Sustainable Fabrics For Clothing

Sustainable fabrics are a vital step in reducing the waste and pollution associated with fast fashion. Organic cotton uses less water and pesticides, while linen is a renewable resource that gets softer with each wash.

Modal and lyocell are sustainable rayon options that use a closed-loop chemical process, while Econyl is a regenerated nylon made from upcycled fishing nets and other textile waste.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most common fabrics in our wardrobes. It can be found in everything from t-shirts to underwear, but it leaves a huge eco-footprint when not grown organically and manufactured sustainably. The chemical pesticides used on conventional cotton erode the soil and pollute waterways, and they even remain in garments after many washes. That’s why sustainable brands like La Queue du Chat only use GOTS certified organic cotton in their clothes.

Other sustainable fabrics like modal, lyocell and Tencel are semi-synthetic fibres made from dissolving wood pulp like eucalyptus. These man-made cellulosic fibres have been gaining popularity recently because they require less energy and water than silk sustainable fabrics for clothing and wool. They are also highly absorbent and have moisture-wicking properties.

Another fabric that’s sustainable and a great leather alternative is Pinatex. This vegan leather is made from pineapple waste that would otherwise be burned, so it’s a more responsible choice for our planet than the toxic faux options out there. It’s also soft and breathable, which makes it perfect for warm weather. The sustainable brand Woocoa uses it in their jackets and sweaters.

Linen

Linen is a natural, breathable fabric that has become increasingly popular among sustainability-conscious consumers. It is a great choice because it’s durable, which means you won’t have to replace it as often, which helps reduce the pressure on natural systems to supply resources for fabric production. Furthermore, when a linen item is disposed of, it biodegrades quickly. When buying linen, it’s important to check whether the raw materials have been harvested and processed responsibly. Look for certifications such as GOTS, STeP by OEKO-TEX or USDA BioPreferred.

Choosing organic linen ensures that the crop was grown without toxic synthetic chemicals. It also translates into the processing phase, which is where chemical-free bleaching and dyeing is required. It’s also worth checking if the linen has been woven using recycled fibers.

Some of the best linen brands are committed to reshaping the textile industry and have a strong commitment to sustainability. These brands make it their mission to promote responsible practices throughout the entire supply chain while reducing environmental impacts. They are constantly looking for ways to optimize natural resources and reduce waste.

Cupro

Cupro, a semi-synthetic fabric made from cotton linter (a byproduct of cotton production), is a great alternative to silk for people who prioritize ethical and cruelty-free clothing. It also uses a fraction of the water as viscose and requires fewer chemicals during manufacturing. It is vegan and eco-friendly, and it breaks down naturally at the end of its lifecycle, reducing ecological harm.

However, the cupro manufacturing process uses toxic chemicals like copper, ammonia, and caustic high quality cloth material soda, which can pollute water and soil if not disposed of properly. Because of this, consumers should choose brands that use sustainable cupro fabric that is produced using closed-loop production processes.

Other alternatives to cupro are rayon, modal, and Tencel fabrics, which are all spun from dissolved beech tree cellulose. Look for brands that have certifications from organisations such as bluesign to ensure they follow strict environmental production standards.

Deadstock

In a fashion industry known for churning out trends at breakneck speeds, there are countless amounts of fabric that go to waste. Mountains of discarded fabric, or «deadstock,» end up in landfills and contribute to environmental degradation. But some sustainable brands are tackling this problem by purchasing and incorporating deadstock fabrics into their designs.

One example is Christy Dawn, who uses rescued and revitalized deadstock to create limited-edition collections that celebrate the beauty of Mother Nature. Honoring the earth is at the core of their brand, and they use regenerative textiles to support local farming communities in Southern India.

But it’s important to note that just because a designer uses deadstock doesn’t mean the fabric is eco-friendly or sustainable. The fabric may still have been dyed with toxic chemicals, or could come from a factory that doesn’t practice ethical production methods. For that reason, it’s crucial to research brands before purchasing their products. Check out sites like Good On You to learn more about a brand’s sustainability practices.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a great sustainable fabric. It takes up less water than cotton and grows without any pesticides or fertilizers. It also releases 35% more oxygen and requires no replanting. The fibers are incredibly strong & scalable making it possible for manufacturers to make durable clothing.

However, claims about bamboo’s sustainability have been grossly inflated. The vast majority of bamboo products marketed as organic are actually made through a chemical process similar to that used to create rayon. This not only damages the environment but can be extremely dangerous for workers who must handle the chemicals.

It is possible to make natural bamboo fabric using a mechanical process that crushes the plant and uses enzymes to break down the cell walls. The resulting fibers are then combed out and spun into yarn. However, this is a very rare fabric and most bamboo clothing you see on the market is bamboo viscose or rayon.

If you’re shopping for sustainable bamboo clothing, choose a vendor who only sells organic, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified bamboo viscose. Be sure to check the label for details – it is illegal in some countries (including the US) for companies to misrepresent their products by selling bamboo viscose as bamboo.