Where to buy natural fiber clothing on a budget

As health-conscious living continues to gain popularity, many people are embracing natural fibers, and trying to slowly transition their wardrobes to cotton, linen, and wool instead of rayon, nylon, and polyester. These fibers can help regulate temperature, wick moisture away, and help prevent sensitive skin from breaking out. They’re also highly durable and biodegradable.

If you’ve ever enthusiastically clicked a link to a cotton dress from your favorite crunchy influencer, only to be shocked by the price tag, you might think that you’ll never be able to afford to make your wardrobe healthier. But I’ve been wearing natural fibers since I was diagnosed with eczema as a toddler and, per the doctor’s advice, my mom banned all synthetics from my closet. It’s much more accessible and affordable than people think! So without further ado, here are the best places to find everything from underwear to outerwear:

1. Thrifted and secondhand

This is your best bet for finding wool or cashmere in an affordable price-range. While it will take a while to sort through your local Salvation Army’s sweater section, online thrift stores like ThredUp, Poshmark, Depop, Marcari, and Vinted make it much easier to filter for material, size, and other factors.

2. Walmart

You’d be surprised how much cotton clothing Walmart has to offer. Especially if you’re looking for basics like underwear, leggings, and t-shirts, they’re the best budget-friendly place to check out. They have plenty of options for babies and kids, too!

3. Target

Many of my cotton dresses are from Target, and while Target has a reputation for being “fast fashion,” their non-synthetic dresses, blouses, and skirts hold up pretty well over time. They also have kids’ clothing in cotton.

4. Old Navy

This family retailer is great for basics like t-shirts and leggings, as well as cotton and linen-blend dress clothes.

5. Uniqlo

Uniqlo is another great option, especially for dressy or business-casual clothing. Keep an eye out for their linen and cashmere options. 

6. Cotton On

This is my favorite place to buy cotton intimates, and it’s definitely more affordable than other dedicated natural fiber stores.

7. Quince

If you’re looking for 100% linen, 100% silk, or cashmere, this is the store for you. The prices are a bit higher than some of the other stores but still affordable considering the quality of the materials. 

8. Shop sales and clearance

While outlets like L.L. Bean, Lands’ End, Pact, and Quince all offer lots of natural fiber options, their full retail price can be a bit too much if you’re on a tight budget. Keep an eye on their clearance sections and sales, and don’t be afraid to buy off-season to score a better deal.

So whether you’re a college student, a mom with eight little kids, or somewhere in between, being budget-conscious doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to wearing polyester. Hopefully these retailers can help you start your journey towards a healthier wardrobe!