Bras in natural materials, what does it mean
Short answer: A bra in natural materials is made of fibres that come from plants or animals, such as cotton, linen, wool or silk. The term is used loosely, though, and some fabrics, such as viscose from bamboo, are made of plant material that has been processed. Always read the label to see what the fabric is actually made of.
What natural materials mean
By natural materials, people mean fibres that come straight from nature, such as cotton from the plant, wool from sheep and silk from silkworms. They are spun into yarn and woven or knitted into fabric. It is a broad term, and it says nothing about how soft or durable a bra will be.
Where the line to processed fibres lies
Bamboo in clothing is viscose made from bamboo, and viscose is made from plant cellulose that is processed into fibres. Many therefore see it as something in between, because the raw material is natural but the fibre is manufactured. The word natural is used in different ways, so ask if you want to know more about a particular fabric.
Read the label instead of guessing
The only reliable answer to what a bra is made of is on the label or in the fibre composition. The fibres are listed there with their shares, and you can see whether an elastic fibre is included. Look at a bamboo bra without underwire, for example, and compare the details with those of other bras.
Natural materials and skin
Many choose natural materials because they find them soft and pleasant on the skin. How a fabric feels depends on the fibre, the yarn and the knit, though. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, talk to your doctor about which materials suit you.
Elastic is often part of it
A bra has to give, so most contain an elastic fibre alongside the main fibre. That goes for bras called natural too. It is not a sign that anything is wrong, just something you can check on the label if you want to know how large the elastic share is.
Socks and other clothing in the same place
If natural materials matter to you, you can use the same method when you choose other clothing. Read the label on bamboo socks for women and see what it says about the fibres before you decide. That gives you the same yardstick across your clothes.
Caring for the bra
Whatever the material, a bra lasts longest if you follow the care label and avoid high heat. Wash it in a laundry bag or by hand, and dry it flat. A soft layer on top, such as a bamboo T-shirt for women, also protects the seams in daily wear.
Frequently asked questions
Is viscose from bamboo a natural material?
The raw material is plant cellulose from bamboo, but the fibre is processed, so many see it as something in between. The word is used in different ways, and the label shows what you are dealing with.
How do I know what my bra is made of?
Look at the label or the fibre composition, where the fibres are listed with their shares. If nothing is listed, you can ask the retailer or read the product description.
Is a bra in natural materials better for the skin?
That cannot be said in general, because it depends on the fabric and on your skin. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, talk to your doctor.
