What Are Natural Fibers For Clothing

Natural fibers for clothing are materials that come from plants or animals, rather than being man-made. These include natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk — fabrics that have been used for generations because of how they feel, wear, and breathe.

At Covet, we’ve always gravitated towards natural fibre clothing because it feels more comfortable on the skin and tends to age more beautifully over time. Unlike synthetic fabrics or synthetic fibers, which are often derived from petroleum or wood pulp, natural fibers allow the body to breathe and move more freely.

They’re also often more eco friendly, especially when produced responsibly, making them a thoughtful choice for both your wardrobe and the wider environment.

Healthiest Fabrics To Wear

When it comes to everyday dressing, the fabrics you choose can make a real difference to how you feel throughout the day. We tend to favour natural fibers not just for their look, but for their comfort and wearability.

Cotton

A true wardrobe staple, cotton is soft, breathable, and easy to care for. It works beautifully for layering pieces and everyday essentials, especially when you want something comfortable against the skin.

Linen

Linen is one of our favourites, particularly for transitional dressing. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has that relaxed texture we love. Linen also gets better with age, making it a long-term wardrobe investment. We always pack one to wear on a holiday.

Wool

Wool is naturally temperature-regulating, which makes it ideal for cooler months. A good wool knit keeps you warm without overheating, making it perfect for layering.

Silk and blends (silk linen / wool silk)

Blended fabrics such as silk linen or wool silk bring together the best of both worlds — softness, warmth, and a refined finish. These pieces often feel more elevated while still being practical.

Sustainable Machine-Washable Loungewear Fabrics

Comfort dressing has become part of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean it needs to rely on synthetic fabrics. There are plenty of natural fibre options that feel just as easy to wear.

Organic cotton jersey

Soft, breathable, and easy to wash, organic cotton jersey is perfect for relaxed pieces you’ll wear again and again. It’s one of the simplest ways to bring natural fiber into your everyday wardrobe.

Cotton-modal blends (from wood pulp)

Modal is derived from wood pulp and, when blended with cotton, creates a fabric that’s soft, drapey, and easy to care for. It offers a more fluid feel while still maintaining comfort.

Lightweight wool blends

Fine wool blends can work beautifully for loungewear, especially in cooler months. They’re warm without being heavy and still breathable enough for indoor wear.

Examples Of Natural Fibers

Before diving into outfit ideas, it’s worth highlighting some of the most common natural fibers you’ll find in a Covet wardrobe:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Wool
• Silk
• Blended natural fibres such as silk linen and wool silk

These materials come from plants or animals, and each one brings its own qualities — whether that’s breathability, warmth, softness, or structure.

At Covet, we tend to favour these over synthetic fibers, not only for how they feel, but for how they wear over time.

Look #1: Andrea - Cotton & Wool Mix

Styled by:Andrea (Hove shop)

Outfit: Andrea is styled in the Privatsachen khaki cotton skirt, with its relaxed drape and earthy tone giving the outfit an easy, utilitarian edge. She pairs it with the Mos Mosh Thora v-neck sweater in soft ecru wool, a lightweight knit that brings warmth and contrast while keeping the silhouette understated and refined. The combination of muted khaki and creamy ecru creates a natural, tonal palette that feels both modern and timeless.

"I’ve always had a keen interest in fabric - what it’s made from, how it hangs, the dyes and the prints. It’s something people really notice in the shop: natural fabrics, great prints, beautiful dyes. Sustainability and ethical choices matter. I remember my mum dressmaking - it all started there." - Lyn

Look #2: Mimi - Linen & Cotton Knit

Styled by: Meme (Godalming shop)

Outfit: Mimi wears the Charli knit jumper paired with the Dear Prudence skirt. The knit brings soft texture and warmth, while the skirt’s clean lines add movement. Finished with Nuoceans sneakers, this look is the definition of laid-back elegance - perfect for everyday wear.

"I have always loved linen, and it’s always played a big part in the stores. It’s a great one to mix with other fabrics, particularly at this transitional time of year." – Lyn

Look #3: Andrea - Linen, Cashmere & Vegan Leather

Styled by: Andrea (Hove shop)

Outfit: Andrea wears the Dear Prudence white linen trousers, cut with a fluid, wide-leg silhouette that moves beautifully with each step. They’re paired with the Cashca cashmere roll-neck sweater in a rich tobacco tone, its soft, oversized knit adding both warmth and effortless sophistication. On her feet, she wears Nuoceans light grey vegan leather trainers, crafted with recycled uppers — a modern, sustainable finish that keeps the look grounded and contemporary.

"I choose brands as much for fabric and quality as style. And of course fit! I think we need to wear our clothes rather than them wear us. Crucial to feel good and confident, so well-cut and breathable fabrics are key." – Lyn

 

Look #4: Lyn - Cotton, Cashmere & Suede

Styled by: Lyn (Founder)

Outfit: Lyn models the Black Colour Molly cotton dress, layered with the Cashca cashmere oversized crew neck sweater in navy for a relaxed yet polished silhouette. The softness of the cotton dress paired with the luxurious drape of cashmere creates an easy, transitional outfit perfect for cooler days. To finish the look, Lyn wears the Date Hill Low Suede trainers in Bordeaux, which add a subtle pop of rich colour and keep the outfit grounded in effortless style.

“I’ve always believed that understated is best - cool and comfortable. No heels you can’t walk in, and no clothes you can’t sit down in - that never makes for a truly stylish look. Layering is great, especially for us ladies of a certain age. Think camis or blouses paired with knitwear.” - Lyn