Plant-Based Fibres Explained: Soybean vs Organic Cotton

The sustainable fashion conversation has moved well beyond bamboo. Today, two of the most exciting plant-based fibres in activewear are soybean fabric and organic cotton — and at CBP, we use both. But they're not interchangeable. Each has distinct properties, sustainability credentials, and ideal use cases. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is Soybean Fabric?

Soybean fabric — sometimes called soy silk or SPF (soy protein fibre) — is made from the by-product of tofu and soy oil production. The protein extracted from soybean residue is spun into a fine, silky fibre. Crucially, it uses what would otherwise be food industry waste, giving it an impressive circular economy story.

The resulting fabric is extraordinarily soft — often compared to cashmere or silk — with a natural lustre and excellent drape. It's also naturally rich in amino acids, which some wearers find beneficial for skin health during prolonged wear.

Soybean Fabric: Performance Profile

• Softness: Exceptionally soft, silky hand-feel
• Breathability: Good air permeability, comfortable in warm conditions
• Moisture management: Absorbs and releases moisture efficiently
• Stretch: Natural elasticity, good recovery
• Sustainability: Uses food industry by-product; low-waste production

Soybean fabric excels in close-to-skin layers — tops, bras, and fitted bottoms where softness and moisture management are priorities. Browse our Soybean Clothes collection, including our Women's Soybean Tops and Women's Soybean Bottoms.

What Is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. It's certified by bodies such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OCS (Organic Content Standard), which verify the entire supply chain from farm to finished garment.

Conventional cotton is one of the world's most pesticide-intensive crops, accounting for roughly 16% of global insecticide use despite covering only 2.5% of agricultural land. Organic cotton eliminates this chemical burden, protecting soil health, waterways, and the farmers who grow it.

Organic Cotton: Performance Profile

• Softness: Naturally soft, improves with washing
• Breathability: Excellent — one of the most breathable natural fibres
• Moisture management: Absorbs moisture well but dries more slowly than soybean or bamboo
• Stretch: Limited natural stretch; often blended with elastane for activewear
• Sustainability: Certified organic supply chain; no synthetic chemicals

Soybean vs Organic Cotton: Which Should You Choose?

The honest answer is: it depends on what you're doing.

Choose soybean if you prioritise ultra-soft, skin-friendly fabric for yoga, Pilates, or low-to-medium intensity workouts. The silky texture and natural amino acids make it particularly popular for those with sensitive skin.

Choose organic cotton if you want the reassurance of a fully certified organic supply chain and prefer a more structured, traditional fabric feel. Organic cotton is also an excellent choice for casual wear, travel, and rest-day layers.

Many of our customers end up with both in their wardrobe — soybean for studio sessions, organic cotton for everything else.

The Bigger Picture: Why Plant-Based Fibres Matter

The global fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year. Synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon are derived from fossil fuels and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill. Plant-based fibres offer a fundamentally different model: grown from the earth, and capable of returning to it.

At CARROT BANANA PEACH, our commitment to plant-based fibres — bamboo, soybean, organic cotton, banana, milk, and aloe vera — is rooted in the belief that activewear can perform at the highest level without compromising the planet. Every garment we make is a step away from fossil-fuel fashion and towards something better.

Explore our full range of Bamboo Yoga Clothing alongside our soybean and organic cotton collections to build a wardrobe that's as good for the planet as it is for your practice.