This assessment comes from a new report that examines the materials transition underway in sportswear and outdoor clothing as stakeholders confront sustainability concerns.
Textiles Intelligence, which published a 27-page report titled Natural and man-made cellulosic fibre alternatives to synthetic fibres for performance apparel, observes that this shift is fuelled by an urgent demand for fibres that have less impact on the environment.
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The report reviews how brands and manufacturers now face pressure from both regulators and consumers, who increasingly scrutinise the long-term consequences of microplastics pollution and carbon emissions linked to conventional synthetic fibres.
Synthetic materials have long been integral to performance clothing due to their cost advantages, durability and technical properties such as moisture management.
Nevertheless, as awareness grows around the environment and microplastics, product developers are exploring alternative fibre options including cotton, wool, man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) and regenerated fibres.
According to Textiles Intelligence, the definition of “performance” in this context is also expanding, with market demand now including concerns such as comfort, odour control and environmental responsibility in the category.
The report points to examples in the market where natural fibres are overcoming established limitations. Technological developments in cotton processing such as advanced yarn engineering, improved fabric construction, and the use of fibre blends are helping address cotton’s propensity to retain moisture.
Enhanced moisture management technologies developed for performance applications, including initiatives by Under Armour, Nike and Polartec, are improving cotton’s ability to wick away perspiration.
Merino wool is another major component in the segment, particularly within outdoor and activewear lines, due to properties such as temperature regulation, moisture control, and intrinsic odour resistance.
MMCFs such as lyocell, modal and viscose are increasingly used in sportswear and next-to-skin garments.
Their appeal lies in softness, breathability and effective moisture management, alongside the potential environmental benefit of being biodegradable under suitable conditions.
Textiles Intelligence highlighted Lenzing for its Tencel range, which serves as a technical performance fibre.
Efforts to develop next-generation MMCFs from sources such as textile waste and agricultural by-products were also flagged. Circulose, Infinited Fibre Company, Spinnova and Evrnu are all working on processes to convert discarded materials into new fibres for apparel.
Despite progress, challenges for cellulosic and regenerated fibres remain. Lower durability, slower drying and reduced elasticity compared to synthetics are often cited as barriers to large-scale use in the highest-performance products.
Blending natural and regenerated fibres with synthetics has become a common approach, aiming to deliver both the environmental advantages and functional requirements needed for sports and outdoor applications.
