The Fabric Label Is the First Clue: Natural Fibres, Synthetics and Blends Explained

What is your clothing really made of?

In this solo episode of Responsible Fashion Lab, Maria looks at one of the simplest but most revealing places to start: the fabric label.

Before we ask whether a garment is sustainable, responsible, natural, recycled or premium, we first need to understand its material composition. Is it made from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, semi-synthetic fibres — or a blend of several materials?

This episode is a practical guide to reading clothing labels more critically. Maria explains why fabric composition matters, why polyester is still plastic even when it feels soft, why recycled polyester is not a perfect solution, and why blends can make garments harder to understand, harder to recycle, and easier to market in misleading ways.

The episode also looks at how brands use language such as “wool blend”, “silk touch”, “linen feel”, “eco fabric” or “recycled materials” — and why the actual percentages on the label often tell a more honest story than the product title.

A short, practical episode for anyone who wants to make more informed clothing choices without perfectionism or panic — just with more awareness.

In this episode:

Why the fabric label is the first clue

The difference between natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic fibres

Why polyester is a plastic-based textile

Why recycled polyester is still polyester

Why blends can be a red flag