , etc. But these types of fabric also come in other fibers, both natural and synthetic. Our Upholstery Fabric Guide provides more information that may be helpful to you.

Q. Aren't synthetics easier to maintain?

A. Not always. Acrylic and polyester fabrics, for example, are harder to clean than wool, and acrylic and other synthetics can pill. Stick to the manufacturer's instructions for the care of any fabric. If you want to wash a fabric and are not sure what the recommended cleaning method is, test wash a small piece first. Do not assume that just because a fabric contains, for example, cotton and polyester, that it is machine washable and dryable. There are other factors as well, such as type of fabric, type of dyes used, etc. And dry cleaning may use chemicals that are not safe for the environment or for people and pets.

Dyes are another aspect to consider, as some chemical dyes are also not the best ecological and health savvy choice. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not indicate the dyes used to color their fabrics or to render them stain and soil resistant, fire resistant etc. On the other hand, many manufacturers of home decor fabrics are adding more and more "green" fabrics to their interior decorating lines that are guaranteed to be made from renewable resources and processed in ecologically sound ways.

Q. Don't synthetics eliminate problems with shrinkage and wrinkles?

A. Again, it depends. Rayon, for example, can absorb humidity and shrink under hot, humid conditions (and it is not washable). Windows hung with rayon curtains will have shorter curtains in the hot, humid summer and the same curtains will hang longer in dryer, cooler winters. Some synthetics, like acetate, do resist wrinkles, but so do some fabrics made from natural fibers, like wool and silk. There is a vast difference among synthetic fibers, just as in the naturals. Wool is a very different fiber than silk. So, too, rayon is very different from acrylic and olefin.

Q. So how do I choose?

A. Our page, The Green Truth About Fabrics provides a more in-depth summary about the advantages and disadvantages of different fibers and their characteristics and may help. Sometimes you will decide in favor of the fabric that has the right look at for your home décor regardless of other factors. Sometimes your primary concern will be how "green" a fabric is. Other times your primary concern may be cost or durability and practicality. Our article about types of natural and synthetic fibers will provide additional information you need to make an informed decision.

And remember -- you do not always have to choose one type of fiber over another. For some applications, the "best" solution is a drapery or upholstery fabric that blends the best characteristics of one or more natural and/or synthetic fibers. For example, in upholstery fabrics, the breathability of natural fibers, or how well they allow air to circulate, enhances the comfort of the furniture. To add durability, one or more natural fibers are often blended with at least one synthetic, which, as you will see, does not necessarily mean it is not "green." If you choose wisely, you can have the best of both worlds.

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