Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics - Is there really a difference?

Dresses today are made of many different types of fabric. And most fabrics fall in one of two categories – natural or synthetic.

Fabrics made with natural fibers are created from plants or animals. Natural fabrics typically consist of cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Synthetic fabrics on the other hand are a man-made product created through a chemical process. Polyester is the most common synthetic fabric, but others include acetate, nylon, and spandex.

Shopping for clothing in general can get daunting due to all of the options out there. And can be especially challenging when shopping for bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. You want to look your best on the big day as well as be as comfortable as possible and what fabric you choose can really make a difference.

Here are some tips to consider when choosing between fabrics:

• Synthetic fabrics aren’t breathable so you’ll be much warmer – not the best option for a hot summer day.
• Natural fabrics breathe and wick moisture away from the body. They’ll keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Synthetic fabrics can sometimes be more durable than natural (but not always).
• Synthetic fabrics can be easier to care for – most silks require dry-cleaning, however cotton fabrics are easily washable.
• Dresses made in natural fabrics (such as silk) sometimes have a higher price point, however, more and more reasonably priced silk dresses are available and priced just as well as synthetic. Cotton dresses are also very reasonably priced.
• There is a very wide selection of synthetic fabrics out there that have been created to look similar to their natural counterparts.

So next time you hit a dress shop you’ll probably be overwhelmed with fabric choices so keep these tips in mind. After trying on the different fabrics and knowing what you are trying on you’ll be able to come to a conclusion on what fabric you prefer. For myself? I’d choose a natural fabric over synthetic. I hate being uncomfortable so I’d want a breathable fabric made of natural fibers any day over a non-breathable dress made of synthetic ingredients like plastic. Wearing a plastic bag? Not my idea of comfort, especially on my wedding day. Plus there are so many silk and cotton dresses out there with a price tag similar to synthetic.