Going Natural This Winter

Plastic and synthetic are on their way out from fashion faster than most other industries across the world. As international brands gradually shift focus towards natural fibre, we look at your winter options, including those that are lying mothballed in your wardrobe

- Magandeep Singh

I end up attending most seasonal previews by the big high-street and luxury brands, and this year, while at the Uniqlo event, my mind was drawn to something a bit different. For one, they didn't send their ultra-lightweight down jacket as a small token of their appreciation (aka journogifts). Instead, they sent a lambswool sweater. Now, this was quite a throwback to a time when natural fibers ruled winter roost. This is neither a commentary on Uniqlo, their down jackets nor their lambswool (which is really soft and warm ), it was merely a mild wake-up call, one that made me dig deep (introspectively as also in my cupboard) to pull out all the various assortment of natural fabrics that I have used over the years (and still do) to keep me warm. Here is an assortment of what I found:

• Waxed Cotton: As made famous by the UK Royal family and James Bond, this is possibly the classiest way to stay dry and consequently, snugly warm, through all types of weather. Sure, it won't stand up against a Category 5 storm but with a waxed cotton jacket, you start and build on a lasting relationship. Every season to give it a wash, and then reapply the gently heated wax, going over it twice to ensure coverage and evenness- no man-made fabric jacket can afford you such quality time. And there is nothing classier to flaunt, period.