New Textiles Intelligence report highlights growing adoption of natural, regenerated and man-made cellulosic fibres in performance apparel
The global performance apparel industry is increasingly adopting natural and man-made cellulosic fibres as alternatives to petroleum-based synthetic fibres, according to a new report published by business information company Textiles Intelligence.
The 27-page report, titled “Natural and man-made cellulosic fibre alternatives to synthetic fibres for performance apparel,” examines how environmental concerns, consumer preferences and advances in fibre technologies are reshaping material choices across the performance apparel sector.
Sustainability Driving Material Choices
The report states that apparel manufacturers are under growing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of their products by adopting materials with lower carbon footprints than conventional synthetic fibres.
While synthetic fibres have traditionally offered advantages in cost, durability, moisture management, performance and technological development, increasing concerns over environmental sustainability and microplastics pollution are encouraging brands to evaluate alternative fibre options.
Consumers are also expanding their expectations of performance apparel beyond athletic functionality, placing greater importance on thermophysiological comfort, softness, odour control and environmental responsibility.
Cotton Gains New Momentum
According to the report, cotton is benefiting from developments in yarn engineering, fabric construction and fibre blending technologies that improve its suitability for performance apparel.
Modern moisture management technologies now enable cotton fabrics to transport perspiration away from the skin more effectively than conventional cotton.
Several apparel brands, including Under Armour, Nike and Polartec, have introduced technologies designed to enhance cotton’s performance characteristics for sportswear applications.
Merino Wool Strengthens Position
Merino wool continues to expand its presence in outdoor apparel and activewear due to its thermoregulation, moisture management and natural odour resistance properties.
The report notes that brands such as icebreaker, Ortovox and Smartwool are increasingly incorporating merino wool into performance clothing systems.
Growth of Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres
Man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs), including lyocell, modal and viscose, are also gaining wider acceptance in sportswear, outdoor apparel and next-to-skin garments.
The report attributes this growth to their softness, breathability and moisture management capabilities, along with increasing interest in biodegradable fibre alternatives as awareness of microplastics pollution grows.
Investment in Next-Generation Fibres
Fibre manufacturers continue to invest in the development of advanced MMCFs.
The report highlights Lenzing, which has positioned its Tencel™ fibres as technical performance materials suitable for sportswear and outdoor applications.
Innovation is also accelerating in regenerated cellulose fibres produced from textile waste and agricultural residues.
Companies including Circulose, Infinited Fiber Company, Spinnova and Evrnu have developed technologies capable of converting waste materials into new textile fibres suitable for performance apparel.
Fibre Blends Remain Key
Despite increasing adoption, the report notes that natural and regenerated fibres continue to face limitations in high-performance applications, including lower durability, slower drying times, reduced elasticity and scalability challenges compared with synthetic fibres.
As a result, much of the industry’s innovation remains focused on fibre blends that combine the comfort and sustainability benefits of natural and regenerated fibres with the performance properties of synthetic materials.
According to Textiles Intelligence, the increasing use of cotton, wool, man-made cellulosic fibres and regenerated fibres reflects a broader transformation within the performance apparel industry, where these materials are emerging not only as alternatives to synthetic fibres but also as important materials in their own right.
