7 reasons why natural yarn is better than synthetic yarn

Natural yarn or synthetic yarn – where is the difference?

Anyone looking to buy yarn in Switzerland faces a decision: acrylic or real wool?

Synthetic yarns such as acrylic or polyester are cheap and widely available. But are you knitting consciously and do you value quality, sustainability and durability? Then, you will opt for natural yarn for sure – especially for organic Irish wool.

At Aran Switzerland, we offer high-quality, 100% natural wool yarns that combine tradition, sustainability and craftsmanship.

Here are the 7 most important reasons why you should choose natural yarn.

1. No microplastic pollution

Synthetic yarns are made of plastic fibres. When washed, microplastic particles may be released into the water and ultimately into the environment and food chain.

Natural yarn, however, is:

• biodegradable
• free of plastic
• environmentally friendly

Anyone who takes sustainable knitting seriously should avoid microplastics – and buy natural wool.

2. Better temperature regulation

Wool is a natural material with extraordinary properties:

• keeps you warm when it’s cold
• keeps you cool when it’s warm
• regulates moisture

Synthetic yarn retains heat, traps moisture and often feels uncomfortable. However, natural wool is breathable and temperature-regulating – ideal for the Swiss weather. Try organic Irish wool from Donegal!

3. Higher breathability

Natural yarn keeps air circulating. This means:

• less sweating
• more comfort
• pleasant feeling on the skin

Acrylic, in contrast, is basically plastic – it cannot breathe. Breathability is crucial for satisfaction in the long term, especially when it comes to jumpers, hats and scarves.

4. Longer durability

Projects made of high-quality wool often last for many years – even decades. Why is that so?

• Elastic natural fibres 
• High elastic recovery 
• Shape-retaining properties

Synthetic yarns lose their structure more quickly, fluff more and look worn out in a shorter time. Investing consciously means knitting with high-quality wool, not with throwaway material. Ideally with organic Irish wool!

5. Less unpleasant smells

Wool is characterised by natural antibacterial properties meaning:

• less unpleasant smells
• less washing is required.
• longer freshness

Acrylic absorbs odours much faster. For sustainable knitting this also means:

less washing = reduced energy consumption = smaller ecological footprint.

6. Sustainably produced

Not every natural yarn is automatically sustainable – but high-quality organic Irish wool is! At Aran Switzerland, we pay attention to:

✔ transparent origin

✔ species-appropriate environment

✔ traditional spinning mill in Donegal

✔ GOTS-certified dyeing

✔ conscious production volumes

Synthetic yarn is based on crude oil – a finite raw material. Wool, however, keeps growing every year.

7. Higher value and emotional quality

Knitting isn’t just about manual labour – it’s a process. A project made of natural yarn feels different: softer, livelier and with more character.

Irish wool has a slightly more robust texture that renders each piece unique. Working with real yarn lets you feel the difference in every stitch.

Sustainable knitting starts with the right yarn

In a world full of mass production, conscious choice is a statement. By opting for natural yarn, you are choosing:

• quality over quantity
• tradition over industry
• sustainability over synthetics

At Aran Switzerland, you will discover:

• 100% organic Irish wool
• Aran yarn from Donegal
• organic knitting sets with certificates of origin
• limited, consciously produced quantities

Wool represents a conscious decision, not a trend

Knitting is celebrating a comeback. But real knitting starts with real material. Wool is:

• organic
• durable
• sustainable
• traditional
• high quality

Synthetic yarn may be cheaper, but it comes at a cost to the environment, quality and character. If you buy Irish wool in Switzerland, you are investing in a yarn with tradition, craftsmanship and love of nature.

Buy natural yarn in Switzerland

Discover our selection:

organic wool from Ireland

Irish Aran yarn

sustainable knitting sets

Donegal yarn

Exclusively at Aran Switzerland – shipping from Switzerland, without customs duties