What is natural fiber percentage — and why it matters

Natural fiber percentage is the share of a garment’s composition that comes from plant or animal fibers — for example cotton, linen, silk, wool, or cashmere — versus synthetics like polyester, acrylic, or nylon.

A piece listed as “wool coat” with 40% wool / 60% polyester is a different product from 90% wool. The percentage is the shortest way to compare those two online.

How to read the number

Always check whether the percentage applies to the shell, lining, or trim. Mixed components are common on coats and lined dresses.

• 100% — single natural fiber in that component (shell or lining)
• High natural % (often 70%+) — natural-led hand feel; note the rest of the blend
• Low natural % — the marketing fiber may not dominate wear
• Elastane/spandex at 1–5% — usually stretch, not a full synthetic garment

Why shoppers use it as a filter

Natural fiber percentage turns vague titles into comparable numbers. It helps you avoid polyester-heavy “linen” or acrylic-heavy “cashmere,” and it makes sale and value decisions more honest.

INTERTEXE surfaces composition and natural-fiber context in catalog browsing so you can filter materials, save favorites with optional price-drop alerts, scan labels in store, and click out to retailers when you buy — on web, iOS, and Chrome.