How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Skirt
A-line skirt crafted for comfort from a soft and subtly textured 95% regenerative organic cotton, featuring a wide waistband that rests effortlessly at your natural waist. It also includes a chic bottom side hem slit and convenient hand pockets.
Organic cotton is cultivated without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which reduces soil pollution and minimizes health risks for farmers. It is also softer and more durable than regular cotton.
Sustainable fabrics
The fabric your eco-conscious skirt is made from is a crucial factor in its environmental impact. Look for fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and linen that use less water and energy during production. These fabrics are also biodegradable and promote healthy soil. Choosing a skirt made with these sustainable fabrics is better for the environment, as well as for the farmers and workers who produce it.
Organic cotton uses far less water than conventional cotton, and avoids the use of pesticides, minimizing soil and water pollution and health risks for farmers. This fabric is also more durable, which means that it will last longer.
Hemp is another popular eco-friendly fabric, which is durable and soft. It requires less water and pesticides to grow than cotton, making it a good choice for a sustainable skirt.
Conscious marketplaces like ourCommonplace have a variety of skirts that are made with low-impact materials like deadstock fabric and linen. Many of these skirts are hand-made by artisans in Europe. Shop for an eco-conscious skirt today!
Organic cotton
Organic cotton is a fabric that’s grown without pesticides or herbicides, which protect farmers and our environment. It reduces water consumption, and keeps our rivers, lakes and drinking water free from harmful chemicals that can be used in traditional cotton cultivation.
As well as being healthier for you, organic cotton is also better for the people who produce it. It helps farmers to diversify their agriculture and live a sustainable life instead of being subject to intense exploitation. It also encourages communities to develop and maintain sustainable activities where they previously relied on the production of conventional cotton (Hustvedt and Dickson, 2009).
As with all sustainable fabrics, it’s important to look out for labels like GOTS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This means that the organic fibres in your garment have been screened for harmful chemicals throughout every stage of production and processing. This is a key way to avoid organic cotton skirt greenwashing, where brands claim to be environmentally responsible but don’t address other issues around worker rights or environmental impact.
Hemp
Hemp and organic cotton are two of the most sustainable fabrics to choose for your eco-friendly skirts. Hemp is a stronger fabric than conventional cotton, and it’s softer and more durable than linen. Organic cotton is grown without any chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which helps keep the soil healthy and prevents it from being depleted. It also uses significantly less water than regular cotton, since it’s mainly watered with rainwater.
A classic, simple skirt in a comfortable jersey quality made from hemp and organic cotton with a hint of elasthanus for flexibility. This figure-hugging skirt is a great summer addition to any wardrobe and can be paired with a simple tee for a casual look or with heels and a linen vest for special occasions.
Machine wash cold with like colors, and tumble dry on low. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can clog natural fibers and reduce breathability. Organic cotton also prefers to be washed separately from other garments, as it can attract lint that will clog the washing machine. It’s a good idea to wash your organic cotton clothing with biodegradable laundry detergent that doesn’t contain any optical brighteners or fabric softeners.
Tencel
When reading the fabric list on clothing tags, it can feel like cracking a secret code: cotton, wool, polyester, rayon, silk, and tencel, to name a few. These fabrics are all regenerated from wood cellulose, but their differences can make one better for your closet than another.
The breathable, strong, and smooth tencel (or lyocell) is a rising star with sustainable designers. It is often combined with organic cotton for a lighter feel and added durability. It also drapes effortlessly, doesn’t wrinkle, and holds dye well, resulting in rich colors that stay bright for longer.
While tencel is a soft, beautiful, and eco friendly fabric, it’s important to note that the brand name Tencel is actually a trademarked name for a third-generation regenerated cellulose fiber made by Austrian manufacturer Lenzing. Other companies sell branded lyocell, including the popular Excel line manufactured by Birla. While lyocell is biodegradable, it doesn’t have the same level of sustainability as other natural fabrics because any dyes or finishes used on Tencel can end up in the soil along with it.
Linen
Linen skirts are a great addition to your women’s top manufacturers wardrobe, especially when you pair them with a soft knit sweater. They’re also a great way to show off some texture. This hand macrame maxi skirt is made with organic linen that’s pre-washed to prevent shrinking. It’s the perfect choice for a casual summer look.
This soft organic cotton twill A-line skirt features an elastic waistband and dramatic side slit for movement. It’s a flattering fit and comes in a variety of colors. The material is soft, breathable, and gets even softer after every wash. The fabric is certified organic and Fair Trade.
IOAN works with master spinners, loomers, and tailors that are 3rd generation makers in their fields. They use fewer chemicals in production, reducing environmental impact and keeping jobs in their communities. Compared to regular cotton, organic cotton uses 88% less water. It’s also hypoallergenic, which makes it safer for sensitive skin. Organic cotton is also kinder to the environment, and it’s grown without pesticides or fertilizers. It’s also more durable and resistant to tearing.