Break up with polyester and fall in love with sustainable style. This guide shows you how to shop for natural fibres, affordably, locally, and with a little fashion flair.
South Africa (17 July 2025) – So, you’ve read the label. Polyester. And suddenly, your favourite dress feels a little too… squeaky. If you’re also breaking up with plastic fabrics, welcome to the club. While the fashion world may still be smitten with synthetics, there’s a quiet revolution happening in charity shops, local boutiques, and heirloom closets, and it’s stitched with the good stuff.
I recently did an audit of my wardrobe and was utterly shocked by how many synthetics are in there. It’s about 95%, which didn’t leave me feeling great. My goal for 2025 was to add more natural fibres to my wardrobe, and through a slow but steady thrifting mentality, it’s looking far more promising. But there is a lot of work to be done!
Natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, and wool aren’t just better for your body and the planet, they feel better too. But they’ve also developed a bit of a reputation: expensive, elusive, and only for those with organic champagne budgets. I am here to help you see that it’s not true; we can all be swathed in luxury fibres.
Here’s how (and where) you can start filling your wardrobe with timeless, sustainable threads, without maxing out your credit card.
1. Thrift First, Ask Questions Later
Your local charity shop is a fibre goldmine. Vintage linen? Check. Merino sweaters from the ’90s? If you’re lucky. Look for:
- SPCA shops
- Hospice Stores
- Smaller independent charity gems (you know the ones with crocheted coasters by the till)
- Online thrifting accounts that specialise in classics, vintage and natural fibres. (Trust us, there are out there)
Tip: Always check the label. Cotton is common, but linen and wool (just make sure it’s genuine wool and not acrylic) lurk in the racks too!
If you’re looking for places to shop, check out our list of charity shops here.
2. Heirlooms, Hand-Me-Downs, and Auntie’s Attic
Your gran’s old “church coat”? That’s real wool. Your cousin’s unused wedding guest dress from 2003? Possibly pure silk.
Ask around. People love offloading old clothes to someone who’ll love them. Bonus: nostalgia and fibres in one go.
You could even host a clothing swap with friends. But if they are fans of those dreaded apps. ask them to leave those options at home.
3. Local Designers Doing It Right
Support homegrown brands that use natural materials and value ethical production. Local designers are sourcing local skills to make their wares, so you are also supporting the local economy and job creation. They are also following local trends so that you can stay up-to-date with current fashion.
4. Markets with a Mission
Some weekend markets or small-town co-ops sell handcrafted, naturally dyed and woven garments. Use social media to tap into events happening in your area and plan a day out with friends.
You never know, you might come across a stall that has more than a few gems hidden on its rails.
5. Save and Splurge Fund
A little savings jar for that dream piece. Whether it’s a new wool coat or a handmade silk blouse, some items are worth the wait (and the budget planning).
Set aside a nominal amount each month (consider what you usually spend on fast fashion and contribute that to your fund instead). Once you have saved enough, buy that item of clothing you have been dreaming of. The wait will be so worth it!
6. Don’t Sleep on Online Gems
Sometimes the best finds are digital:
- Yaga (pre-loved, filter by material)
- Facebook Marketplace (set alerts for linen or cotton)
- Instagram sellers who focus on slow fashion
Tip: Check reviews, confirm labels with the seller and use friend recommendations to find trustworthy resellers.
7. Set a Fibre Intention
Not every piece in your wardrobe has to be natural (yet), but set a goal. One natural fibre replacement per season? A no-new-polyester pact? Start small, but start strong.
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