The World’s Most Used Fabrics: Advantages and Disadvantages

Sustainable fashion can feel overwhelming, right? If you're eager to shop more consciously but don't know where to start, you’re in the right place: let’s see what the world’s most used fabrics are.

The world's most used fabrics include polyester, cotton, rayon/viscose, and wool. These fabrics dominate the global textile market due to their affordability, versatility, and widespread availability, making them integral to both fast fashion and traditional garment production.

Widespread clothing availability seems like a win, making fashion affordable and accessible. But here’s the catch: it often comes with hidden costs, with the environment, society, and ethics on the negative side of the coin.

What Are the World’s Most Used Fabrics?

Almost 60% of our clothes are made of synthetic materials, mostly polyester. 25% is made of cotton; 7% is cellulosic (like viscose); and about 2% is wool. Then, leather, silk, bast fibers (linen, hemp) and experimental fibers like piñatex make up the remaining 5%.

Broken down, it looks like this: 

• Polyester (60-70%)

• Used for: Apparel, sportswear, outdoor gear, and fast fashion.
  

• Cotton (20-30%)

• Used for: Everyday clothing (t-shirts, jeans), bed linens, towels, and medical textiles.
  

• Rayon/Viscose (5-7%)

• Used for: Dresses, blouses, linings, and lightweight fabrics, often as a silk substitute.
  

• Wool (2-5%)

• Used for: Suits, sweaters, coats, and accessories.
  

• Nylon (1-3%)

• Used for: Activewear, hosiery, swimwear, and outerwear.
  

• Acrylic (1-3%)

• Used for: Sweaters, hats, scarves, and faux fur.
  

• Linen (0.5-1%)

• Used for: Summer clothing.
  

• Spandex/Elastane (0.5-1%)

• Used for: Sportswear, leggings, swimsuits, and performance costumes.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Fabrics Used for Clothing? 

When you buy clothes, do you look at the tag to see what a garment is made of? And if you do, do you know what to look for? Each fiber comes with its own advantages and disadvantages and that’s exactly why choosing the “right” fabric for your clothing is so tricky. 

Benefits of Common Fabrics

Every shopper is different, and while one might prefer affordability over comfort, others won’t compromise on durability, origin, or specific features. There’s no accounting for taste! 

So, what could be important when you choose certain fabrics over others? 

Sustainable Choices that Meet Your Everyday Needs

• Conscious Shopper Pro-Tip: Why does this matter? Choosing the “right” fabric isn’t a black-and-white decision. Understanding the benefits helps you make informed choices that balance environmental impact with practicality. So, yes, you want to avoid harmful fabrics, but you also want to recognize which materials can provide long-term value to you. 

Disadvantages of Common Fabrics

Keeping that practicality-meets-conscious-shopping in mind, there are also some downsides of common fabrics used for clothing that you’d want to be aware of. Here, too, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing the “best” (or avoiding the “worst”) material. 

Knowing the pros and cons of different fabrics empowers you to make choices that align with your values. When you understand the environmental and ethical impacts of materials, you can support brands that are walking the talk. It's all about being conscious of those "hidden costs," whether it's in terms of sustainability, labor practices, or waste.

The key is making decisions that feel right to YOU.

What Are the Environmental, Social, and Ethical Consequences of Each of These Fabrics? PLUS Alternatives!

Each fabric has its own unique characteristics, uses, and environmental or ethical implications. While generalizing can be helpful for understanding broad trends, diving into each of these materials allows us to fully appreciate their benefits, challenges, and potential alternatives.

Polyester

Polyester (Click the link to find out more, because Wikipedia knows much more about it than I do!) is a material that is made out of oil and turned into plastic. At least, that’s the simple way to explain it.

In fact, polyester actually has much more to it; it is an incredibly complicated and toxic process to produce it. The name polyester is used for a variety of fibers that are man-made and synthetic. The most common variety is polyethylene terephthalate, or PET.

The Benefits of Polyester

Polyester has several benefits that make it a popular choice for clothing and apparel. 

• It is incredibly durable, resistant to wear and tear, fading, and stretching, making it a long-lasting material. 

• Its moisture-wicking properties help pull sweat away from the skin, making it ideal for activewear and athletic clothing. 

• Polyester also resists wrinkles and shrinkage, maintaining its shape without the need for constant ironing. 

• It dries quickly, unlike natural fabrics like cotton, which is an advantage for outdoor or performance clothing. 

• Additionally, polyester is cost-effective to produce, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers. 

• Its versatility allows it to be blended with other fibers like cotton, wool, or spandex, enhancing qualities such as softness, elasticity, and breathability. 

The Polyester Oil Problem

When you think of clothing, you don’t necessarily think of oil, but the truth is, polyester—the most widely used fabric in the world—is made from petroleum-based products. The most common form, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is created by turning oil into synthetic fibers through a complex and energy-intensive process. 

In other words, every time polyester is produced, it relies on oil, driving up the demand for fossil fuels.

The issue here is that the oil industry is one of the most environmentally damaging sectors. To summarize from Wikipedia: extracting and refining oil leads to pollution, oil spills, habitat destruction, and huge greenhouse gas emissions. 

So, when we use polyester, we're indirectly supporting the oil industry’s harmful impact—whether it's the pollution from extraction or the emissions from plastic production. This is one of the main reasons polyester gets criticized for its sustainability: it perpetuates the environmental costs of oil while contributing to global warming and ocean acidification.

The Polyester Microplastics Issue

Microplastics are another issue associated with polyester. 

When polyester garments are washed, they shed tiny plastic fibers that are too small to be filtered out by most washing machines. These microplastics then end up in our waterways and oceans, contributing to the growing plastic pollution problem. 

Since polyester is made from plastic, it doesn't break down naturally, meaning these microplastics persist in the environment for a long time. Over time, they can enter the food chain, impacting wildlife and potentially human health. 

And it’s a problem in our clothing because of the invisible pollution they contribute every time we wash them.

The Polyester Landfill Problem 

Polyester’s impact on landfills is another environmental concern. 

Since polyester is non-biodegradable, it doesn’t break down naturally over time. Instead, it can remain in landfills for hundreds, even thousands, of years. As a result, discarded polyester clothing takes up valuable space in landfills, contributing to growing waste problems.

• Crazy-Data: In fact, according to According to Moazzem et al. (2021), approximately 87% of discarded textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing significantly to waste and environmental degradation (Moazzem, Wang, Daver, & Crossin, 2021).

Because these materials won’t decompose, they contribute to long-term pollution and waste, further stressing the environment. 

The Ethical Dilemma of Polyester for Low-Income Consumers

"Cheap" also means that many people, especially those with low incomes, are most inclined to buy clothes made of polyester. 

People with limited disposable income aren't in a position to prioritize the environmental or ethical implications of their clothing choices. They have to make practical decisions based on what fits their budget, which often means opting for cheaper materials like polyester. While high-quality fabrics made from natural or sustainably sourced materials typically come at a premium. For many families, the cost difference makes them unattainable. 

In this way, the ethical dilemma isn’t just about the material itself, but the broader issue of affordability and access to sustainable options.

For those on a tight budget, purchasing clothing made from cheaper, synthetic materials often feels like the only viable choice, even though it may come with long-term environmental costs.

The Issue of Overconsumption

Polyester is the go-to fabric in fast fashion, a business model built on cranking out cheap, disposable clothing. This creates a culture of overconsumption, where we buy clothes cheaply, wear them a few times, and then toss them without thinking about the long-term effects. 

The nonstop cycle of making and discarding clothes makes waste worse AND encourages a mindset that values cheapness over quality, sustainability, and fair working conditions.

 

Cotton

Cotton (link goes to Wikipedia), is a natural fiber that is grown in different parts of the world, with India, the USA, and China leading the pack. The process starts when the soft cotton fibers are separated from the seeds of the cotton plant, then spun into thread ready to be woven into fabric. 

The Benefits of Cotton

This plant-based wonder has been the fabric of choice for civilizations spanning millennia and it’s still a staple in our wardrobes today—and for good reason! Cotton has many desirable features: 

• Cotton is highly breathable and comfortable, making it a go-to fabric for warm climates and sensitive skin. 

• Its natural softness gives it a gentle feel against the body, perfect for everyday wear. 

• As a hypoallergenic material, cotton is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. 

• It’s also impressively absorbent, helping to wick moisture away from the skin (though it does take longer to dry compared to synthetics.)

• One of cotton’s biggest wins is that it’s biodegradable, meaning it won’t linger in landfills for centuries. 

• When woven tightly, cotton can also be quite durable, especially in forms like denim or canvas. 

• It’s an incredibly versatile fabric, used in everything from clothing to household textiles.

• Plus, it holds dyes well, which means it can deliver rich, long-lasting colors. 

• And finally, because it’s a natural fiber grown from plants, cotton is totally vegan. 

The Water Problem Caused by Cotton

Cotton cultivation does face significant sustainability challenges, particularly when it comes to water usage and land management.

• Cotton grows best in areas with plenty of rainfall, but it is often cultivated in regions where water is scarce. This means that it heavily relies on irrigation to meet its water needs. 

It’s one of the most water-intensive crops, requiring large amounts of water for growth, particularly during the flowering and fruiting stages. This can lead to significant water shortages in areas that are already experiencing droughts.

The intense water usage can result in desertification (the process of fertile land becoming desert-like), as well as the depletion of local water sources, harming the surrounding ecosystems and communities that depend on them.

The Pesticide Problem of Cotton

The pesticide problem in cotton farming is a significant environmental and health concern. Cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops globally, and these chemicals can have damaging effects on ecosystems, communities, and wildlife.

Cotton crops require frequent pesticide applications to protect them from pests like bollworms, aphids, and other insects. Even with the introduction of Bt cotton (link goes to Wikipedia) (genetically modified to resist bollworm), other pests still require chemical treatments.

The heavy use of pesticides leads to soil, water, and air contamination, harming the environment and the health of local communities. These chemicals often make their way into nearby water sources, affecting wildlife and people.

While Bt cotton can reduce the need for some pesticides, it can also lead to increased farming costs for other treatments that are still required, while the seeds for genetically modified crops are already more expensive.

An Organic Solution for Cotton?

But what about organic cotton? Isn’t organic cotton (link goes to Wikipedia) a perfect solution? 

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification is a significant step towards addressing some of the issues with cotton farming, including pesticide use. It’s a great alternative for consumers seeking a more eco-friendly and ethical option. 

Here’s how GOTS helps with the pesticide problem and other cotton farming issues:

• Reduced Pesticide Use: GOTS-certified organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which directly reduces the environmental impact of cotton cultivation. Instead, it relies on natural pest control methods, crop rotation, and soil health practices to manage pests.
  

• Social and Environmental Standards: GOTS goes beyond just the fibers and includes rigorous social and environmental standards for textile production. This includes restrictions on harmful chemicals, waste management, water usage, and even ensuring fair labor practices (no child labor, fair wages, and safe working conditions).
  

• Transparency and Trust: GOTS sets high standards for sustainability and ethics. It’s one of the most trusted certifications for organic textiles, ensuring that products meet both environmental and social criteria, from farming to final product.

While GOTS-certified organic cotton is a great step toward sustainability, it’s not perfect. The certification process is pricey and complicated, which often leaves out small, local farmers. It does cut down on pesticides and chemicals, but it doesn’t completely solve the issue of water usage or eliminate the need for some chemical treatments. Plus, only 70% of the fabric needs to be organic to meet the standards. 

So, while GOTS has high criteria (which you can find in their standard—downloadable document when you click the link), it’s not about completely cutting out chemicals either. It’s about reducing their impact as much as possible.

Rayon (Viscose)

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural resources like wood and agricultural products. While its origins are natural, chemicals are used in the production process. It’s a versatile fabric, often praised for its ability to mimic other fibers like silk, cotton, linen, and wool. 

The most common types of rayon include:

• Viscose: Made from wood pulp.

• Lyocell: Also made from wood pulp.

• Modal: Produced by spinning reconstituted cellulose fibers.
  

Rayon’s flexibility in replicating the feel of natural fibers makes it a popular choice in the textile industry. It isn’t called fake silk (or art silk, wikipedia) for nothing! 

The Benefits of Rayon

There are many benefits to rayon (viscose): 

• Rayon is a soft and comfortable fabric that feels smooth to the touch, often mimicking the luxurious feel of silk. 

• It’s breathable, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool in warmer weather, while also being moisture-wicking to help pull sweat away from your skin. 

• Rayon’s ability to dye easily results in vibrant, rich colors.

• Its versatility means it can be made to resemble other fabrics like silk, cotton, or linen, making it a popular choice for a variety of styles. 

• Lightweight and easy to wear, rayon is perfect for creating clothing that’s not heavy but still stylish. 

• Plus, it’s biodegradable, as it's derived from natural cellulose, making rayon a (more) eco-friendly alternative. 

• Finally, rayon is also relatively cheap because it’s made from abundant raw materials (such as wood pulp).

• The materials used to make rayon (like wood pulp or plant fibers) are readily available and easy to source in large quantities.

Comfortable, sustainable, and cost-effective… It sounds like we have a winner, right? Unfortunately, there are still concerns. Let’s see what’s up with rayon.

The Durability and Care Requirements of Rayon

The big issue? Durability. Rayon tends to shrink, stretch, and lose its shape when washed, especially if it’s not handled carefully. It's like that one piece of clothing you love to wear but don’t want to wash too often, because you’re worried it’ll turn into a mess.

And here’s where it gets a bit worse for the planet: when rayon is washed, it can release microplastics into the water. These tiny bits of plastic aren’t great for the environment. So, while rayon is biodegradable (a plus for sustainability), the microplastics are a downside.

If you’re not careful with how you wash rayon, you might find yourself dealing with faded colors, warped fabric, or even tiny holes. 

The Problem of Rayon Blended with Other Fabrics

Rayon is often blended with other fibers like wool or polyester to enhance its features (such as making it more washable or altering its texture). However, this blending process comes with some downsides:

• Polyester Blends:

• Polyester makes rayon more durable, shiny, and easier to wash. However, polyester is made using harmful chemicals, and it doesn’t biodegrade easily, contributing to microplastic pollution.

• While polyester improves rayon’s functionality, it detracts from rayon’s eco-friendly appeal.
  

• Wool Blends:

• Adding wool makes rayon warmer and can create a softer, more comfortable fabric. However, the wool industry often raises ethical concerns, especially when mass-produced. 

The key problem with blending rayon is that it inherits the disadvantages of the other fabrics it’s combined with, whether that’s environmental impact (polyester’s chemical process) or ethical concerns (wool and animal welfare).

 

The Problem with the Production Process of Rayon

Despite being derived from natural sources like wood pulp or cellulose fibers, rayon goes through a highly processed manufacturing process. This means water and chemicals are heavily involved, which poses significant environmental risks.

• Chemical Pollution: The chemicals used in rayon production, including carbon disulfide (CS2), can end up in rivers, polluting water sources and harming aquatic life. CS2, in particular, is toxic and poses risks to workers and nearby communities.
  

• Air Pollution: Emissions from the production process can contribute to air pollution, negatively impacting surrounding environments.
  

• Resource Depletion: The process consumes a large amount of water and energy, which can deplete natural resources and contribute to ecological strain.

In short, while rayon is made from renewable resources, the chemical-intensive process makes it less sustainable than it might initially seem.

The “Sustainable” Bamboo Problem that Is NOT So Sustainable

Bamboo has been hyped as a miracle fabric—eco-friendly, sustainable, and perfect for conscious consumers. But before you jump on the bamboo bandwagon, it’s good to know there’s more to the story. 

When bamboo is processed into rayon, it involves harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. These chemicals can pollute water and harm ecosystems if not managed properly, making the process far less eco-friendly than it appears.

As bamboo gains popularity, vast plantations are replacing natural forests, causing habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. The idea of bamboo being a naturally sustainable material is often misleading, as it can contribute to deforestation.

• The idea of bamboo being a naturally sustainable material is often misleading when it contributes to deforestation.