I wondered if healthful fabrics were a real thing? Some clothing from newer fabrics tout benefits that they are antibacterial, wick moisture and help with smells or stains. Lots of claims abound. Chemical treatments can make this happen. Not all of them work; some are environmentally sustainable, others not.
What about natural fibers? I was a bit surprised to learn one of the winners in that category.
It’s not cotton. There are sustainability questions about cotton as well as well as the fact that it’s not naturally antibacterial. It more often creates an environment welcoming bacterial growth.
On or In the Body?
I want to step back to explain that when referring to bacteria, its location is key to the characteristic of its effects. Undesirable bacteria ‘in’ the body are generally pathogenic and can cause infection. They can invade the bloodstream and cause serious illness, sometimes requiring medication.
Bacteria “on” the body, or on the skin, is different. These bacteria often called skin flora (or skin microbiome) have both annoying and beneficial properties. We want these bacteria, but in moderation.
It’s true that skin flora bacteria CAN cause skin infections, but that is not normally the objective of anti-bacterial clothing. More commonly in the fashion world, the concern is that bacteria on the skin, or in sebaceous glands, can cause body odor. Still, when not entering the body, good skin flora can help maintain a balance, curbing colonization of the bacteria that can result in odors. Hence a particularly good selling point for our socially-demanded body coverings.
The Two Runner-Ups
First of the two runners-ups that is unique and naturally antibacterial is bamboo fiber (containing bamboo-kun inhibiting E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus). The other is wool, with natural oils (like lanolin) and the ability to absorb so much water that it reduces a source of odors.
These two fabrics, and the winner, are sustainable, biocompatible and biodegradable. As such, they are not only enduring for clothing, but more surprisingly they are excellent substances for orthopedic or medical textiles.
The Winner
I am awarding the winning place to one of the world’s oldest fabrics, a flax product that we generally call Linen. It destroys the reproduction of bacteria in part by reducing humidity found on the skin. According to some data, this winning textile can drop the level of staphylococcus by 30 to 55 percent.
It has numerous benefits aside from the 5 listed below. It has strength; it’s very breathable, is quick to dry and also decreases sweat retention and stains on clothing.
Linen has 5 major assets that make it a fabulous (and healthy) fabric. It’s:
- Antibacterial
- Low fluff or lint (as opposed to wool)
- Thermoregulating (both for hot and cold)
- Hypoallergenic (for most skins and allergens, thus good for bedding)
- Machine washable and very durable
Shopping Tip
Linen is a superior travel fabric, yet some linen products, especially rough-textured kinds, have a tendency to wrinkle. Because it dries quickly, a light spritz of water and pat down can soothe many an angry wrinkle. Still, some folks can’t appreciate the “shabby chic” look. Lighter weigh linens substantially avoid that.
And if shabby chic IS your thing, also check out raw silk (containing sericin and fibroin), which is also antibacterial cloth and super comfy. No matter your choice of style looks, you might want to visit your local consignment shops for great deals on these materials.
Final Thought
Next time you are searching for a travel or activity shirt, check out the material label for Linen. It may be a bit more expensive (not always) but it’s certainly worth the price when you consider the benefits of this old-world fabric.
—
See: Textile Details – Resource Hub Of Textile And Finance
Graphic: Image by Freepik
