Natural, synthetic and blended fabrics: Which is better?

 Natural, synthetic and blended fabrics: Which is better?

The main types of fabrics are natural, synthetic and blended, which are classified based on different properties and uses.

Cotton and linen fabrics are considered excellent for general use as they are environmentally friendly, comfortable and durable.

When choosing fabrics, the weather, purpose of use and budget should be taken into account; cotton and linen are suitable in summer, wool and acrylic in winter.

Fabrics are part of our daily lives, which come in different types based on different materials, textures and uses. From natural fabrics like cotton and linen to synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, each has its own characteristics and importance.

Let's briefly learn about the main types of fabrics, their properties and which fabrics are suitable in which situations:

Types of fabrics

Natural fabrics

Natural fabrics are obtained from animals, plants or minerals. They are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

1. Cotton

The source of cotton fabric is the fruit of the cotton plant. This fabric is soft, breathable, light and sweat-absorbent. It is comfortable on the skin. Kurtas, saris, t-shirts, linen towels, etc. made of this fabric are available in the market. Such fabrics are cheap, durable and easy to care for. However, such fabrics are prone to wrinkles and discoloration.

2. Silk

The source of silk fabric is the cocoon of silkworms. The characteristic of this fabric is that it is shiny, soft and luxurious, which gives a light and cool feel. Sarees, dresses, scarves and special occasion clothes are made from this fabric. This fabric is beautiful and shiny to look at and is comfortable on the skin. However, this fabric is expensive, difficult to care for and can be damaged by water.

3. Wool

The source of wool fabric is the hair of sheep, goats or other animals. Talking about the characteristics of this fabric, it is warm, durable and flexible. Sweaters, coats, hats, and winter clothes are made from it. Wool is warm and naturally water-resistant.

4. Linen

The source of linen fabric is the flax plant. This fabric is light, breathable, and strong. Linen pants are very trendy lately. Linen dresses, shirts, and T-shirts are also in fashion. This fabric is environmentally friendly, cool, and durable. However, this fabric wrinkles easily and is a bit expensive.

5. Jute

The source of jute fabric is the jute plant. Talking about the characteristics of this fabric, it is strong, tough, and environmentally friendly. It is used to make sacks, bags, and decorative items. It is cheap and biodegradable.

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics are made through chemical processes. They are usually cheap and durable.

1. Polyester

Polyester fabrics are strong, wrinkle-resistant, and color-fast. It is used to make clothing, curtains, and furniture covers. Polyester is a cheap, durable, and easy-to-care-for fabric. However, this fabric is impermeable and uncomfortable on the skin.

2. Nylon

Nylon fabrics are light, strong, and flexible. They are used to make socks, ropes, and sportswear. Such fabrics are water-resistant and long-lasting. However, nylon fabrics can be uncomfortable in summer and can burn the body.

3. Rayon

Rayon fabrics are shiny and soft like silk, but cheaper than silk. It is used especially to make dresses, kurtas, and decorative items. It is a cheap alternative to silk. However, it is not durable and can be damaged by water.

4. Acrylic

Acrylic fabrics are soft, light, and warm like wool. They are used to make sweaters, carpets, and winter clothes. This fabric is cheap and the color also lasts a long time.

Blended fabrics

Blend fabrics are made from a combination of natural and artificial fibers. They combine the characteristics of both.

1. Cotton-Polyester

Cotton and polyester blended fabrics are soft, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. They are used primarily in school uniforms, shirts, and pants. They are inexpensive and easy to care for.

2. Wool-Acrylic

Cotton and acrylic blended fabrics are warm, soft, and inexpensive. They are used to make sweaters and winter clothing. Clothing made from this fabric is cheaper than wool, but less durable.

Which fabric is best?

Which fabric is best depends on the purpose of use, weather, personal preference, and budget. However, if we consider general criteria such as comfort, durability, eco-friendliness, and versatility, then cotton and linen are often considered the best.

Why is cotton fabric good?

Cotton fabric is soft and breathable, which keeps the skin fresh. It is suitable for both summer and mild winter. Good quality cotton clothes last a long time and do not deteriorate even after repeated washing. Also, organic cotton is eco-friendly and chemical-free.

It is also biodegradable. Cotton can be used to make various items such as T-shirts, sarees, kurtas, jeans, bed sheets and towels. Also, cotton is available all over the world and is cheaper than other natural fabrics like silk or linen.

Why is linen good?

Linen clothes are cool and comfortable. Linen is very comfortable in summer because it allows air to circulate well. Linen is also stronger than cotton and lasts longer. The flax plant requires less water and chemical fertilizers, which makes it environmentally friendly. The natural luster and texture of linen make it luxurious.

Why are these two great?

Both cotton and linen are gentle on the skin and are less likely to cause allergies. Both are great in summer, And cotton can also be used in mild winters. Cotton is easy to wash and maintain, while linen requires a little more care. Both organic cotton and linen are less harmful to the environment, especially compared to synthetic fabrics such as polyester.

Why are other fabrics less good?

Silk: Expensive and difficult to care for.

Wool: Only suitable for winter, and can cause itchy skin.

Polyester, nylon: Difficult to breathe and harmful to the environment.

Jute: Less suitable for making clothes, stiffer.

Which fabric is suitable for which situation?

For summer: Cotton, linen and rayon

For winter: Wool, acrylic and blended fabrics

Special occasions: Silk and velvet

Sports or outdoor activities: Nylon, polyester and blended fabrics

Cheaper and more durable option: Cotton-polyester blends.

Clothes should be worn according to your own taste, not for society or others

 Clothes should be worn according to your own taste, not for society or others

Nowadays, fashion changes every two days and there are many options for new and stylish clothes for women.

Society dictates the style of dressing according to the occasion, but preference should be given to wearing clothes that you like.

The decision to wear clothes affects mental health and one should give importance to one's choice.

Nowadays, fashion changes every two days, that is, the style of clothing is constantly changing. In such a situation, there are many options for girls and women. Every girl or woman wants to wear new and stylish clothes. However, they hesitate to wear clothes that they like because of what others will say or whether this dress suits their body.

Women with very fat bodies do not like wearing tight clothes. They think that sleeveless clothes will not suit them because they have a thin body, or they find it uncomfortable to wear black clothes because they are light-skinned. However, you should try on all types of clothes once. You should wear whatever your heart desires.

You should keep in mind that this is my body and it should be my choice. If you want to wear comfortable clothes that you can wear at home even when you go out, then you should wear those. You should dress according to your preferences and needs, not to show others.

Give priority to your choice

Society has prescribed a style of dressing according to an occasion or environment. Every society has a custom of wearing clothes of specific colors on occasions of mourning. The colors of clothes are different in festive atmospheres. At a wedding, the bride is expected to wear a heavy lehenga-choli and veil. But if you do not feel comfortable in such clothes, then you should be able to say no to them.

Even in the Christian and Muslim communities, there are prescribed styles of clothes, but why such restrictions?

If you want to wear a plain sari or lehenga instead of a colorful and heavy sari or lehenga at a wedding, then you should wear that. You should not think about what others will say. If the groom understands and has no objections, then this is a good thing. But if he insists that you have to wear this dress, then you should not hesitate to break up with such a person. Because if desires and preferences are not given importance, how can you be happy with such a spouse or family?

Similarly, if you feel comfortable getting married wearing a heavy lehenga and you like traditional clothes, then do that. The point here is only about desires and preferences, which should not be changed for others. When it comes to clothes, you should always give your own preferences first.

Impact on mental health

Have you ever decided to dress according to social standards? Have you ever worn a certain dress but changed it because it does not suit your body? Many people do this sometimes. But clothes have a huge impact on mental health. Knowingly or unknowingly, you start dressing according to the preferences of others, and you may not even be aware of it. But such habits can affect mental health.

Every time you stand in front of the mirror and are told that this dress does not suit you or that it looks bad in this dress, you should understand that your mental health is at risk. Trying to conform to social standards of beauty can affect not only mental health but also physical health.

How you look in front of others is very important. Everyone wants to be seen positively. This old beauty mindset makes you believe that there is something wrong with your body. People around you make fun of your weight or advise you to lose weight. These things make you believe that there is something wrong with your body. So you stop wearing the clothes you like.

Models, influencers, and celebrities are looked up to. They dress in a certain style and look a certain way. You try to be like them. When you look different from what is shown, you feel disappointed.

The impact of this mindset on mental health

If you check the standards of society every time before choosing clothes and dress accordingly, it can affect your self-esteem. Thinking about a bad body image can lead to negative thoughts.

If you don't wear the clothes you like because you don't fit your body or because you think people will look at you negatively, it also reduces your confidence. Therefore, dressing should be your choice, not society's.

Freedom means something different to everyone. Wearing the clothes you like is a right. Many girls like to wear all kinds of clothes, but only wear the clothes their family members tell them to wear. It is wrong to do this. You should wear clothes according to your own choice, not under the pressure of society and family.