Which materials are purely natural?
Purely natural materials come directly from nature and have not been synthetically modified. Think of wool, organic cotton, linen, hemp, and wood fibers like Tencel. They breathe, regulate temperature, and do not release microplastics. The less invasive the processing, the more natural the material truly is.
The word “natural” is everywhere these days. On labels, websites, and in marketing copy. But if you look a little closer, it turns out to be a flexible concept.
Because what is actually, truly purely natural? And when is a material already far from what it claims to be?
In the shop, I explain this almost every day. So it’s time to put it clearly on paper. No marketing speak, no greenwashing. Just honest, as it is.
What do we mean by purely natural materials?
Do you already know which materials are natural, but want to learn how to recognize them in practice? Then also read: How do I recognize purely natural materials?
Purely natural materials come directly from nature and have not been synthetically modified.
- That means:
no plastic additives
no plastic coatings
no fibers that have been chemically transformed into something else
The less invasive the processing, the purer and more natural the material remains. It’s actually that simple.
Wool
Wool is perhaps the most complete natural material that exists.
It comes directly from the sheep and has properties that no factory can match: it regulates temperature, breathes, and is self-cleaning.
Untreated wool, so without a superwash treatment, is pure nature. It contains lanolin, breathes, and lives. Literally.
Organic wool goes a step further. It considers not only the sheep itself but also animal welfare, the environment, and processing. That is precisely why we at Natur-el consciously choose organic wool.
And just to be very clear: wool with only an OEKO-TEX 100 certificate is not organic. No matter how much some brands want you to believe that.
Organic cotton
Cotton is a natural material, but not all cotton is automatically pure.
Organic cotton is grown without chemical pesticides and harsh chemicals. As a result, the fiber remains stronger and kinder to your skin.
It is breathable, comfortable, and great for daily use. But honestly: cotton lacks the self-cleaning properties of wool. That is why you have to wash it more often.
Linen
Linen is made from the flax plant and is one of the oldest textile fibers in the world.
It is strong, durable, and provides a cooling effect. Linen often becomes even more beautiful the longer you wear it.
A wonderful example of a purely natural material that needs little to function well. And yes, those wrinkles are part of it. That is not a downside, that is character.
Hemp
Hemp is perhaps less well-known, but absolutely a purely natural material.
It grows fast, requires little water, and produces strong fibers. Hemp is breathable, durable, and only becomes softer over time.
It is not for nothing that you see hemp appearing more and more in truly sustainable collections.
Tencel and other wood fibers
Tencel is made from wood pulp. The basis is natural, but the production process is processed.
And here lies an important difference. Tencel and Ecovero are produced in a closed-loop system, where water and solvents are almost entirely reused.
That is something completely different from conventional viscose, where harmful chemicals are used and wastewater is often discharged back into nature unfiltered.
The result is a soft, breathable fabric that is pleasant to wear and significantly less burdensome than synthetic alternatives.
When is something no longer purely natural?
As soon as a fiber is chemically modified or mixed with synthetic materials, it loses some of its natural properties.
Think of:
polyester blends
acrylic additives
plastic coatings
superwash treatments for wool
That does not necessarily make a material bad, but it does make it less pure.
Why that purity matters
Purely natural materials breathe better, do not release microplastics, and often feel more pleasant against the skin.
They work with your body, instead of sealing it off. And let's not forget: your skin is your largest organ. Everything that is on it comes into contact with your body.
Pure materials also invite more conscious use. Wash less, take better care, and wear longer. And that is what is truly sustainable.
How do you recognize purely natural materials?
The best tip I can give you: read labels. Ask questions. Critical questions.
And trust your gut. A material that breathes, lives, and is not perfectly smooth or static is often more natural than you think.
At Natur-el, we look not only at the label but at the entire story behind a garment.
Frequently asked questions about natural materials
Is wool always purely natural?
No. Only untreated wool is pure. Superwash wool has been chemically modified, which is why we do not sell it!
Is Tencel completely natural?
The raw material is, the process is processed. However, it is a sustainable alternative.
Are blends bad?
Not necessarily. But they are less pure and often harder to recycle. Especially if synthetic fibers have been added. Our wool-silk blend, for example, is perfectly recyclable and is actually wonderful: even for extremely sensitive skin.
Why does Natur-el mainly sell natural materials?
Because they are comfortable, feel honest, and fit how clothing is meant to be.
