So much of what hangs in our wardrobes is plastic by another name. Polyester, nylon and acrylic are synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels, now woven into everything from workout sets to summer dresses.
Beyond their environmental footprint, these fabrics shed tiny plastic microfibres every time they are worn and washed. Research from the University of Plymouth found that a single wash load of synthetic clothing can release hundreds of thousands of microfibres into the water system.
Scientists have since detected microplastics throughout the human body, including in blood, lungs and placental tissue. In 2021, Italian researchers published the first evidence of microplastics in human placentas, a finding that has since been supported by larger studies.
While researchers are still working to understand the long-term health implications, many microplastics are known to carry chemical additives and pollutants. It is one of the reasons more women are beginning to look beyond how a fabric looks and feels, and ask what it is actually made from. When it comes to the pieces we wear closest to our skin, the case for natural, breathable fibres continues to grow.
THE FIBRE FILES
Consider this your growing guide to the fabrics shaping a more thoughtful wardrobe. With every feature, we’ll introduce three fibres worth knowing to help you navigate labels with confidence.
Cotton
Spun from the soft fibres of the cotton plant, cotton is the foundation of many modern wardrobes. Lightweight, versatile and gentle against the skin, it comes in countless forms, from crisp poplin to airy cotton voile. Where possible, look for organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides and can have a lower environmental impact than its conventional counterpart.
Linen
Made from the fibres of the flax plant, linen is one of the world’s oldest textiles. Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, it helps keep you cool in warm weather and becomes softer with every wear and wash. Fully plant-based, it’s also one of the lower-impact natural fibres, particularly when sourced from certified European flax.
Viscose
Often described as the bridge between natural and man-made fibres, viscose begins life as wood pulp before being transformed into a soft, fluid fabric known for its silk-like drape. While it is plant-derived rather than petroleum-based, the manufacturing process matters. Look for responsibly produced options such as LENZING™ ECOVERO™, which use certified wood sources and lower-impact production methods.
CHARO RUIZ IBIZA
The Story
Founded in Ibiza in 1989, Charo Ruiz still carries the effortless romance of the Mediterranean spirit that shaped it. Created by its namesake designer, the label built its reputation on bohemian silhouettes, intricate lacework, delicate broderie anglaise and flowing fabrics designed for sun-soaked days and balmy evenings. The white dress remains its signature, a timeless staple that has taken the brand from the stalls of Las Dalias to a global following. More than three decades on, it remains a love letter to Ibiza.
The Materials
The house fabric is cotton voile, light and semi-sheer, cut for heat rather than against it. The craftsmanship lives in every detail.
⟡ Cotton voile base – breathable and built for warm weather.
⟡ Broderie anglaise, crochet and guipure lace trims that give each piece its handmade feel.
⟡ Natural fabrics are always at the core of the brand’s approach.
Side Note: The decorative lace and crochet often carry a small synthetic percentage, so many styles are cotton-led blends rather than pure cotton.
Beautilist Tips
Let the dress do the talking and keep everything else understated. The intricate lacework, scalloped edges and broderie details need little more than a delicate gold chain and simple sandals by day. Come evening, swap them for a heel and the same piece transitions effortlessly from beach club to dinner table. Sizing runs true to size, so order your usual. These are timeless styles designed to be worn for years, not just a single season.
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THE EDIT
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
The Story
Faithfull the Brand built its reputation on vintage-inspired silhouettes, breezy linen dresses and effortless co-ords handmade in Bali. Designed for sun-drenched escapes and easy summer dressing, its pieces have become synonymous with a laid-back, feminine aesthetic. The label is also B Corp certified, meeting verified standards for social and environmental performance. The romance is in the prints. The substance is in the values behind them.
The Materials
Linen is the house language and it’s sourced with care.
⟡ European Flax and OEKO-TEX100 certified linen across maxi, midi and mini styles.
⟡ Organic cotton features throughout much of its collections.
⟡ B Corp certified, with sustainability woven into the fabric of the business.
Side Note: Linen and organic cotton sit at the heart of the collection, making them the pieces to reach for first.
Beautilist Tips
Linen only improves with age, softening beautifully with every wash, while its natural creases are part of its effortless appeal. The prints are handmade, meaning subtle variations from piece to piece are to be expected and celebrated. Sizing runs true to size.
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THE EDIT
FARM RIO
The Story
Farm Rio began in 1997 at a market stall in Rio de Janeiro and has since turned Brazilian colour, print and optimism into a global language. Its “dress in happiness” philosophy extends beyond the clothes themselves. Since 2019, the brand has invested in reforestation projects across Brazil and now supports the planting of 1,000 trees a day throughout the country’s six biomes.
The Materials
This is where the details matter.
⟡ Viscose leads much of the range – plant-derived, but processed, so not the raw natural fibre that linen and cotton represent.
⟡ Linen, linen blends and organic cotton run through parts of the collection, including LENZING ECOVERO viscose.
⟡ Now B Corp certified, with reforestation as its strongest plant credential.
Side Note: While Farm Rio has made significant sustainability commitments, not every piece is made from natural fibres. If fabric composition matters to you, take a moment to check the label before adding to your basket.
Beautilist Tips
For the cleanest plant-fibre buy, filter to the linen and organic-cotton styles, which come in the same joyful, jungle-bright prints the label is loved for. This is one of our favourite brands to embrace colour without apology, so mix your prints, pile on the brights and let the dress bring all the energy. Sizing runs true to size.
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THE EDIT
