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.