Understanding Textiles in Conscious Fashion
Fabric speaks. In the way it moves, in the way it wears, in the way it feels against your skin. At Breeth, we pay close attention to this language — because textiles aren’t just materials. They’re messengers. They tell stories about origin, impact, and intention.
Understanding the fabric you wear is a key part of conscious fashion. When you begin to notice the difference between synthetic and natural fibres, between the crisp feel of hemp and the soft drape of organic cotton, you begin to make choices that are not only better for your body, but better for the world.
We favour natural fibres for their breathability, comfort, and lower environmental impact. Linen, for instance, is made from the flax plant — it’s strong, antimicrobial, and only gets softer with wear. Hemp is another powerhouse: incredibly durable, requiring little water to grow, and resistant to pests, meaning it needs fewer chemicals. Then there’s organic cotton — a fibre we work with closely at Breeth — celebrated for its softness, versatility, and purity.
Unlike synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon — which are derived from petroleum, don’t biodegrade, and shed microplastics — natural fibres come from the earth and return to it. They breathe with your skin, move with your body, and age with beauty.
When it comes to cotton, we go a step further. Our OEKO-TEX® certified cotton blend fabrics are rigorously tested to ensure they’re free from harmful substances, making them safe for both you and the environment. This certification is an international standard — and a signal of trust. It means that every fibre meets strict criteria for human and ecological safety, from raw material to finished garment.
Beyond the certification, what you’ll feel in our cotton is softness, stretch, and structure. It’s the kind of cotton that wears in, not out — becoming more comfortable over time, not less. It breathes, it holds its shape, and it offers just enough give for ease of movement, whether you're walking, resting, or stretching. This is fabric designed to support your rhythm.
We also produce our textiles right here in South Africa, using locally woven cotton yarns. This keeps our supply chain close, supports skilled jobs, and reduces our carbon footprint. It’s part of our broader commitment to thoughtful, transparent manufacturing.
At Breeth, every fabric choice is deliberate. We ask: How does this material interact with the body? How does it align with our values of sustainability and quality? The answers help us create garments that feel good on every level — tactile, ethical, functional.
Because when you begin to understand what your clothes are made of, you begin to ask better questions. And better questions lead to better choices.