“Sustainable fabrics” is a term used to group various environmentally friendly materials. They are produced from natural or recycled materials.
They aim to reduce harm through the production process, fiber properties, or overall environmental impact. They can also contribute to waste reduction, water conservation, lowered emissions, and soil regeneration.
So, fashion lover, you must be curious about choosing sustainable fabrics to make your wardrobes more eco-friendly! We will share with you all the best options to choose from while shopping! Reading garment labels is the key. You might find:
1- Organic Cotton: It has been booming in the last few years. It is an alternative to conventional cotton. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of cotton production by removing any toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds. This usually implies a sustainably managed fabric production process.
2- Recycled Cotton: Wanna have more sustainable cotton in the market? Go recycled! It is made using either post-industrial or post-consumer waste. Did you know that your favorite ethical cotton Jeans could be made from industry fabric scrap or other recycled cotton garments? It also has many benefits such as:
- Reducing water.
- Reducing energy consumption.
- Prevent fashion waste from ending up in landfill.
3- Organic Hemp: It is a specific type of cannabis plant. It’s fast-growing all around the world, healthy for the soil, and requires very little water and no pesticides. That’s why It’s everywhere! It can be used in cosmetics, as building materials, and also as food!
It will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
4- Organic Linen: Linen is almost identical to hemp in terms of sustainability. Both of them are super light, breathable, and biodegradable. You might be asking about the difference. Well, Linen is made from flax which can be used in its entirety (seeds, oil, and crop). In other words, there is no waste!
5- Tencel/Lyocell: It is a type of rayon derived from cellulose fibers by dissolving wood pulp. The Australian company Lenzing AG utilizes eucalyptus wood, sustainable practices, and requires less energy and water to produce. Even the chemicals used are recycled to reduce dangerous water. It is perfect for active wear due to its anti-bacterial properties!
6- Bamboo: It is a fast-growing, regenerative crop that doesn’t require fertilization and is often known as a sustainable garment fabric. Bamboo is incredibly absorbent, comfortable, and moisture-wicking, making it a favorite with sustainable brands. You can find it in everything from pajamas, and lingerie to eco-friendly sunglasses!
7- Pinatex: Who doesn’t love leather jackets and pineapple? No one! Now let’s combine both of them and we will get a Pinatex! It is vegan alternative leather made from pineapple leaf fibers in 2017. Well, nowadays people can wear pineapple food!
It helps to reduce waste and helps the farmers to grow the fruit!
8- Econyl: This material is created by Aquafil, an Italian firm. It is recycled nylon. It uses synthetic waste from industrial plastic, ocean plastic, abandoned fishing nets, and waste fabric, and transforms them into new nylon fabric that is the same quality as nylon. It is produced using a closed-loop system and uses less water. Despite his advantages, some of those annoying microplastics might end up in our waterways!
9- Qmonos: Wanna feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie? Wear something made with Qmonos. This ethical Japanese fabric is made through the fusion of synthetic spider silk, microbes, and spider silk genes. Can you believe that it is five times stronger than steel? It is also entirely biodegradable and more flexible than nylon despite its being very lightweight! Don’t worry, zero spiders were farmed or harmed in the making of this fabric.
10- Silk: It comes from silkworms that subsist on a diet of only mulberry tree leaves. It has a resistance to pollution. It’s easy to grow and completely compostable which makes it great for our planet. Can you imagine that silk is great for your skin due to its antibacterial properties?
If you’re looking for sustainable silk, go for Ahimsa silk or peace silk. The nonviolent production process allows the silkworm to live a natural life (with no fungicides, sprays, or insecticides) and eventually evolve into a butterfly, which can emerge on its own. After that, the silk is collected. That’s right — no animals were harmed in this type of silk fabric production.
In the end, we highly recommend checking if the fabrics that you’re wearing are sustainable. Be sure you are making the most ethical choice!
