Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics: Why We Choose Eco-Friendly Materials

I didn’t always care what my bags were made from. Honestly, for the longest time, I just went with whatever looked good. Cute pattern? Sold. Big enough for my laptop and snacks? Even better.

Then one day, while waiting in line at a weekend flea market, I overheard two women chatting—one was explaining how her canvas tote was made from hemp and how synthetic bags shed microplastics into the water when washed. Microplastics. From bags? That honestly caught me off guard.

So I did some Googling that night. It spiraled. You know how it goes.

Turns out, natural fabrics like cotton or linen come from plants (I knew that part), but what I didn’t realize is how much cleaner they are—from start to finish. They break down naturally, they don’t release plastic particles into the air or water, and when you’re done using them, they don’t just sit in landfills for 500 years.

Meanwhile, synthetic fabrics (think polyester, nylon, all that “waterproof” stuff) are made from petroleum. Like, oil. I was literally carrying fossil fuel on my shoulder. Cool.

I guess what really made me switch wasn’t just the facts. It was the vibe. I started noticing how bags made from natural materials just felt better. Softer, yeah—but also more breathable. My shoulder didn’t get sweaty carrying them in summer. And they aged nicely—creases looked intentional, not sad.

I remember switching to this cotton tote with a hand-stitched patch on the front—my first “eco” bag. A little sunflower embroidered by hand. I didn’t expect to love it so much, but strangers asked me about it. It got compliments in elevators. In coffee shops. Even my mom said, “Oh, that’s cute. Where’s it from?”

It held groceries, notebooks, a wet umbrella, a cat once (long story). It never fell apart. And it didn’t smell plasticky.

Now, I don’t buy bags unless I know what the fabric is. I look for tags that mention natural fibers. And ideally, something handmade or stitched—because it feels like someone cared enough to slow down.

I guess this is less of a "fabric comparison" blog and more of a late realization:
What we carry says something—not just about our style, but our habits. And when you carry something made to last (and made thoughtfully), that feels good.

Not just for you, but for everything else too.

👜 Want to see what a truly eco-conscious bag looks like? I put together a little collection I love here → https://konlun.com/