In sportswear, we expect lightness, flexibility, effective moisture management and quick drying. Yet when similar solutions appear in a shirt, the term “synthetic fabric” still often creates distrust. In reality, the origin of a fibre alone does not determine the quality of a garment. What matters is how the material has been designed, how it is constructed, what purpose it serves and how durable it is.
The scale of synthetic fibre use shows that these materials are far from a niche solution. In 2024, global fibre production reached approximately 132 million tonnes, with synthetic fibres accounting for around 69% of the market. In the same year, 57% of the fibres and yarns used by the textile industry in the European Union were of synthetic origin.
Synthetic does not always mean technical
It is important to distinguish between two terms. “Synthetic” describes the origin of a fibre. “Technical” or “performance” refers to the specific properties of an engineered material. Not every synthetic fabric offers advanced functionality, just as cotton or wool does not automatically guarantee high quality. The type of fibre, yarn construction, weave, fabric weight, finishing processes and garment construction all play an important role.
When these elements are combined effectively, a material can provide greater flexibility, crease resistance, breathability or faster drying. Properties previously associated mainly with sportswear are increasingly relevant to people who spend long hours in the office, travelling or moving between meetings.
It is not about choosing sides
The discussion about materials should not be reduced to a simple division between “good natural” and “bad synthetic” fibres. Each category has its own properties and environmental challenges. Synthetic fibres are associated with the use of fossil resources and the release of synthetic microfibers into the environment. The production of natural fibres, meanwhile, may require significant amounts of water, land and agricultural inputs.
This is why the European rules for assessing the environmental footprint of clothing, announced in 2025, consider the entire product lifecycle - from raw material extraction and production to use and end-of-life - without automatically favoring any particular type of fibre.
At the same time, the scale of the wider problem remains significant. In 2024, recycled fibres represented only 7.6% of global fibre production, while less than 1% of the market came from recycled pre- or post-consumer textiles. This shows that the greatest challenge is not material selection alone, but also overproduction, short garment lifespans and the still limited scale of fibre-to-fibre recycling.
Materials should follow their purpose
Modern sportswear is developed around the specific needs of the body. Materials are engineered with moisture management, air circulation, ergonomics and freedom of movement in mind. Reviews of sports textile research indicate that performance is determined not only by fibre type, but also by fabric architecture, yarn structure and finishing processes.
Why should we not expect the same from a shirt worn for 12 hours or more? A modern working day may include cycling to the office, several hours behind a desk, travelling by car or plane, a business meeting and dinner in the evening. A shirt therefore needs to do much more than simply look good in the morning.
In a business wardrobe, performance does not mean a sportswear appearance. It means functionality concealed within a classic form. The best technology is often the kind that remains invisible. A shirt should still look appropriate in the office, during a presentation or beneath a tailored jacket. The difference should primarily be felt while wearing it. This approach is reflected in UNWRINKLED’s two product lines.
Business Performance uses modern technical fabrics selected for demanding working days, travel and easier everyday care. Depending on the model, the shirts offer properties such as crease resistance, flexibility, breathability and quick drying.
Natural Performance focuses on linen and cotton. Carefully selected finishing processes enhance comfort and simplify care while preserving the authentic character of the natural fabric.
UNWRINKLED does not position synthetic and natural fibres as opposing choices. The starting point is the role a garment needs to perform and the way it will be used in real life. The brand designs and manufactures its garments in Poland, working - depending on the model - with fabrics sourced from European partners, including suppliers in Spain and Austria.
“We do not want to argue that one category of materials is always better than another. We begin by asking what a garment needs to do and the conditions in which it will be worn. Only then do we select the fabric that best meets those needs. A good fabric has a clear purpose - and genuinely fulfils it.”
- Lucyna Kniszewska-Plewako, Founder of UNWRINKLED
Fewer preconceptions, more informed choices
Not every synthetic fabric is a performance material. Not every natural fabric is durable or suitable for every occasion.
Instead of judging a garment by a single word on its label, it is worth asking how it was designed, how long it is intended to last and whether it responds to the wearer’s actual needs.
A modern shirt can benefit from the expertise developed in sportswear without looking like training apparel.