The LUNA Fabric Guide: A Glossary for the Conscious Shopper

Know Your Wardrobe: Understanding the Materials You Wear

The soul of a garment lies in its fabric. The material determines how it feels against your skin, how it drapes on your body, how it breathes, and how it will live in your wardrobe for years to come. At LUNA, our fabric selection is one of the most considered parts of our design process. To empower you on your conscious shopping journey, we've created this fabric guide—a glossary of the beautiful natural fabric types you'll find in our collections.

 

Our Core Natural-Origin Fibers: A-Z Glossary

Here is a quick reference to the materials we love and use.

Cotton (Organic)

• What It Is: A soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll. We prioritize organic cotton, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

• Why We Love It: It's the epitome of comfort—soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It's a versatile and durable staple, perfect for pieces like our Essential Cotton Shirt.

Cupro

• What It Is: Often called "vegan silk," Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fiber derived from cotton linter—the tiny, silky fibers that stick to the cottonseed and are usually discarded.

• Why We Love It: It has a beautiful, silk-like drape and a smooth, luxurious feel, but it's machine-washable and more durable. You'll find it in pieces like our Floral Midi Dress.

Linen

• What It Is: One of the oldest and strongest natural fibers, linen is derived from the stalks of the flax plant.

• Why We Love It: It's exceptionally breathable and cool, making it perfect for warm weather. It's incredibly durable and gets softer with every wash. Its unique, slightly rumpled texture gives garments like our Linen Collection an air of relaxed elegance.

Lyocell

• What It Is: A form of rayon, Lyocell is a cellulose fiber made from the dissolving pulp of trees, often from renewable wood sources like eucalyptus.

• Why We Love It: Known for its unbelievable softness and silky feel, Lyocell has a beautiful, fluid drape that is perfect for dresses. It's also gentle on sensitive skin and highly breathable. Experience it in our Lyocell Dress.

Viscose / Rayon

• What Is Viscose Fabric? Like Lyocell and Cupro, Viscose (also known as Rayon) is a regenerated cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp.

• Why We Love It: Viscose is prized for its excellent drape, softness, and ability to hold vibrant colors. It's a lightweight and breathable fabric, making it an ideal choice for flowing garments like our Print Viscose Dress.

 

Understanding Fabric Care: A Quick Reference

Proper care extends the life of your garments, which is a cornerstone of a more thoughtful wardrobe.

General Tips for Caring for Natural Fabrics

• Wash Cool: Most natural fabric types prefer a cold or lukewarm machine wash on a gentle cycle.

• Avoid High Heat: High heat from a tumble dryer can damage natural fibers. We almost always recommend hanging to dry or laying flat.

• Read the Label: Always check the specific care label on your garment, as blends or special weaves may have unique requirements. This is the most important step in caring for natural fabrics.

 

Why Fabric Knowledge Empowers Conscious Shopping

Understanding what your clothes are made of empowers you to make better choices. When you know the difference between fabrics, you can select pieces that truly fit your lifestyle and values. You can choose a durable fabric for longevity, a breathable fabric for comfort, or a material whose production story aligns with your principles. This knowledge transforms you from a passive consumer into a conscious shopper.

 

Your Journey to a More Thoughtful Wardrobe

At LUNA, we are committed to transparency and using high-quality materials. We hope this fabric guide helps you on your journey to building a more thoughtful and long-lasting wardrobe. By paying attention to the materials, you invest in pieces you'll love and wear for years to come.

Which fabric are you most excited to learn more about? Let us know in the comments!

 

Your Top Fabric Questions

What is the difference between a natural fiber and a synthetic fiber?

Natural fibers are derived from plants (like cotton, linen) or animals (like wool, silk). Synthetic fibers (like polyester, nylon) are created from chemical synthesis. Natural-origin regenerated fibers (like Lyocell, Viscose) start from a natural source (wood pulp) but require a manufacturing process to become a textile.

What does "pre-washed" mean for a fabric?

When a fabric like our 100% pre-washed organic linen is "pre-washed," it means it has been washed before the garment is cut and sewn. This process helps to soften the fabric and minimize any potential shrinkage after you wash it at home.

Why does LUNA use fabric blends (e.g., linen/viscose)?

We sometimes use fabric blends to achieve the best of both worlds. For example, in our linen blend t-shirts, adding viscose to linen enhances the fabric's softness and drape, and reduces its tendency to wrinkle, while still retaining the beautiful texture and breathability of linen.