What is Sorona Fabric: How It's Made, Clothing Uses, and Fabric Buying Guide

What is Sorona Fabric: How It's Made, Clothing Uses, and Fabric Buying Guide

Sorona® is a revolutionary bio-based fiber that's transforming the textile industry. Developed by DuPont, this innovative fabric combines sustainability with high performance, offering a greener alternative to traditional synthetic materials. This article will explore the benefits of Sorona fabric, and how Sorona fabric can be the perfect fabric for your fashion brand.

What Is Sorona Fabric?

Sorona fabric is a type of eco-friendly, partially plant-based fiber created by DuPont. Made from renewable resources, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic fabrics like polyester. Sorona is known for its softness, durability, and excellent stretch recovery, making it a popular choice for activewear, fashion, and outerwear. Sorona fabrics offer exceptional stretch without relying on elastane, delivering a luxuriously soft and smooth feel. Sorona fabrics are also lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, fast-drying, and naturally resistant to wrinkles and fading. 

close up of a corn

Sorona is made from 37% renewable plant-based materials, using 30% less energy in production and generating 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional nylon derived from non-renewable sources.



How Is Sorona Fabric Made?

Sorona fabric is made from a special polymer called triexta, which comes from corn glucose. The process starts by fermenting plant-based sugars to create a bio-based material that is then turned into fibers. This method uses fewer petroleum-based resources, making it more eco-friendly. Compared to regular polyester, Sorona fabric produces up to 30% fewer greenhouse gases and requires 40% less energy to make. This makes it a great choice for brands looking for sustainable fabrics. Learn more about Sorona’s sustainability benefits here.

A graph showing how sorona fabric was made

Benefits of Sorona Fabric

Sorona fabric offers several key advantages:

  • Eco-friendly – Made from renewable resources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Soft & Comfortable – Has a silky, smooth texture that enhances wearability.
  • Durable & Long-Lasting – Resistant to wear, tear, and stretching.
  • Wrinkle-Resistant – Maintains a neat appearance with minimal ironing.
  • Excellent Stretch & Recovery – Moves with the body while retaining its shape.
  • Moisture-Wicking – Helps keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

What Is Sorona Fabric Used For?

Due to its versatility, Sorona fabric is used in various applications, including:

  • Activewear & Athleisure – Provides stretch and comfort for yoga wear, leggings, and sportswear.
  • Outdoor & Performance Wear – Found in insulated jackets, windbreakers, and hiking gear.
  • Casual & Fashion Apparel – Used in dresses, tops, T-shirts and soft knits for everyday wear.
  • Workwear & Uniforms – Its durability makes it suitable for professional and industrial settings.

Sorona is a polymer that combines the qualities of polyester and nylon, offering fibers and fabrics a soft feel, stretch, elasticity, and vibrant, rich color. It is easily dyeable, resistant to chlorine, UV rays, and stains, and seamlessly integrates with other fibers like Cotton, Viscose, Lyocell, Hemp etc.



Is Sorona Fabric Biodegradable?

While Sorona is partially plant-based, it is not fully biodegradable like natural fibers such as cotton or wool. However, it does break down faster than traditional petroleum-based synthetics and has a lower environmental impact.

Is Sorona Fabric Toxic?

Sorona fabric is considered non-toxic and safe to wear. It does not require harmful chemical treatments, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin and for sustainable fashion brands.


Feature Sorona Polyester Cotton Spandex
Fiber Type Bio-based (corn glucose) Synthetic (petroleum-based) Natural (plant-based) Synthetic (petroleum-based)
Eco-Friendliness Sustainable, partially plant-based Less eco-friendly, petroleum-based Biodegradable, renewable Less eco-friendly, petroleum-based
Softness Soft, smooth texture Stiff, less soft Soft, breathable Smooth but less soft than Sorona
Stretch & Elasticity Excellent stretch and recovery Limited stretch Limited stretch Excellent stretch and recovery
Durability Strong, resistant to wear and tear Very durable, but can fray over time Less durable, prone to wear Strong, resistant to abrasion
Moisture-Wicking Excellent moisture-wicking Moderate moisture resistance Absorbent, but can feel heavy Excellent moisture-wicking
UV & Stain Resistance Resistant to UV and stains Can fade and stain over time Can stain easily Resistant to UV and stains
Biodegradable Partially biodegradable Not biodegradable Fully biodegradable Not biodegradable
Energy to Produce 30% less than polyester High energy consumption Low energy consumption High energy consumption
Common Uses Activewear, outerwear, fashion Apparel, home textiles, accessories Apparel, bedding, accessories Activewear, outerwear, accessories

Sorona Fabric vs Polyester?

Sorona fabric and polyester are both synthetic fibers, but they have key differences:

  • Sustainability: Sorona is partially plant-based, whereas traditional polyester is entirely petroleum-based.
  • Softness & Comfort: Sorona is softer and has a more natural feel compared to polyester.
  • Stretch & Recovery: Sorona offers excellent stretch and recovery without the need for elastane, while polyester typically requires added spandex.
  • Environmental Impact: Sorona requires less energy to produce and emits fewer greenhouse gases than polyester.

Is Sorona Better Than Cotton?

Sorona and cotton both have their advantages:

  • Softness: Both fabrics are soft, but Sorona has a silkier feel.
  • Durability: Sorona is more resistant to wear, fading, and wrinkles compared to cotton.
  • Moisture Management: Sorona wicks moisture and dries quickly, whereas cotton absorbs moisture and takes longer to dry.
  • Sustainability: Organic cotton is biodegradable, while Sorona is partially plant-based but not fully biodegradable.

How to Care for Sorona Fabric

Taking care of Sorona fabric is simple:

  • Washing: Machine wash in cold water with mild detergent.
  • Drying: Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to maintain softness.
  • Ironing: Minimal ironing required, but if needed, use a low heat setting.
  • Avoiding Damage: Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can weaken the fibers.

Where to Buy Sorona Fabric & Buying Tips for Sewists and Fashion Brands

If you're a sustainable fashion brand looking for Sorona fabric, consider these options:

  • Online Fabric Stores: Some online fabric stores like Yardblox now offer Sorona fabrics, and Sorona blends with Cotton, Spandex by the yard.
  • Wholesale Suppliers: Fashion brands can source Sorona fabrics in bulk for sustainable collections.

Buying Tips:

  • Check the fabric blend – Sorona is often blended with cotton, polyester, or spandex for added performance.
  • Look for certifications – OEKO-TEX and other eco-certifications confirm sustainable practices.
  • Request fabric samples – Sorona is unique and provides excellent stretch, so ordering samples and swatches is key before your wholesale fabric order

Why Choose Yardblox Fabrics for Sorona Fabric?

At Yardblox Fabrics, we specialize in high-quality, sustainable textiles, including Sorona fabrics by the yard. Working with a network of 100 suppliers, we provide premium designer deadstock and eco-friendly fabric options for independent brands and sewists.

Why shop with us?

  • Low minimum orders – Ideal for small brands and designers.
  • Re-orderable – Ensuring consistency for your collections.
  • Samples & free swatches – Helping you choose the perfect fabric with confidence.

Browse our Sorona fabric selection today and bring sustainable innovation to your next project!

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