Polyester or satin – which is best? How does the synthetic ‘polyester satin’ measure up against natural silk satin? Let’s take a look:

Silk satin is a soft, smooth, and lightweight with a fluid drape. In contrast, polyester fabric is not as soft and has a stiffer drape. However, polyester is stronger, more durable, and has better breathability than silk with a satin weave. It’s also easier to care for polyester and it tends to be considerably cheaper than silk satin, at the cost of being less luxurious.

Check out our full comparison table below to compare satin and polyester, then continue reading for more information about differences between them:

Satin vs Polyester Comparison Table

Property	Satin	Polyester
Other Names	–	PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Made From	Satin is a fabric weave typically associated with silk fibres, although it can also be made using polyester or nylon. The below values are for satin made from silk.	Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles.
Advantages	Satin is smooth, silky and lightweight with a nice drape. This makes it perfect for loose fitting luxurious garments.	Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost.
Disadvantages	Dry clean only, not suitable for many types of garments. Difficult to sow and prone to snagging.	Significant environmental concern.
Uses	Fashion, particularly wedding dresses and other luxury items.	As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays.
Natural or Synthetic	Natural	Synthetic
Woven or Knitted	Woven	Either
Thread Count	Up to 600	200-1000
Washing	Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may lead to fading. Do not put in the washing machine.	Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first)
Drying	Air dry only	Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first)
Ironing	Do not iron. Satin should be steamed.	Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment.
Wrinkle Resistance	Doesn’t tend to wrinkle	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Poor	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Good	Very Good
Stretchability	Low	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Very High	High (tend to melt rather than burn)
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Poor	Medium
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Good, but weaker when wet	Very Good
Durability	Medium	Excellent
Drape	Fluid	Stiff
Softness	Very Good	Medium
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Satin using Normal Silk = C, Satin using Organic Silk = B	Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recylced Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A
Sustainability Issues	Satin is typically made from silk. Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).	Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products.
Vegan	Not when made from silk	Yes

Satin and velvet are two woven fabrics traditionally made from silk (although they can be made using other materials). How do they differ – and which one is best? Let’s find out.

Velvet is a woven tufted fabric with a dense pile that gives it a distinctive soft feel. By contrast, satin is sleek and has a glossy surface. Velvet is thicker, warmer and breathes better, however satin offers a superior drape and is more durable. In most cases, the choice between these will depend on the look and feel you want to achieve; despite both being made from silk, they offer very distinct looks and textures.

Check out the comparison table below to read on for a more in-depth investigation into the differences between satin and velvet:

Satin vs Velvet Comparison Table

Property	Satin	Velvet
Other Names	–	–
Made From	Satin is a fabric weave typically associated with silk fibres, although it can also be made using polyester or nylon. The below values are for satin made from silk.	Velvet is a silk fabric with a dense pile. It is traditionally made from silk, but can also be made from nylon, rayon, linen, and wool. The values in the table below reflect velvet made from silk.
Advantages	Satin is smooth, silky and lightweight with a nice drape. This makes it perfect for loose fitting luxurious garments.	Looks and feels great with decent breathability.
Disadvantages	Dry clean only, not suitable for many types of garments. Difficult to sow and prone to snagging.	Can wear out with heavy use (such as when used for furniture). Harder to clean than other fabrics. Expensive.
Uses	Fashion, particularly wedding dresses and other luxury items.	Fashion, furnishings, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Natural	Natural (if made from silk)
Woven or Knitted	Woven	Woven
Thread Count	Up to 600	–
Washing	Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may lead to fading. Do not put in the washing machine.	Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may lead to fading. Do not put in the washing machine.
Drying	Air dry only	Air dry only
Ironing	Do not iron. Satin should be steamed.	Do not iron. Velvet should be steamed.
Wrinkle Resistance	Doesn’t tend to wrinkle	Doesn’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Poor	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Medium
Breathability	Good	Good
Stretchability	Low	Low
Flammability (untreated)	Very High	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Poor	Low
Color-Fastness	Poor	Medium
Strength	Good, but weaker when wet	Good, but weaker when wet
Durability	Medium	Good
Drape	Fluid	Fluid
Softness	Very Good	Very Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Satin using Normal Silk = C, Satin using Organic Silk = B	Velvet using Normal Silk = C, Velvet using Organic Silk = B
Sustainability Issues	Satin is typically made from silk. Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).	Velvet is typically made from silk. Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).
Vegan	Not when made from silk	Not when made from silk

Which is best – silk sheets and silk bedding, or high quality cotton sheets? And which of these two fabrics is better for fashion? Or for the environment? We analyze the differences between these two natural fabrics below!

Both cotton and silk fabric are great choices, with similar moisture wicking properties, although cotton is a little more breathable. Silk fabric has a better drape and superior softness, although it costs more and is harder to clean; organic cotton is a bit more affordable and typically more durable. Both silk and cotton, when made organically, can be sustainable options.

Read on for our detailed comparison table and more information below:

Silk vs Cotton Comparison Table

Property	Silk	Cotton
Other Names	–	–
Made From	Silk is a soft and shiny fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons.	Fibers from cotton plant seeds
Advantages	Smooth, soft and luxurious. Looks and feels fantastic.	Cotton fiber has superior wet strength and is a natural insulator. Cotton also has natural anti-microbial properties
Disadvantages	Less practical than many other fabrics. Heat retention, water-resistance and color-fastness are all poor, and overall less durable than many other fabrics.	Higher production costs than many other fabrics, particularly for organic cotton.
Uses	Fashion, particulary luxury items, as well as lining for mens suits, ties, and pocket squares. Other uses include curtains, sheets, pillows, and upholstery.	Cotton is widely used in clothing, including to produce popular woven fabrics such as denim, flannel, and canvas. Also used for bedsheets, towels, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Natural	Natura
Woven or Knitted	Either, typically woven	Woven
Thread Count	Up to 600	100-1000+
Washing	Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may leave to fading. Do not put in the washing machine.	Typically fine in washing machine (always check the label first)
Drying	Air dry only	Often fine in tumble dryer, although shrinkage can occur especially if 100% cotton (check the label first). If unsure, air dry.
Ironing	Do not iron. Silk should be steamed.	Iron while damp (use a spray) on high heat
Wrinkle Resistance	Doesn’t tend to wrinkle	Wrinkles easily
Heat Retention	Poor	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Good	Very Good
Stretchability	Low	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Very High	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Poor	Poor
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Good, but weaker when wet	Good, especially when wet (cotton gets stronger when wet)
Durability	Medium	Good
Drape	Fluid	Medium
Softness	Very Good	Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Normal Silk = C, Organic Silk = B	Conventional Cotton = E, Organic Cotton = B, Recycled Cotton = A
Sustainability Issues	Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).	Cotton growing can be pesticide and water intensive, leading to pollution. Less impact when grown organically.
Vegan	No	Yes

Wool or polyester – which should you choose? Let’s check out the differences between these two popular fabrics.

Polyester fabric is a synthetic fabric that offers high durability and good breathability and moisture-wicking. Wool, such as merino wool, is warmer and more breathable, making wool clothing a superior choice in cold weather. Wool fabric is also softer and more comfortable than clothing made with polyester fibers, as well as being more sustainable – although it is also more expensive.

Need more info? Check out the full comparison table below, then read on for more information, including polyester vs wool for coats, suits, and carpets, as well as how the two materials compare on sustainability, cost, and other factors:

Wool vs Polyester Comparison Table

Property	Wool	Polyester
Other Names	Merino, Cashmere, Tweed	PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Made From	Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep, goats, rabbits, and other animals.	Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles.
Advantages	Comfortable and durable with good breathability and moisture wicking. An all-rounder.	Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost.
Disadvantages	Can shrink when made too hot or wet.	Significant environmental concern.
Uses	Fashion, furnishings, and upholstery.	As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays.
Natural or Synthetic	Natural	Synthetic
Woven or Knitted	Either	Either
Thread Count	Up to 200	200-1,000
Washing	Typically machine washable if you use the Delicates or Wool settings on your machine. Some may be hand wash only (always check the label first). Use gentle detergent.	Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first)
Drying	Some wool garments are safe for tumble drying. Check the label first. Often best to lay flat and air dry.	Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first)
Ironing	You can iron wool if you are very careful and use a cloth. Do not use too high a heat: overheating the wool will cause it to become shiny, extreme overheating will cause it to scorch.	Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment.
Wrinkle Resistance	Don’t tend to wrinkle	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Good	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Good	Good
Stretchability	Medium	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Low	High (tends to melt rather than burn)
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Good	Medium
Color-Fastness	Good	Good
Strength	Medium	Very Good
Durability	Good	Excellent
Drape	Medium	Stiff
Softness	Good	Medium
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Conventional Wool = D, Recycled Wool = A	Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recylced Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A
Sustainability Issues	Wool is biodegradable, however significant land and resources is required to raise the sheep. There are also humane issues, and we recommend you look for brands that only use wool from humanely reared sheep.	Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products.
Vegan	No	Yes

Wool vs Polyester: Production Methods

Wool, such as merino wool, is made from the fiber that sheep (and other animals, including alpacas) naturally produce to keep them warm and dry. The process begins by shearing the woolen coat of the animal to remove the raw fibers. Next, the raw wool fibers go through a series of processes that include scouring (cleaning), sorting, combing, dyeing, and spinning before it becomes yarn. After this step is complete, the yarn can be knitted into wool fabric for use in items such as sweaters, socks, and blankets.

Polyester, or PET, is a man-made fiber that is created using materials derived from petroleum. The petroleum is heated and the gas produced is then broken down into ethylene, which is further reacted with chlorine to form polyethelyne terephthalate (PET). The PET is drawn through small holes to form very thin polyester fibers. These fibers are then spun into yarns for creating polyester clothing or chopped up for use in applications like carpeting.

Polyester vs Wool: Uses

Polyester is used in a wide range of applications including, clothing such as pants, shirts, dresses, and skirts. Other uses include food containers, medicine bottles, carpets & rugs (often as a nylon blend), and even shoes. It is chosen for many of these applications for its combination of high durability, ease of cleaning, and low cost.

Wool fabric has been used in clothing for thousands of years. Its durability, good heat retention, and decent breathability have made it a popular choice for making socks, sweaters, pants, hats, and many other items. It is also used extensively in carpets, blankets, upholstery, and rugs.

Merino Wool Clothing vs Polyester Clothing

Both merino wool and polyester are popular choices for clothing:

Merino wool is a popular fabric because its natural fibers make comfortable garments. It’s also more breathable than polyester and has antimicrobial properties to provide better odor control. Merino wool fabric has better heat retention than polyester, but it’s close – the overall warmth of any garment will be affected more by its thickness than which material it is made from.

The advantage of choosing polyester is that it is significantly more durable than wool. Not only are polyester clothes likely to last longer, but the durability means they can be made thinner, which means you may find it more comfortable to wear polyester clothing in the summer. Polyester fabric is, of course, also cheaper than wool – although this comes at a cost as producing the raw material is significantly less sustainable (see below).

Wool vs Polyester Suits

Wool is generally considered to be the superior material for suits. High-quality wool suits are beautiful, durable, brilliant in color, and resistant to creasing. A wool suit will have a better drape than a polyester suit, which means it will be more flattering, and it will breathe better, which means you’ll stay cooler for longer.

Polyester, in comparison, is associated with cheaper suits. Polyester fabrics offer some advantages over wool fabrics: they don’t wrinkle easily, do not shed fibers as wool does, are machine-washable, and offer a more comprehensive selection of colors. Polyester garments are also much cheaper than wool clothing. However, polyester does not breathe as well as wool, tends to look shiny, and can feel cold and uncomfortable against the skin.

There are also suits available that are made from a wool polyester blend. These add durability compared to a 100% wool suit, but at the cost of looking more like a polyester suit. We recommend 100% wool – it’s a better suit, and it’s better for the environment.

Polyester vs Wool Coat

Wool is a great material for winter coats because it retains heat very well. Wool coats tend to be thick, heavy, and warm and are best suited for cold but dry conditions. A 100% polyester coat will be water-resistant but will not retain heat well, making it less suitable for a winter coat. The lack of breathability can also make polyester coats uncomfortable, leaving you feeling sweaty if you exert yourself.

Wool vs Polyester Carpets & Rugs

Both wool and polyester are popular choices for carpets and rugs.

Wool looks and feels great, has incredible durability, can be made without harsh chemicals, and acts as a natural dehumidifier by soaking up moisture without feeling damp. However, it’s more expensive, more susceptible to permanent stains, and may need treating to protect it from moths.

On the other hand, polyester doesn’t feel or look quite as nice, but it is more stain-resistant and resists fading better. Polyester, despite being one of the most durable fabrics, is less durable for carpets and rugs than wool and may wear and become matted in areas you use a lot.

Wool vs Polyester: Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Wool is a natural fabric, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely environmentally friendly. The environmental impact of the wool industry is considerable; not only is significant amounts of land used up for grazing, but sheep (like cows) contribute a surprisingly high volume of methane gas into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Additionally, the public is increasingly becoming aware that wool farming can be an animal welfare issue. Campaigns by organizations such as PETA have revealed that sheep are often mistreated while being sheared. High competition means farmers who produce wool must keep costs down, which can see a reduction in the sheep’s quality of life.

Polyester, on the other hand, is made from fossil fuels, making it terrible for the environment. Additionally, its lower absorption rates for water mean it requires more water and energy to wash during its lifetime than wool.

Our recommendation for both wool and polyester is that you stick to fabrics that have been recycled. Polyester, in particular, is now often recycled, and consumers can find clothing made from recycled bottles and other items on the market. If you do buy wool new, we recommend purchasing ethically sourced wool.

Wool vs Polyester: Cost

The land and effort required to raise sheep mean that wool costs significantly more to produce than many other fibers, including polyester. Expect to pay a premium for merino clothing and other types of wool. Items such as polyester fleece, in contrast, tend to be relatively inexpensive.

Wool Polyester Blends

Like other natural fabrics, merino wool fibers are often blended with other fibers to combine the properties. The main advantages of polyester wool blends are that they are cheaper; the addition of the less expensive fabric – in this case, polyester – lowers the overall cost of the garment while retaining properties of the more expensive fabric. Wool polyester blends are also more durable, will hold color better, and be easier to care for. However, they don’t look quite as good as clothing made from 100% merino wool.

Conclusion – Is Wool or Polyester Best?

Wool beats polyester in most areas. Wool has better heat retention, moisture-wicking, and breathability than polyester, making it a better and more comfortable fabric. Where polyester does excel is in ease of care and cost of production, and it is also a more durable fabric. Both wool and polyester score poorly on sustainability, and we recommend looking for recycled options for both.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if a fabric is wool fiber or polyester fiber?

Wool has a distinct smell that makes it easy to distinguish from polyester fibers and other synthetics. If you can’t tell by the smell, a burn test on a few strands may be helpful. Wool is hard to burn (it shouldn’t properly light on fire) and will give off a distinctive smell. Polyester and other synthetics will melt into a black ball.

Is polyester or wool warmer?

Wool is typically warmer than polyester fleece and is considered one of the best fabrics for keeping you warm. Polyester can also keep you warm effectively, but because it isn’t as breathable, there’s a risk you’ll feel warm and sweaty rather than warm and comfortable, as you would with merino wool clothing.

Does polyester or wool dry faster?

Polyester will dry faster than wool. This is because natural fabrics, like wool, absorb more water which then takes longer to evaporate; polyester absorbs very little water. Thinner wool pieces will dry a little slower than polyester equivalents, but some wool garments are very thick, and these can take a long time to dry.

Is polyester or wool lighter?

Polyester is a lighter fabric than wool. Polyester fabrics are considered lightweight, at about 60 grams per square meter (GSM), while wool fabrics are considered heavyweight, with weights exceeding 350 GSM. Some some wool varieties weigh as high as 600 GSM.

Polyester, a synthetic fiber, and linen, a natural fabric, are both used in fashion and furnishings, but which is better out of these two fabrics? Let’s take a closer look.

Both linen and polyester fabrics are highly durable and offer excellent breathability and good moisture wicking. Polyester, a synthetic, is a warmer fabric, is more stretchy, and holds colors better. However, linen, made from the natural fibers of the flax plant, is significantly more environmentally friendly, especially when grown organically, making linen a better choice for long-term sustainability.

Need to know more? Check out our full comparison table below, then read on for more information about the uses, production, and sustainability of linen and polyester:

Linen vs Polyester Comparison Table

Property	Linen	Polyester
Other Names	–	PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Made From	Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant.	Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles.
Advantages	Relatively environmentally friendly, breathable, with excellent durability.	Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost.
Disadvantages	Wrinkles very easily. Costs more than comparable products made of cotton.	Significant environmental concern.
Uses	Clothing and furnishings, including tableclothes, napkins, curtains.	As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays.
Natural or Synthetic	Natural	Synthetic
Woven or Knitted	Woven	Either
Thread Count	200-2,000	200-1,000
Washing	Typically fine in the washing machine with cold water, but some garments may be dry-clean only (always check the label first)	Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first)
Drying	Some linen is tumble dry safe (check the label). When air drying, lay linen out flat rather than hanging to avoid losing the shape.	Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first)
Ironing	Turn inside out and iron on a hot setting using the steam setting	Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment.
Wrinkle Resistance	Wrinkles extremely easily	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Poor	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Very Good	Good
Stretchability	Low	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Very high	High (tends to melt rather than burn)
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Low	Medium
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Good	Very Good
Durability	Excellent	Excellent
Drape	Stiff	Stiff
Softness	Medium (but becomes softer over time)	Medium
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Conventional Linen = C, Organic Linen = A	Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recylced Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A
Sustainability Issues	No chemicals are required to turn create linen from flax, and the flax plant does not require pesticides or fertilizers. Compared to most other fabrics, linen production is highly sustainable.	Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products.
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Linen vs Polyester: Production Methods

Linen is a natural fabric made from fibers of the flax plant. The plant is harvested and dried, and then the seeds are removed using a process called rippling. The plant is then retted, which is a process where the linen is submerged in water. The water causes the woody bits of the plant to rot, enabling the natural fibers to be separated out. These fibers are then turned into yarn and used to make linen fabric. The process of growing the plant and creating

Polyester, or PET, is a man-made fabric that is created using materials derived from petroleum. The petroleum is heated and the gas produced is then broken down into ethylene, which is further reacted with chlorine to form polyethelyne terephthalate (PET). The PET is drawn through small holes to form very thin polyester fibers. These fibers are then spun into yarns for creating polyester clothing or chopped up for use in applications like carpeting.

Linen vs Polyester: Uses

Both linen and polyester are used in clothing and furnishings. Polyester is a more popular choice for fashion, mainly due to its low cost, but both fabrics are used to make pants, shirts, dresses, and more. Items such as tablecloths, napkins, curtains and sheets can be made from either, although linen has the advantage of being a more luxurious fabric.

Linen vs Polyester Clothes

Aside from the look of the fabric, the differences between linen and polyester clothes mainly come down to three factors: cost, sustainability, and use. The first two are easy: if your deciding factor is cost, polyester will win every time; if you prefer a more sustainable fabric, it’ll be linen. Otherwise, it depends on how you’re going to use the fabric.

Linen clothes have the advantage in warm weather because linen is a more breathable fabric. Linen fibers also have similar moisture-wicking to the synthetic fibers of polyester. In warmer weather, polyester fabrics offer better heat retention, although it’s still not as good as a natural fiber like wool.

Linen vs Polyester Sheets

Linen sheets and pillowcases are highly durable and comfortable. Although they start out feeling a little rough, they’ll become a soft fabric over time – just give them a few washes. Linen’s hypoallergenic properties may also be a factor if you suffer from allergies. One downside is that linen wrinkles very easily, which can make it harder to achieve a smarter look on your bed.

Polyester sheets and pillowcases are just as durable as linen ones, although the look and feel of them is not as luxurious as linen or other natural fabrics. However, polyester bed sheets are cheaper and, like most synthetic fibers, considerably easier to care for.

Polyester vs Linen Curtains

Both polyester and linen make for relatively lightweight curtains. Of the two, linen is the more luxurious and breathable fabric, although it will need a lining to prevent the sun from fading it. Synthetic fabrics like polyester don’t fade in the same way and will be cheaper and easier to care for.

Polyester vs Linen Tablecloths

Both linen and polyester tablecloths are highly durable, and both should last for years with correct care. Linen offers a more luxurious finish, while polyester is more affordable and easier to keep clean.

Linen vs Polyester: Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Flax does not require a lot of pesticides or fertilizers to grow, and there are no chemical treatments needed during processing to create the linen fibers. The flax plant also needs less water than cotton plants to grow, meaning linen can be grown in more diverse locations without heavy watering. Untreated linen is biodegradable, and it’s a highly durable fabric, so it should last a long time. Typical linen has a low environmental impact, and this can be reduced considerably by buying organic linen, which is one of the most sustainable fabrics around.

Polyester, on the other hand, is made from fossil fuels, making it terrible for the environment. Additionally, its lower absorption rates for water mean it requires more water and energy to wash during its lifetime than linen and other natural fibers.

Our recommendation is that if you are interested sustainability, you should purchase linen over polyester (with the exception of products made from recycled polyester).

Linen vs Polyester: Cost

Linen is a little more expensive than the average fabric, and if you go organic, you can expect to pay a premium. Polyester is less expensive than linen and is normally the low-cost option.

Conclusion – Is Linen or Polyester Best?

We recommend organic linen. Not only is it more sustainable, but it’s very durable and breathable. Although it starts off stiff, it soon develops a soft feel. It does wrinkle easily, but other than that, it’s quite easy to care for. If you’re on a tight budget, polyester may suit you better, but we do recommend you stick to products made from recycled polyester.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polyester Linen?

Polyester linen refers to polyester that has been produced to mimic the look of natural linen. It is completely synthetic and is often confused with blended fabrics that include a mix of natural and synthetic fibers.

What does a linen polyester mix feel like?

Blended fabrics made from linen and polyester combine the properties of the two fabrics. The linen polyester mix will be softer and less likely to wrinkle than 100% linen and have a feel that is more natural than 100% polyester.

Does Polyester or Linen dry faster?

Polyester will dry much faster than linen. This is because linen, as a natural fabric, absorbs a lot more water than polyester. Polyester absorbs very little water and so less drying time is needed.

Rayon, a semi-synthetic fabric, and cotton, a natural fabric, have many differences, but which is best? Let’s find out:

Both rayon and cotton are soft fabrics with very good breathability and good moisture-wicking wicking. Rayon fabric is cheaper, weaker, and less durable than cotton, while cotton is a better insulator and can also be made more sustainably. Cotton can often be tumble-dried, while rayon cannot, and cotton also has better color-fastness. Cotton is considered a more premium fabric than rayon.

Check out the comparison table, then read on to find out more, including which fabric is best for shirts and sheets, how they compare on uses and sustainability, and more:

Rayon vs Cotton Comparison Table

Property	Rayon	Cotton
Other Names	Viscose, Modal, Lyocell	–
Made From	Chemically-treated wood and bamboo cellulose	Fibers from cotton plant seeds
Advantages	Rayon is cheap to produce and provides a substantially higher yield per acre than most other fabrics	Cotton fiber has superior wet strength and is a natural insulator. Cotton also has natural anti-microbial properties
Disadvantages	Rayon shrinks in hot water, and the more environmentally-friendly methods of creating it increase costs. Some forms of rayon require dry cleaning. Rayon may absorb body oils leading to staining.	Higher production costs than many other fabrics, particularly for organic cotton.
Uses	Rayon is used for clothing, bed sheets, curtains, and carpets.	Cotton is widely used in clothing, including to produce popular woven fabrics such as denim, flannel, and canvas. Also used for bedsheets, towels, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Semi-Synthetic	Natura
Woven or Knitted	Either	Woven
Thread Count	300-600	100-1000+
Washing	Dry clean or gentle hand wash in cold water (always check the label first)	Typically fine in washing machine (always check the label first)
Drying	Air dry only, do not tumble dry as shrinkage is likely	Often fine in tumble dryer, although shrinkage can occur especially if 100% cotton (check the label first). If unsure, air dry.
Ironing	Iron inside-out while damp with low heat	Iron while damp (use a spray) on high heat
Wrinkle Resistance	Wrinkles easily, especially when damp.	Wrinkles easily
Heat Retention	Medium	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Very Good	Very Good
Stretchability		Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Very High	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Poor	Poor
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Medium when dry, but weaker when wet	Good, especially when wet (cotton gets stronger when wet)
Durability	Low	Good
Drape	Fluid	Medium
Softness	Good	Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Generic Viscose Rayon = E, Modal = D, TENCEL = B	Conventional Cotton = E, Organic Cotton = B, Recycled Cotton = A
Sustainability Issues	The Rayon industry contributes to deforestation and pollution. Rayon production is chemically-intensive.	Cotton growing can be pesticide and water intensive, leading to pollution. Less impact when grown organically.
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Rayon vs Cotton: The Basics

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric that uses cellulose fiber harvested from the wood pulp of fast-growing trees and plants (including bamboo). It is very popular, especially in fast fashion, because the fabric exhibits similar properties to cotton but can be created at a lower cost. It is breathable, wicks moisture effective, and retains heat quite well. It does, however, have a tendency to shrink in hot water and can get stained from body oils. It comes in several types, each named after its production process, including viscose, modal, and Lyocell, and is sometimes referred to as artificial silk.

Cotton is an organic fabric created from fibers harvested from around cotton plant seeds. The use of cotton dates back thousands of years, and it is still one of the most popular fabrics in the world, thanks to its high tensile strength, moisture-wicking, and relative ease of production. Unlike rayon and many other fabrics, cotton has a higher wet strength than dry; rayon fibers weaken when wet.

Cotton vs Rayon: Uses

Both cotton and rayon are used in the textile industry, primarily for making clothes but also for sheets and bedding. Cotton is highly versatile and can be used to make many types of natural fabrics, including denim, corduroy, chambray, chino, plaid, and more.

Bamboo vs Cotton Sheets

Rayon, or ‘bamboo’ sheets, as they are often referred to, come in a number of weaves, including percale, sateen, and twill. They’re soft and breathable but will need to be washed in cold water to prevent shrinking from occurring. At lower thread counts compared against a similar cotton sheet, rayon fabric will feel softer. Many sites, unfortunately, position rayon sheets as the sustainable option when compared with cotton, which is not true due to the number of chemicals used.

Cotton sheets also come in a range of weaves. At lower thread countsm they’re not as soft as a rayon equivalent, but higher quality versions such as Egyptian cotton will feel as soft, particularly after a bit of use. Cared for well, cotton sheets are durable, and they have slightly superior breathability and heat retention.

We recommend high-quality 100% organic cotton sheets. In terms of properties, it’s a close call, and both the fabrics have positives, but this is the better option for the environment. Watch out for lower-cost Egyptian cotton, as they may be blends and not 100% cotton.

Cotton vs Rayon Shirts

High-quality cotton shirts are considered superior to rayon for most clothing applications, but especially format shirts. A cotton shirt will be stronger, will retain its shape better, and is less likely to fade in color. Egyptian cotton is best, but Pima and Swiss are also well-regarded. Look for a cotton shirt made of 100% natural fibers (no blends) and a thread count of 160 or higher to get a quality shirt. While rayon (or bamboo) clothes are cheap, they tend to absorb body oils which leads to staining – not something you want on your shirt when you’re entering an important meeting!

Bamboo vs Cotton Socks – Which is Best?

Cotton socks are soft, strong, and breathable. They’re strong in warm weather and good for both formal and casual wear, although they are not recommended for sporting wear. Cotton socks are normally a polyester or nylon blend, as these add elasticity and make them more comfortable.

Bamboo socks are also cheap, light, and breathable. However, they are not as durable as cotton, so they may wear out quicker. Rayon socks are also created using chemicals, which is bad for the environment.

Bamboo vs Cotton Underwear

Cotton underwear is soft, strong, and absorbs and wicks away moisture well. In comparison, bamboo (rayon) has similar absorption (it can absorb more but absorbs a little slower), but it dries slower and will not be as strong. Although comparable in most aspects, bamboo underwear will wear out faster, so you’ll need to replace it more often, so we’d go with cotton.

Bamboo vs Cotton Towels

High-quality cotton towels will be thick, soft, absorbent, and durable, particularly if you buy a premium type like 100% Egyptian or Supima. Bamboo towels (made from bamboo rayon) are also soft and absorbent but will take longer to dry and will wear out quicker.

Rayon Drapes or Cotton Drapes?

Natural materials, like cotton, are popular choices for drapes and curtains because they breathe well, are durable, and aren’t too heavy. Their durability can be enhanced by adding a lining and increase their opacity. Rayon is not typically preferred for curtains, which tend to be made from natural materials like linen, cotton, or silk, or synthetic ones such as polyester. Rayon is, however, often blended with fabrics like linen when making curtains.

Rayon vs Cotton: Production Methods

Rayon can be made using several different processes, each of which gives its name to a different rayon fabric. Viscose, modal, and Lyocell are all different types of rayon, each of which is made using the process they are named after. Essentially, the processes involve treating the cellulose natural fibers (wood pulp, basically) from bamboo plants with a range of chemicals (including sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide) in order to create fabric.

The end fabric is similar for each, but the exact chemical process and production steps define how cheap and how sustainable the process is – the cheaper the process, the less sustainable it is. Although rayon uses natural fibers, it is considered a semi-synthetic fiber because of the volume of chemicals it requires. Rayon is a fabric made using an intensive process, and some consider it closer to man-made than natural, despite the underlying material being pure cellulose from plants.

Cotton comes from the fibrous casing that protects the seeds of the cotton plant. The fiber is separated from the cotton seed and cleaned, and then ‘carded.’ This process turns the small cotton fibers into long strands, which are then spun into yarn. This yarn can then be dyed any color and woven into clothing. Cotton fabric is considered natural because it does not require intensive chemicals when produced.

Cotton Rayon Blend

A cotton-rayon fabric blend is not uncommon and can be used to reduce costs (by reducing the cotton percentage) or to increase stretchiness (rayon is more stretchy than cotton). You may also see the two as part of a larger mix: a rayon-cotton-polyester-spandex mix, for example, helps combine the feel of cotton, the stretchiness of rayon, the strength of polyester, and the shape control of spandex. This mix is common for objects such as stretch pants.

Cotton vs Rayon: Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Viscose rayon and modal rayon fiber are both unsustainable products. These processes are not a closed loop, which means that harmful chemicals, such as carbon disulfide, are lost in wastewater and not recovered, instead entering the environment where they cause damage to plants, animals, and humans. Fabric made in this way is safe to wear but has been linked with health problems for those manufacturing it, including skin conditions, heart disease, nerve damage, and strokes. Viscose rayon is not produced in the US or many other Western countries for this reason – the process of creating rayon fibers is too toxic. 

There is one bit of good news – a type of rayon called Lyocell is better, and, in particular, Tencel, which is a branded form of Lyocell created by Lenzing. This is made using an environmentally sustainable closed-loop process that recovers almost every chemical used and is far better for both the environment and workers than viscose rayon.

The production of non-organic cotton fiber can also be devastating for the environment. This method uses significant amounts of both pesticides and water to grow the cotton plants, causing huge damage and pollution to the surrounding area. Despite being a natural fiber, non-organic production methods are as damaging as those for man-made fibers.

Organically grown cotton fiber is better: it is grown without pesticides, relies on rain for watering, and uses natural methods to improve the soil. However, this comes at a cost: the fiber yields are lower, and costs are higher. This is reflected in the cost to the consumer, which is considerably higher for organically-grown cotton than the same fabric grown non-organically or rayon, particularly viscose rayon. 

Rayon vs Cotton: Cost

Rayon is almost always going to be cheaper than cotton, especially if it is organic. The cotton price reflects its production process: it requires more land to produce, and the conditions that produce a good yield are harder to come by. Viscose rayon, in particular, is cheap, and because of this, it is used substantially in fast fashion products.

Conclusion – is Rayon or Cotton Best?

So, rayon or cotton? Both these fabrics have similar properties, and both have sustainable and unsustainable versions. Rayon can be a good purchase but is only sustainable if you stick to Tencel products, which tend to be more expensive. Clothes made using the viscose or modal production process are cheaper but highly likely to have been created in an unsustainable fashion.

Overall, cotton is the superior of the two fabrics. It washes better, will likely last for longer, and is a better insulator. However, unless you purchase clothes labeled organic cotton or recycled cotton, it is no better for the environment than viscose and modal, the two forms of rayon that cause the most pollution, so we recommend you stick to organic cotton fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rayon or cotton for sheets – which is best?

High-thread organic cotton is better for sheets than rayon (and better for the planet). However, both cotton and rayon are breathable, wick moisture well, and soft.

How can I tell if a fabric is rayon or cotton?

The clothing label should say if a fabric is rayon or cotton. Failing that, you could do a fabric burn test. According to this guide, cotton will stop burning when you remove a flame, but rayon will continue burning. Of course, if this is a piece of clothing you like, don’t burn part of it!

Is rayon cotton?

No, rayon is not cotton. Rayon is made by chemically processing the wood pulp of bamboo plants.

Is rayon breathable?

Yes, rayon is a very breathable fabric and is considered equal to cotton in breathability.

Is rayon a natural fiber?

Rayon is not considered a natural fiber and is normally classified as semi-synthetic. This is because rayon is made from chemically processed bamboo cellulose fibers. The high level of chemicals used warrant the semi-synthetic label.

Is rayon recyclable?

Yes, rayon can be recycled (depending on what services are offered in your area). It will also biodegrade if it ends up in landfill.

Is rayon warmer than cotton?

We rank rayon and cotton as similar in terms of warmth, with high-quality cotton as more effective than rayon.

Does rayon shrink?

Yes, rayon can (and will) shrink, especially if washed in hot water. To minimize shrinking, wash in cold water only, although even then some shrinkage may occur. You’ll also want to air dry only, as a tumble dryer may also cause shrinkage.

Which is more absorbent, cotton or bamboo?

Bamboo, or rayon, can absorb more moisture than cotton, but absorbs at a slower rate and is slower to dry. Bamboo also absorbs body oils more than cotton, which can lead to staining. This means that although bamboo can absorb more, it is not as practical as cotton.

Which is softer, bamboo or cotton?

Both bamboo and cotton are very soft. At lower thread counts, a bamboo garment will feel softer than a similar cotton one. However, a premium high thread count cotton such as 100% Egyptian will feel softer than bamboo (rayon).

Is bamboo or cotton cooler?

Both bamboo and cotton have very good breathability, but overall bamboo is probably slightly cooler.

Nylon and silk are two popular fabrics, but how do they differ? And which should you choose for items such as stockings and other luxury items? Let’s take a look.

Nylon, a synthetic fabric, is strong, lightweight, and easy to care for. It is more durable and stretchy than silk and also retains heat better, making nylon stockings a better choice in cold months. In contrast, silk breathes better, making it the choice for hot weather. Natural silk thread is also more expensive, but has a more luxurious look and feel, which many prefer.

Need more information? Check out the comparison table below, then read on for our full guide:

Property	Nylon	Silk
Other names	–	–
Made from	Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from materials derived from petroleum.	Silk is a soft and shiny fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons.
Advantages	Strong, lightweight, and easy to care for.	Smooth, soft and luxurious. Looks and feels fantastic.
Disadvantages	Significant environmental concern.	Less practical than many other fabrics. Heat retention, water-resistance and color-fastness are all poor, and overall less durable than many other fabrics.
Uses	Used extensively in fashion to make a wide range of items.	Fashion, particularly luxury items, as well as lining for men’s suits, ties, and pocket squares. Other uses include curtains, sheets, pillows, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Synthetic	Natural
Woven or Knitted	Either	Either, typically woven
Thread Count	–	Up to 600
Washing	Machine washable in hot or cold water (check label for which one is best for your garment). May last longer if hand washed.	Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may leave to fading. Do not put in the washing machine.
Drying	May wrinkle if dried in a dryer at hot settings. Opt for cooler settings or air dry.	Air dry only
Ironing	Iron only on the lowest heat section without steam. Use a pressing cloth. Be careful because nylon can burn easily.	Do not iron. Silk should be steamed.
Wrinkle Resistance	Don’t tend to wrinkle	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Medium	Poor
Moisture Wicking	Medium	Good
Breathability	Poor	Good
Stretchability	High	Low
Flammability (untreated)	Medium (tends to melt rather than burn)	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Medium	Poor
Color-Fastness	Poor	Poor
Strength	Excellent	Good, but weaker when wet
Durability	Excellent	Medium
Drape	Fluid	Fluid
Softness	Good	Very Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Virgin Nylon = E, Chemically Recycled Nylon = B, Mechanically Recycled Nylon = A	Normal Silk = C, Organic Silk = B
Sustainability Issues	Nylon is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled nylon products.	Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).
Vegan	Yes	No

Silk vs Nylon: Production Methods

Silk is a soft cloth woven from fibers harvested from the cocoon of the silkworm caterpillar. These cocoons are made from the fine fiber excreted by the caterpillars themselves. The cocoons are harvested with the silkworm still inside, and these cocoons are then put into boiling water to help unstick the thread from itself. Each cocoon is made of one thread and can be up to 900m long!

These silk fibers are then dyed, spun into thread, and woven using one of several different weaves (such as the plain weave). Although silk is a natural fabric, it is not vegan because the silkworm is killed during the production process (although ethical silk, or peace silk, is available that is vegan-friendly).

Nylon is a generic name for synthetic polymers made of polyamides using derivates of crude oil. This means producing nylon is an entirely synthetic process. Diamine acid (from oil) reacts with adipic acid to create nylon salt, a polymer. This is heated and then turned into a thread using a machine called a spinneret. These fibers are then stretched before being ready to spin into clothes. The resulting nylon thread resembles silk thread and is sometimes referred to as artificial silk.

Silk vs Nylon: Uses

Both nylon and silk are used extensively in the fashion industry, with silk, in particular, associated with luxury items such as gowns.

Nylon or Silk Stockings

Both silk and nylon are very popular for stockings (tights). Of the two, silk is considered the luxury choice. Silk stockings are more breathable and comfortable but are more expensive and less durable. Nylon stockings have better heat retention, making them better in cold weather, and they are more durable. Some nylon stockings have a seam up the back (silk stockings do not).

Silk or Nylon Socks

Silk socks are breathable and comfortable, but not durable enough for the heavy wear that socks get and require special care. Nylon, on the other hand, is more durable but not very breathable and is typically used as part of a blend rather than by itself. Because of this, most people wouldn’t consider either of these suitable for daily wear.

Silk and Nylon: Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Nylon is a plastic and so does not degrade. Its production requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create, and new nylon is not considered at all sustainable or environmentally friendly. We recommend only using nylon products when the nylon used has been recycled.

Compared to nylon, silk production is relatively low impact and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).

Silk vs Nylon: Cost

Silk has a very high production cost compared to nylon, which is available at much lower prices.

Conclusion – Is Nylon or Silk Best?

We believe that silk is better in most circumstances, with a strong preference for humane silk. Silk is more environmentally friendly, looks better, and is more breathable. However, it is also more expensive.

Purchasing clothes and furniture that use vegan fabrics is a great way to support your vegan lifestyle and encourage brands to stock more vegan products. But although more brands than ever are stocking vegan and cruelty-free products, they don’t always label them as such.

Vegan and cruelty-free fabrics are come in two categories: Plant-based vegan fabrics, such as cotton, hemp, and other fabrics made from these materials (such as chino, corduroy, denim, and khaki), or synthetic vegan fabrics, including nylon, polyester, elastane, microfiber, or rayon. Most non-vegan fabrics are either use wool from an animal or silk in their construction.

Of course, it isn’t always so simple. Some fabrics have both vegan and non-vegan methods of production. Others will be made from silk or wool but are then given another name, making it hard to tell if they contain animal-derived materials.

Below, we’ve listed 150 fabrics, given a brief description, and stated whether they are vegan or not, and below the table, we’ve also gone into more detail into some of the more popular fabrics that people ask about. Remember: not all vegan fabrics are sustainable. Many synthetic vegan fabrics are bad for the environment and may still cause indirect harm to animals and the planet.

p.s. We’ve worked hard to make this the most useful source for information on vegan fabrics on the internet, but we still recommend you check the label and, if necessary, ask the manufacturer for more information. Additionally, just because the main material used is vegan doesn’t mean there might not be non-vegan elements, such as leather details – so watch out for those!

Which Fabrics are Vegan and Cruelty-Free? Check the Table!

Fabric	Is It Vegan?
Aba – a course felted fabric woven from goat and/or camel hair.	No
Acrylic – a synthetic fabric made from a polymer called acrylonitrile.	Yes
Aertex – a trademark for a brand of loose-weave cotton fabric.	Yes
Alpaca – derived from alpaca hair. It is warmer than wool, water-resistant, and hypoallergenic.	No
Angora – woven from hair of the angora rabbit. Silky and soft.	No
Baize – a felt-like material used for covering snooker and pool tables. Typically a wool/cotton blend.	Depends
Bamboo – Bamboo cellulose is used to make all types of rayon, including viscose, modal, and lyocell.	Yes
Batiste – also known as Cambric or Chambray, it is a lightweight cotton (or linen) fabric used for linings, lingerie, and handkerchiefs.	Yes
Broadcloth – a dense cloth historically made of wool, but in a modern context more likely to be cotton or cotton blend.	Depends
Brocade – a rich, thick fabric with an elaborate raised design. Normally silk, but synthetic alternatives are available.	Depends
Buckram – a stiff cotton or linen cloth. Used for bookbinding, hats, and in clothing.	Yes
Bunting (or Bunt) – traditionally made from a lightweight wool, but alternative materials include plastic, synthetic fabrics, and paper.	Depends
Calico – a cheap, plain-woven textile made from unbleached cotton. Often, the cotton has not been fully-processed.	Yes
Cambric – also known as Chambray or Batiste, is a lightweight cotton (or linen) fabric used for linings, lingerie, and handkerchiefs.	Yes
Camelhair – fiber or cloth made from the hair of a camel. Often blended with other fibers, including wool.	No
Camlet (or Camelot, Camblet) – a woven fabric traditionally made of camel or goat’s hair. Later made from blends of goat’s hair and silk, or of wool and cotton.	No
Canvas – a course and durable plain-woven fabric traditionally made from hemp, but now typically made from cotton, linen or PVC.	Yes
Cashmere – a soft and silky fiber harvested from cashmere, pashmina, and other types of goats.	No
Challis – a lightweight woven fabric. It can be made from cotton, silk, or wool (or often a blend), but is now sometimes produced from man-made fabrics, such as rayon.	Depends
Chambray – also known as Cambric or Batiste, it is a lightweight cotton (or linen) fabric used for linings, lingerie, and handkerchiefs.	Yes
Chenille – a heavy woven fabric typically manufactured from cotton or synthetic yarns, sometimes mixed with wool or silk.	Depends
Chiffon – a lightweight and sheer fabric. Can be made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers.	Depends
Chino – a twill fabric. It is typically made from either 100% cotton or cotton-synthetic blend.	Yes
Chintz – a brightly printed and glazed cotton fabric.	Yes
Corduoroy (or Cord) – a textile made from twisted fibers that have been woven into a distinctive cord pattern. Normally made from cotton.	Yes
Cork – made the soft bark of some kinds of oak tree.	Yes
Cotton – made from fibers that surround the seeds of the cotton plant. It is used as both a textile fiber and as a thread for sewing.	Yes
Cotton flannel (or Canton flannel) – a stout cotton fabric with nap on one side only	Depends
Crepe (or Crape, or Crepe de Chine) – a soft woven fabric. Originally made from carded wool or worsted yarn, modern crepe is normally either wool, cotton, or synthetic.	Depends
Cretonne – a heavy cotton fabric used for upholstery. Typically printed with a floral pattern.	Yes
Damask – a woven fabric with an ornate and intricate pattern. It can be made from silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers.	Depends
Denim (or Jean) – a durable cotton textile with distinctive diagonal ribbing. Denim itself is vegan, but jeans sometimes aren’t due to leather patches.	Yes
Dimity – a sheer cotton fabric woven with raised stripes or checks. Hard-wearing.	Yes
Doeskin – leather made from the skin of a female deer.	No
Down – fine feathers taken from birds, normally domestic geese.	No
Duck (Duck Cloth, Duck Canvas) – a heavy woven cotton cotton fabric which can be used for both clothing and tents.	Yes
Duffel (or Duffle) – a coarse heavy woolen fabric used for both bags and clothing, particularly coats.	No
Elastane – a synthetic fiber that is stronger and more durable than rubber, while still retaining exceptional elasticity.	Yes
Elastic – a flexible stretchable fabric, typically cotton, nylon or polyester, made with interwoven strands of rubber or elastane.	Yes
Etamine (or Etamin) – a soft, loosely woven fabric with a slight sheen. Can be made from cotton or wool.	Depends
Faille – a shiny, closely-woven fabric characterized by slight ribs in the weft. Can be made from silk, rayon, or cotton.	Depends
Faux-Leather – sometimes called Leatherette, Vinyl, or Polyurethane, it is a synthetic fabric that replicates the look of real leather.	Yes
Felt – hair, wool or synthetic fiver that has been matted and pressed together to create a thick, strong material. Traditionally not vegan but can be made with synthetics.	Depends
Flannel – a soft woven fabric that can be made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.	Depends
Flannelette – a light cotton fabric that has been designed to imitate flannel.	Yes
Fleece (and microfleece) – made from PET, a plastic. Not to be confused with the fleece of a sheep or goat.	Yes
Foulard – a lightweight fabric made of silk or a silk/cotton blend. Can be either twill or plain-woven, usually made with a printed design.	No
Frieze – a heavy woolen fabric with a long nap	No
Fustian – a cotton and linen fabric. Strong, with a short nap, it is usally dyed in dark colors.	Yes
Gabardine – a tough fabric with a tight weave. Traditionally worsted wool, but can be cotton, polyester, or a blend. Used for suits, overcoats, uniforms.	Depends
Georgette – a sheer, lightweight silk material used predominantly in dressmaking.	No
Gingham – a lightweight plain-woven cotton cloth. Typically produced in a check design mixing white with a bolder color.	Yes
Grogram – made from a mix of silk and wool.	No
Grosgrain – a corded fabric or ribbon characterized by a weft that is heavier than its wrap. Traditionally wool, silk, or a blend, but can also be made from nylon.	Depends
Haircloth – a stiff fabric made from horse hair or camel hair.	No
Hemp – a tough fiber harvested from the cannabis plant.	Yes
Horsehair – a stiff fabric made from horse hair or camel hair.	No
Jersey – a kntted fabric originally made using wool, but now sometimes made with cotton or synthetic fibers instead.	Depends
Khaki – a strong twilled cloth usually made from cotton and linen.	Yes
Lace – a beautiful delicate fabric with an open weblike pattern. Traditionally made out of silk, but modern lace is often synthetic.	Depends
Lame – a fabric made using a mix of one material (often synthetic) with thin metallic fibers to create a shiny, metallic-looking fabric.	Yes
Leather – made by tanning animal (often cow) skin. Strong and flexible.	No
Leatherette – an imitation leather made from paper, cloth, synthetics, or other materials.	Yes
Linen – made from the fibers of the flax plant. Cool and fresh in hot weather.	Yes
Linsey-woolsey – a strong and coarse fabric made with a linen (sometimes cotton) warp and a woolen weft.	No
Lint – a linen or cotton fabric with a raised nap on one side. Commonly used to make bandages.	Yes
Lisle – a fine fabric made from lisle yarn, (a strong, high-twisted yarn made of cotton).	Yes
Lyocell – a type of Rayon made using the Lyocell process. It is a semi-synthetic fabric made using wood or bamboo cellulose.	Yes
Mackinaw – a felted woolen cloth with a heavy nap, often produced with a plaid design.	No
Mackintosh (or Macintosh) – a lightweight waterproof fabric, usually rubberized.	Yes
Madras – a lightweight fabric made from cotton. It typically has a patterned texture and a plaid design. Ideal for summer clothing.	Yes
Marseille – a strong cotton fabric. It has a raised pattern and is used for bedspreads.	Yes
Mesh – material that resembles a net due to a large number of closely-spaced holes. Typically made of nylon or polyester.	Yes
Microfiber – a very fine synthetic yarn.	Yes
Modal – a type of Rayon. It is a semi-synthetic fiber made out of tree or bamboo cellulose. Used alone or sometimes blended (often with cotton).	Yes
Mohair – a silky fabric made from the hair of the Angora goat.	No
Moire (Watered Silk) – a fabric with a wavy (or watered) appearance. Traditionally made from silk, it is sometimes made from wool, cotton, or rayon.	Depends
Moleskin – a durable cotton fabric with a velvety nap. It is not made from moles.	Yes
Monk’s Cloth – a heavy cloth made from cotton with a basket weave.	Yes
Moquette – a synthetic fabric. It is thick and velvety and is normally used for carpets and soft upholstery.	Yes
Moreen – a heavy fabric with a ribbed face. Traditionally made from wool, but now may be made from a cotton/wool blend or just cotton	Depends
Mousseline de soie – a thin, gauze-like fabric. Traditionally silk, but could now be made from rayon or other materials.	Depends
Muslin – a loose plain weave cotton fabric.	Yes
Nankeen – a pale yellow cotton cloth.	Yes
Neoprene – a synthetic alternative to rubber.	Yes
Ninon – a sheer fabric with a plain weave used in dresses, scarves, and eveningwear. Traditionally made from silk, it can now also be made with synthetic fibers.	Depends
Nylon – a synthetic polymer made from materials derived from petroleum.	Yes
Oilcloth – a cloth treated on one side with a drying oil or synthetic resin.	Yes
Organdie or Organdy – a sheer stiff muslin.	Yes
Organza – a sheer fabric with a thin plain weave. Traditionally made from silk, but can also be made out of polyester or nylon.	Depends
Orlon – a brand name for first acrylic fibers created by DuPont.	Yes
Paisley – a pattern of colorful swirled curved shapes. Traditional paisley is likely to be on wool and silk, but can be used on other fabrics.	Depends
Percale – a closely-woven cotton fabric used to make bed covers.	Yes
PET, PETE – PET, also known as polyethylene terephthalate, is a plastic. When used in fashion it is normally called polyester.	Yes
Pilot Cloth – a heavy woolen material with a thicknap. Used for seamen’s uniforms.	No
Pique – a weaving style characterized by fine ribbing. Normally used with cotton yarn.	Yes
Plush – a term used to describe fabric with a pile higher than ⅛ inch (0.3 cm).	Depends
Polar Fleece – a highly-insulating fabric with a soft nap. Made from synthetics such as polyester.	Yes
Polyester – a category of synthetic fibers. The most common is PET.	Yes
Pongee – a soft thin cloth woven from raw silk.	No
Poplin (or Tabinet) – has a tight weave and a distinctive ribbed texture. Typically made of cotton, but can be wool or silk.	Depends
Prima Loft – a brand of synthetic insulating materials developed for the US Army in the 1980s.	Yes
Ramie – a natural fiber made from the stalks of the Chinese Nettle plant. It is similar to linen, and has been used for fabric for more than 5,000 years.	Yes
Rayon – a semi-synthetic fiber made by chemically treating tree and bamboo cellulose.	Yes
Rep – from the Latin for ‘rib’, Rep (or Repp) is a fabric with horizontal ribs. Can be made from silk, wool, or cotton.	Depends
Russet – a coarse gray, brown, or reddish-brown cloth. It is made of wool and dyed with wood and madder (a red dye).	No
Sailcloth – any fabric used for boat sails. Could be cotton, nylon, or Dacron.	Yes
Samite – a luxurious heavy silk fabric which often has silver or gold threads woven into it.	No
Sarcenet – a fine soft silk fabric from Italy.	No
Sateen – a cotton (or sometimes rayon) fabric with a satiny finish.	Yes
Satin – a smooth fabric with a glossy surface. Uses fibers such as silk, nylon, or polyester.	Depends
Scrim – a lightweight woven fabric used in curtains, bookbinding, and upholstery. May also refer to a heavier reinforcement material used art, building, and canvas making. Made from cotton or flax.	Yes
Seersucker – a light fabric normally made of cotton with alternating rough and smooth stripes.	Yes
Serge – a twilled woollen fabric made with a two-up, two-down weave.	No
Shag – a fabric with a deep pile. Typically used in reference to rugs or carpets.	Depends
Shagreen – a type of leather made from rough, untanned skin. Often shark or ray.	No
Shantung – a silk plane weight fabric often used for bridal gowns.	No
Sharkskin – a worsted fabric with a two-toned appearance. Traditionally made from wool, mohair, or silk, but can also be made using rayon. Could also refer to an actual sharkskin (not vegan!).	Depends
Sheepskin – a sheep’s hide which has been tanned with the fleece still attached.	No
Silesia – a twilled cotton fabric used for pockets and linings.	Yes
Silk – a soft and shiny fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons.	No
Spandex – an extremely stretch synthetic fiber used in the manufacture of elastic clothing.	Yes
Sponge cloth – a porous fabric usually made in a loose honeycomb weave.	Depends
Stammel – a course woolen fabric historically used for the undershirts of penitents.	No
Suede leather – a type of leather with a napped finished. Uses the underside of the skin of the animal, normally lamb, but can be deer, goat, pig, or calf.	No
Swan’s-Down – could refer to either the soft down feathers of a swan OR a thick soft fabric, often wool (could be cotton, rayon), used in baby clothes.	Depends
Taffeta – a smooth plain woven fabric made from either silk or synthetic fibers. Primarily used for evening wear.	Depends
Tammy – a plain-woven fabric of wool or a wool/cotton blend used for linings. Often glazed.	No
Tapa (or Tappa) – a paper-like cloth made in the South Pacific by pounding tapa bark.	Yes
Tapestry (or Tapis) – a woven decorative fabric, made with wool and/or silk.	No
Tencel – a brand of lyocel and modal rayon fibers produced by Lenzing. It is a semi-synthetic fabric made from the natural cellulose found in wood pulp.	Yes
Thinsulate – a brand of synthetic thermally-insulating fiber used in clothing.	Yes
Toweling – refers to any fabric used to make towels. Usually linen or cotton.	Depends
Tweed – a rough wool patterned fabric assocatied with Scotland and Ireland.	No
Ultrasuede – a synthetic microfiber used as a substitute for suede leather.	Yes
Velcro – a fastener for clothes consisting of two connecting sides, one with stiff hooks, the other softer loops. Both sides are made from nylon.	Yes
Velour – a plush fabric made from cotton or polyester that resembles velvet. It can be produced cheaper than velvet and is vegan.	Yes
Velvet – a silky fabric with a dense pile. Traditionally, made from silk, but it can be made from a wide range of materials, including nylon, rayon, linen, and wool.	Depends
Velveteen – a cotton fabric with a dense pile made to resemble velvet.	Yes
Vicuna – the wool from the vicuña’s (a South American relative member of the camel family) undercoat.	No
Vinyl (or PVC) – a plastic.	Yes
Viscose – a type of rayon made using the viscose process. It is made from tree and bamboo cellulose and commonly used in fashion.	Yes
Viyella – a fabric made from a cotton and wool blend in a twill weave.	No
Voile – a sheer fabric, usually made of either 100% cotton or cotton blended with linen or polyester. Used in curtain making.	Yes
Vulcanized Fiber – a tough laminated plastic made from cellulose.	Yes
Whipcord – an extremely strong worsted fabric with a twill weave. Can be made from heavy cotton, worsted wool, or synthetics	Depends
Wincey Fabric – fabric made with a wool weft and a cotton warp (sometimes linen is substituted for cotton). Can be plain or twilled.	No
Wool – a natural fiber obtained from sheep, goats, rabbits, and other animals.	No
Worsted Wool – a high-quality type of wool. Stronger and smoother than wool, worsted is often used in suit-making.	No

FAQ – Vegan Fabrics or Not?

Is Suede Vegan?

Suede is not vegan or cruelty free. It is a type of leather with a napped finish typically made out of lambskin, but may also be made from goat, pig, calf, or deerskin. The exception is ‘vegan suede,’ which isn’t actually suede, just a synthetic alternative that does not use animal products.

Are Fleece and Microfleece Vegan?

Both fleece and microfleece are vegan as they are made of polyester, which is the same type of plastic that is used to make many plastic bottles. Unlike a sheep’s fleece, this fabric is suitable for a vegan lifestyle. However, watch out for fleece blends: commonly these are cotton or rayon, but fleece is sometimes blended with wool – the resulting blend is not vegan.

Is Moleskin Vegan?

Moleskin fabric is vegan. It is a heavily-napped fabric typically made from cotton (or sometimes polyester) that is famed for its softness and durability. Despite the name, moleskin fabric has nothing to do with furry, subterranean mammals. It is cruelty-free and suitable for a vegan lifestyle – no moles were harmed in the manufacture of this fabric!

Moleskin fabric should not be confused with the notebook brand, Moleskine (but just in case this is what you were looking for, we’ve checked, and Moleskine products are typically vegan!).

Is Felt Vegan?

Felt is traditionally not vegan, but vegan versions are increasingly popular. Traditionally, felt is made from wool and animal fur, and linked to cruel, unethical, or inhumane treatments of animals. However, felt can also be made from synthetic materials. When this is the case, the felt is cruelty-free and suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

Always check the label to find out which type of felt a product uses, and keep in mind that some products will use a mix of both animal-derived materials and synthetic materials

Is Vinyl Vegan?

Vinyl, aka polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is vegan. It is a versatile plastic used in a wide range of products, including clothing, toys, construction, and – of course – vinyl records. Because it does not use animal-derived products it is suitable for a vegan lifestyle, however, vinyl does have significant sustainability issues that may give vegans cause to think twice.

Is Lace Vegan?

It depends. Traditional lace is made out of silk and is not vegan. However, most modern lace is made out of cotton or linen, but could also be made out of synthetic materials like polyester. In these cases, lace is cruelty-free and suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

Vintage and second-hand lace are less likely to be vegan, and vegans should also be wary of more-expensive lace products, which are more likely to be made of silk (since cotton and linen are cheaper). 

Is Mesh Vegan?

Yes, mesh is normally vegan. It is typically made from nylon or polyester, both of which are vegan, cruelty-free, and suitable for a vegan lifestyle. It is possible to make mesh from non-vegan materials, but this is not generally done; to be safe, always check the label.

Is Chiffon Vegan?

Yes and no. Traditional chiffon a lightweight, sheer fabric is made out of silk, which is non-vegan. However, many chiffon clothes are now faux-chiffon, made out of rayon, nylon, or polyester. These are made using a similar process, but are vegan and cruelty-free. Vegan chiffon is cheaper to produce, but the resulting fabric is not quite as luxurious or smooth as silk chiffon. Check the label!

Is Velvet Vegan?

Yes and no. The term velvet actually refers to the structure of the fabric and how it is made, so it can be made from many different materials. Traditionally-made velvet is made from silk, so it is not vegan. New methods mean velvet can now be made from other materials, including vegan ones such as cotton, linen, and synthetics, and non-vegan ones, such as mohair and wool. We recommend you check the label or ask the manufacturer to be certain.

Is Spandex (aka Lycra or Elastane) Vegan?

Yes, spandex (aka lycra or elastane) is a vegan material. It is a synthetic fabric that is formed from a long-chain polymer (an organic material), and it can be combined with other fabrics like polyester or cotton (also vegan). Spandex fabric is not made from animal-derived products, and no animals are hurt during the manufacturing process. It is considered cruelty-free and suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

Is Cotton Vegan?

Yes, cotton is vegan – it is a natural fiber that is harvested from cotton plants. It is not animal-derived and is considered suitable for anyone living a vegan lifestyle. Like other vegan fabrics, it can be produced without causing cruel, unethical, or inhumane treatment of animals, however the methods used to grow non-organic cotton may cause ethical concerns for some vegans as it is not a sustainable process. We recommened organic cotton.

Is Chenille Vegan?

Normally, but not always. Chenille is vegan when it is made from cotton or synthetic yarns (which is most of the time). However, if the yarn is mixed with wool or silk, then it cannot be described as being vegan.

Interestingly, the name is derived from the French for ‘caterpillar.’ This may cause some initial concern amongst vegans; however, the name comes from the fact that the yarn is fuzzy and resembles a caterpillar, rather than any involvement of caterpillars in the manufacturing process! 

Is Denim Vegan?

Yes, denim is a vegan fabric, and most denim clothes are vegan. It is made from cotton which is woven into a distinctive twill pattern, which makes them more durable, water-resistant, and less likely to wrinkle. However, some jeans use leather patches that make them unsuitable for a vegan lifestyle – always check the label.

Is Modal Vegan?

Yes, modal fabric is vegan. Modal is a type of rayon, a fabric made from plant cellulose. It is cruelty-free, does not use animal-derived materials, and can be used as part of a vegan lifestyle. Like many synthetic fabrics, the production process relies heavily on chemicals, so it is not a sustainable vegan fabric. For this reason, some vegans choose not to use modal in preference of more sustainable fabrics.

Is Tencel Vegan?

Yes, Tencel is a vegan fabric. It is a brand-name for a type of rayon created by an Austrian company called Lenzing AG. Tencel material is a type of rayon fabric (made from plant cellulose) created using the lyocell or modal process. Additionally, and unlike other forms of rayon, Tencel is produced using a sustainable process, making it better for the planet too.

Is Neoprene Vegan?

Yes, neoprene is vegan, it is a synthetic alternative to natural rubber. It is made using a multi-step chemical reaction, and then the finished material is laminated to another fabric, often nylon, ready to use. The production process does not involve animal derivatives, although as a synthetic the production process is not considered sustainable.

Is Velour Vegan?

Yes, velour is vegan. It is a dense fabric that is meant to look and feel like traditional velvet and is often referred to as vegan velvet. The most common form is cotton velour, but you may also see polyester velour or rayon velour.

Is Flannel Vegan?

Flannel is sometimes vegan. It is a soft fabric with a loose weave and a napped finish. It is usually made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fiber, and depending on the fabric used it may be vegan or not vegan. Vegans should avoid traditional wool flannel and aim for alternatives made out of cotton or synthetic materials.

Is Memory Foam Vegan?

Yes, memory foam is vegan. It is made from polyurethane, a type of plastic also used in car seats, in glues, and as insulation in buildings and fridges.

However, it should be noted that both shoes and memory foam mattresses often have other materials in them that may not be vegan. For example, a memory foam mattress may have a mattress protector made from satin, silk, down, or flannel. These animal products are not vegan fabrics and not compatible with a vegan lifestyle.