Why Fabric Matters: Choosing Natural Over Synthetic

Most people think of colour, cut, or price when buying clothes. But one of the most overlooked decisions — the fabric itself — has a huge impact on how your clothes feel, wear, and even how they affect the planet.

Today’s market is flooded with synthetics like polyester and acrylic. They’re cheap to produce and widely used — but they often feel plasticky, trap heat, and don’t age well. On the other hand, natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool offer comfort, breathability, and a certain quiet luxury that synthetics rarely match.

Here’s why it’s worth paying attention to what your clothes are made of — and how you can build a better wardrobe, one fabric at a time.

1. Breathability You Can Actually Feel

Natural fabrics allow air to circulate. That’s why linen pants always seem to outperform anything synthetic on a warm day — they don’t cling or trap heat. The weave lets your skin breathe, which is why pieces like SEAM’s Pleat Linen Pants are staples during warmer months. They’re tailored but relaxed, and the fabric wears beautifully over time.

Cotton is also breathable, especially in heavier knits or structured silhouettes. A good example? Something like the Classic Polo — cotton-rich with enough texture to hold its shape and feel soft against the skin.

2. Odour and Sweat Resistance

Synthetic fibres trap odours and sweat — that’s just a consequence of plastic. Natural fabrics like wool, by contrast, are naturally antimicrobial. Even after multiple wears, they resist smell far better than polyester gym gear.

Some blended polos, like SEAM’s Checkered Polo, use polyester intentionally — not as a cost-cutter, but for structure and wear resistance. When balanced well, the result is breathable and durable without sacrificing comfort.

3. Softer on Skin, Kinder to the Body

If you’ve ever put on a synthetic shirt and felt itchy, static-y, or just… off, you’re not imagining it. Polyester, acrylic and nylon are derived from petrochemicals. They don’t breathe, and they often undergo heavy chemical treatments during manufacturing.

Natural fibres, on the other hand, have fewer additives — and fabrics like linen and cotton are perfect for people with sensitive skin. Pieces like the Relaxed Linen Pants or even a crisp cotton shirt feel good because they are good — to wear, and to live in.

4. Longevity and Character

There’s a difference between clothes that last and clothes that just refuse to break down. Polyester may not biodegrade, but that doesn’t mean it wears well — it pills, loses shape, and can feel tired after a few months.

Natural fabrics, on the other hand, develop character. Linen gets softer with each wash. Cotton keeps its structure if woven well. Wool holds warmth and shape across seasons. The right fabric choices mean your wardrobe ages with intention.

5. A Better Choice for the Planet

Every wash of synthetic clothing releases microplastics — tiny fibres that pollute our oceans and end up in fish, water supplies, and even the air. By contrast, natural fabrics biodegrade. They come from the earth and return to it without leaving a trace.

Of course, no fabric is perfect. But choosing well-made pieces that you love — and wear often — is a strong place to start. Investing in fewer, better garments made with materials like linen, cotton, and wool is one of the simplest ways to step away from fast fashion.

Final Thoughts

What you wear sits against your skin all day — so why not make it feel exceptional?

Whether it’s the breathable ease of linen, the soft structure of cotton, or the quiet strength of wool, natural fabrics aren’t just more comfortable. They’re more conscious. They last longer. And they carry a kind of understated elegance that plastic clothes can’t replicate.

If you’re curious, start by exploring your own wardrobe labels — and pay attention to how things feel after hours of wear. And when you’re ready to invest in something built to last, SEAM’s Collection's are a great place to begin.