41 Most Sustainable Clothing Materials
Many brands out there are now using the buzzwords, “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” but what does that really mean? It’s important to understand what it’s actually doing for the planet instead of taking the company’s word for it. Some unsustainable fabrics used in fast fashion are even toxic so best to avoid them. So here are the most sustainable clothing materials and most sustainable fabrics to keep an eye out for the next time you go shopping.
But First… The Most Sustainable Option
Reusing is always better than recycling or repurposing. That’s why the most sustainable option to shop is to shop second-hand. You could do that through thrifting or shopping on apps like Poshmark or Mercari. Giving a piece of clothing a second life is much better for the environment because we’re not producing even more waste by creating something new, even if that piece is sustainably made.
The Full List of Sustainable Clothing Fabrics
Most Sustainable Clothing Materials
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is the best alternative to cotton. That’s because organic cotton does not grow with any pesticides or fertilizers which keeps water, soil, and air clean. The material also releases significantly less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during the production process. 80% of organic cotton gets its water from rainfall.
Additionally, the soil is actually in better shape after organic cotton cultivation. The biggest upside of using eco-friendly cotton fabric in clothing is it’s very breathable which makes it perfect to wear during the summer.
Organic Basics
Organic Basics sell a large collection of clothing pieces made with organic cotton. Their pieces are made sustainably with the highest-quality materials from Denmark.
2. Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton is different than organic cotton because it conserves resources. Whereas organic cotton requires new cotton cultivation, recycled cotton reuses existing cotton fibers. This helps reduce the environmental impact.
This sustainable fabric also reduces waste. Since it diverts waste from landfills, it promotes a circular economy. That means the life cycle of a clothing piece made with recycled cotton is longer than a clothing piece made with new cotton.
RE/DONE
Re/Done is a denim brand that sells upcycled jeans. They take vintage Levi’s Jeans that would’ve been in landfills and reconstruct them into a modern pair of jeans.
Like this pair of upcycled jeans pictured – it’s inspired by Levi’s 90s long and loose style. These styles use no water aside from the sanitization process. To date, Re/Done has upcycled over 90,000 pairs of Levi jeans (saving 5 million gallons of water).
3. Organic Hemp
Hemp is one of the most sustainable clothing materials. The hemp plant is a low-impact crop that is able to convert easily into fabric.
Hemp naturally reduces pests so the plant does not grow with pesticides. Additionally, it only needs small amounts of water to grow when compared to cotton. In fact, cotton uses four times as much water as hemp.
Hemp fabric has the ability to keep you warm in winter and also cool in summer. Hemp is great to use not only for clothing but also to make eco-friendly bed sheets, sustainable shoes, and ropes.
4. Organic Linen
Linen fabrics are one of the most sustainable clothing materials because they have the ability to biodegrade. What’s great about the flax plant (where linen comes from) is that the entire plant can be turned into a product – nothing is wasted.
The flax plant can also grow in poor soil and uses much less water than cotton does. Since the process of turning the flax plant into linen yarn is a lengthy process, linen is often a higher-priced eco-friendly material.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fischer offers a wide variety of sustainable clothing and accessories. The brand also has a ton of organic linen pieces that are nicely designed. One of which is this blue organic linen box-top made with 70% organic linen and 30% organic cotton.
5. Tencel
Tencel is the brand name owned by an Austrian company, Lenzing AG. It is also commonly referred to as Tencel lyocell and is made by dissolving wood pulp. Tencel uses less water and energy than conventional cotton and is biodegradable.
The plant fiber is also naturally pure white so it doesn’t require any bleaching if you’re going for white Tencel fabrics.
Reformation
Reformation is known for its huge efforts in making sustainable yet stylish pieces. Tencel is a fabric that Reformation uses in a lot of their clothing pieces including this top called the Canyon Top. The fabric is a lightweight ribbed knit and will keep you cool during warmer months.
6. Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is made to divert waste from landfills. The fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. The synthetic fabric versions of these fabrics are very damaging to the environment because it uses harmful chemical and takes a lot of energy to produce.
The recycled version of these fabrics is a much better alternative. You can commonly find recycled polyester in sustainable activewear.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is a sustainable activewear brand that makes the majority of its clothes out of recyclable plastic bottles, also known as recycled polyester.
They’re very transparent about the factories they work with to ensure they’re producing responsibly. What GF Collective is particularly known for is its super comfortable leggings. They’re compressive, soft, and great for any workout.
They have items including recycled activewear and recycled socks.
7. Recycled Nylon
The texture of recycled nylon is quite similar to recycled polyester. The main difference is that recycled nylon is typically more durable and stretchable. However, recycled polyester is more water-repellent than recycled nylon.
Recycled nylon is most commonly made with existing fishnets and also diverts waste out of landfills. Many clothing items use recycled nylon including eco-friendly socks, activewear, and more
TENTREE
Tentree is a sustainable clothing brand that is committed to sustainability and restoration efforts. They have a clothing line with t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, and activewear.
These shorts pictured uses 100% recycled nylon.
8. Econyl
Econyl is a recycled nylon fabric created by the company Aquafill. It’s a regenerated nylon yarn that is made from pre and post-consumer waste. It’s often produced from fishing nets, plastics, and other fabric scraps. Econyl diverts waste from landfills and oceans.
Econyl is essentially a brand of recycled nylon with a clearly defined regeneration process. On the other hand, recycled nylon refers to a larger group of recycled nylon fabrics that can differ in quality.
MARA HOFFMAN
Mara Hoffman is a designer brand dedicated to sustainability. They are famous for using Econyl in their swimsuits.
The one pictured is made with Econyl (recycled nylon) and is made in the USA.
Also, look at those colors – so beautiful.
9. Cork
Cork is harvested from the bark of oak trees. Since the bark naturally regenerates, harvesting from the oak trees does not cause harm to them. Cork forests also are habitats for many different species which contribute to biodiversity.
The texture of cork is very lightweight and durable so it’s a great choice of material to use for eco-friendly flip flops and shoes.
REEF
Reef is a sustainable shoe brand that incorporates cork in a large majority of its collection.
These sandals also use PVC-free vegan leather straps and a 100% natural cork footbed cover.
10. Vegea
Vegea is vegan leather made with grape skin and leaves. It’s made with the skin and pulp of grapes combined with vegetable oil and water-based polyurethane.
It’s a sustainable clothing material because it takes the waste from winemaking and repurposes it. This makes the winemaking industry more circular.
PANGAIA
PANGAIA is a fashion brand that uses unique and innovative sustainable fabrics to turn into minimalist clothes.
Like these pairs of shoes made out of plant-based grape leather and Lyocell Seacell. The rubber sole is partly recycled.
11. Lyocell Bamboo
Lyocell bamboo is made from bamboo cellulose through the lyocell manufacturing process. The process of making this material starts with breaking down bamboo into a pulp, then forming the solution into fibers. Then, the fibers are spun into yarns.
Lyocell bamboo fabric does a great job of being breathable, moisture-wicking, and very soft. Bamboo is renewable so lyocell bamboo is considered a very sustainable choice.
BOODY
Not many brands have bamboo lyocell but Boody has a collection of bras and underwear that are made with the material.
This ribbed bra is made with 68% bamboo lyocell.
12. Bamboo
Bamboo is renewable – in fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing plants. That means it’s safe and sustainable to harvest bamboo. The plant also requires a lot less water to grow.
There’s more to this powerful plant. Since bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties, it doesn’t even need chemical pesticides. It can also absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere so it’s great at carbon sequestration.
Bamboo clothing has a good combination of flexibility, antimicrobial properties, and breathability.
thought
Thought is a sustainable brand that uses eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, and Ecovero.
This dress has 67% viscose derived from bamboo, 28% organic cotton, and 5% elastane jersey.
13. Lyocell Hemp
Lyocell hemp is similar to the process of making lyocell bamboo except instead of bamboo, it’s hemp. It’s manufactured in the same process as lyocell which is a closed loop environmentally-friendly production process.
Hemp has regenerative properties and even enriches the soil and prevents soil erosion. Hemp is also great at carbon sequestration which mitigates climate change.
Hemp is a great material to use for clothes because it’s incredibly durable and long-lasting. It’s commonly used to make t-shirts, pants, hemp underwear, and other clothing items.
toad&co
Toad&Co is a sustainable fashion brand with clothing fabrics like hemp, tencel lyocell, and other eco friendly materials.
These pair of shorts are made with a blend of stretch hemp and Tencel lyocell. The material is soft and very moisture-wicking.
14. Refibra
Refibra is made with upcycled cotton straps from pre and post-consumer cotton. Since it uses a closed-loop production system, reduces waste and extends the lifespan of the materials.
The texture of Refibra is also naturally soft and gentle on the skin so it’s great for comfortable clothing.
BOYISH
Boyish is a sustainable women’s denim clothing line.
These pair of jeans are made with 17% OCS-certified organic cotton, 43% GRS-certified recycled cotton, and 40% Refibra x Tencel lyocell.
15. Modal
Modal is a bio-based fabric made from cellulose fibers from beech trees. The way modal is made begins with harvesting beech trees. Next, the wood is turned into wood chips, then dissolved and spun into fibers. The fibers then turn into yarn to be made into a fabric.
The texture of the sustainable fabric is soft, breathable, and flowy. Modal can be easily made into t-shirts, dresses, sleepwear, activewear, t-shirts, and even bedding.
TENTREE
Tentree is one of the best sustainable clothing brands that has a collection of TENCEL Modal clothing pieces including dresses, T-shirts, shorts, and more.
This dress is made with 56% organic cotton, 37% modal, and 7% elastane.
16. Merino Wool
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is a sustainable material because it’s 100% biodegradable – it can break down without harming the environment. This material is also great for durability which allows each piece of clothing made out of merino wool to last a long time.
Merino wool is an excellent material for natural insulation. It’ll keep you super warm and help regulate body temperature. Many sustainable socks, sweaters, and outerwear use merino wool for its insulation properties.
Even though merino wool keeps you warm, it also has moisture-wicking properties.
QUINCE
Quince is a fashion brand that makes high-quality clothing at affordable prices. They have sweaters, t-shirts, pants, bags, and more.
This cardigan is made with 54% superfine merino wool, 22% yak, 19% nylon, and 5% spandex.
17. Alpaca Wool
Alpaca wool is a type of fiber from alpaca fleece that is 100% biodegradable. It’s a highly sustainable and high-quality material because alpacas have a lower environmental impact than other livestock animals. Their grazing patterns help prevent overgrazing.
Alpacas also need less water and food compared to other livestock so they’re very resource-efficient.
Like Merino Wool, Alpaca Wool is great at insulation while also being breathable. It’s also hypoallergenic so it’s suitable for those with sensitive skin.
EVERLANE
Everlane is a sustainable fashion brand that uses high-quality materials and transparent pricing.
This Alpaca sweater is made with 58% alpaca wool, 34% nylon (21% recycled), and 8% merino wool.
18. Sheep Wool
Sheep wool is similar to Merino wool but the main difference is Merino grows finer fibers. This makes merino wool softer and less itchy when compared to sheep wool.
Sheep wool is sustainable because it’s renewable and biodegradable. Sheep wool production also needs less energy and water when compared to synthetic fibers.
The eco-friendly material is also very durable and long-lasting.
19. Camel Wool
Camel wool is one of the most eco-friendly materials derived from animals. A type of camel called the Bactrian camel sheds naturally so there is less chance of causing animal injuries.
The process of processing camel does not involve the use of toxic chemicals so this reduces the risk of environmental contamination.
Camel wool is a biodegradable material and does not contribute to pollution.
20. Yak Wool
Yak is an ethically sourced material that is derived by combing out their wool and yarn is then spun from their undercoat.
It’s a sustainable alternative to cashmere plus the added benefit of being very soft and can keep you incredibly warm. It’s even warmer than camel and sheep wool.
Since the production of Yak wool is limited, the price can be on the more expensive side.
The material is biodegradable and moisture-wicking.
Mongolian handicrafts
There aren’t many shops and brand that have Yak wool clothing. But Mongolian Handicrafts has quite a few Yak wool sweaters on Etsy.
This one is made with 100% fine Yak-down and is naturally undyed.
21. Cashmere
Cashmere is one of the world’s most well-loved materials known for being a biodegradable fabric and feeling super soft on the skin.
With the rise of the popularity of cashmere, there have been some ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. To keep up with the demand, some areas are practicing unethical ways to harvest cashmere. Some use sharp-toothed metal combs which severely cratches into their skin, causing injuries. Some goats get killed once they no longer have financial value.
For cashmere that is harvested in Mongolia, there is a problem of desertification as a result of overgrazing and climate change.
While there is much more that needs to be done to hold the production of cashmere more accountable, the good news is cashmere is biodegradable and renewable. The material can sequester tons of CO2 and have a positive impact on climate change.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
The luxury designer brand Stella McCartney prides itself in using Re.Verso cashmere which is just as soft as typical cashmere but with positive environmental impacts.
This includes using pre-consumer waste cashmere that has a fully transparent and traceable textile system.
This sweater is made with 95% regenerated cashmere and 5% traceable wool.
22. Soy Silk
Soy silk is also known as vegetable cashmere created from soybean waste. It’s sustainable because it’s created on a closed-loop system so resources are being reused.
The biodegradable fabric is antimicrobial, UV-resistant, and very lightweight.
The texture of soy silk is highly stretchable, breathable, and has an excellent drape.
23. Vegetable Tanned Leather
Vegetable-tanned leather is a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. Vegetable tanning uses plant-based sources to treat and preserve the leather. Traditional ways to tan leather usually involve using toxic chemicals.
This type of leather also is biodegradable and since it’s non toxic, it doesn’t contaminate the environment. The wastewater produced from vegetable tanning is also less polluted. Vegetable-tanned leather is commonly used in sustainable bags.
SEZANE
Vegetable tanned leather is more commonly seen in handbags than in clothes.
Sezane is a French sustainable brand with a line of leather bags that are made with vegetable-tanned leather.
24. Cork Leather
Cork leather is made from the bark of oak trees. After it gets harvested, the bark is made into sheets or rolls to be then turned into a biodegradable fabric material.
Harvesting cork does not harm the tree at all. In fact, it helps the tree because removing some bark allows for regeneration and it extends the life of the tree. This makes it one of the most environmentally friendly vegan leathers.
Cork leather has a shiny appearance and is smooth to the touch. It’s also water-resistant, flame-resistant, and hypoallergenic. It’s an incredibly sustainable alternative to typical leather.
25. Apple Leather
Apple leather is a bio-based material made from leftover waste from apples and other natural materials. It’s a renewable resource that also reduces CO2 from the atmosphere.
To make apple leather, the apple waste is first turned into a purée, then into a fine powder. Then, it’s blended with polyurethane and then laid flat to dry.
The environmentally friendly fabric itself is fully biodegradable, durable, and breathable. It’s commonly found in eco-friendly handbags.
26. Desserto
Made from the nopal cactus plant, desserto leather is a sustainable plant-based leather alternative. Harvesting cactus doesn’t damage the plant because it’s regenerative. The treatment process to soften the cactus leaves also doesn’t involve chemicals so desserto fabric is non-toxic.
Desserto is a great cruelty-free alternative to animal-based leather. It’s also highly durable so it’s frequently found in sustainable footwear, furniture, and handbags.
EVERLANE
Everlane is a sustainable brand that sells a large selection of clothing, bags, accessories, and more.
They have a line of vegan bags and the one pictured is made with cactus leather (desserto).
It’s difficult to find handbags made with desserto leather so this is quite a rare find.
27. Recycled Leather
Recycled leather is upcycled leather made from scraps of genuine leather. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional animal leather.
Using upcycled leather helps reduce waste. This type of leather is made by gathering scraps from a variety of places like tanneries or upholstery shops. Then, it’s ground and shredded. After it’s turned into fine particles, it’s mixed with resins.
The final step is to apply heat to the sheets of recycled leather to bind together the particles.
MELIE BIANCO
Melie Bianco is a sustainable handbag brand that uses vegan recycled leather.
Their bags are popular for their fun shapes and colors as well.
28. Mushroom Leather (Mylo)
Mushroom leather is made from mycelium which is the underground root structure of mushrooms.
Since Mylo is made with renewable materials, it’s one of the best sustainable clothing materials alternatives to traditional leather. It also has a lower environmental footprint compared to animal-based leathers.
Mylo is also biodegradable. The texture is very durable and can last a long time.
Stella McCartney
This luxury designer brand is known for highly prioritizing the use of sustainable and cruelty-free materials.
This bag is made from Mylo vegan leather and GOTS-certified cotton lacing.
29. Silk
Silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms. Its smooth texture and luxurious feel make it a highly sought-after material.
There’s no doubt silk is more sustainable than synthetic fibers. However, there are problems that arise regarding ethical practices. Many silk-producing countries use forced and child labor.
Silk is also not inherently a cruelty-free fabric. A portion of silk is made by killing silkworms.
Because of these concerns, it’s extra important to look for silk clothing that is truly cruelty-free and has fair trade practices.
LILYSILK
Lily Silk is a clothing brand that uses sustainable silk and organic cotton.
This dress is made with 100% Grade 6A Mulberry Silk which supports cruelty-free business practices.
It’s also the highest quality raw silk you can find in the market.
30. QMilk
Qmilk is a material made from milk protein fibers. It is created by using excess milk that can no longer be used to then extract the proteins to make protein powder.
This milk protein powder is then turned into fibers through a spinning method. After, it’s turned into yarn to be made into an environmentally friendly fabric.
QMilk is a great sustainable alternative because it reduces waste and is biodegradable. The fabric is soft and comfortable so it’s perfect to use in clothing.
etsy
Since Qmilk is a relatively new fabric, there aren’t many brands using it yet.
This Etsy shop sells Qmilk fiber jerseys you can use to sew.
31. Down
Down makes use of otherwise wasted products used from raising geese for meat. Even though it uses waste that would end up in landfills, there is controversy because it’s often associated with inhumane practices.
To choose ethical options, it’s good to look for certifications that state that no animals are harmed during the process.
PATAGONIA
Patagonia is one of the few brands that ensure they only use down that does not involve live-plucking or fore-feeding.
This Sherpa down jacket is made with 100% recycled polyester and 100% recycled down. It’s also fair trade certified sewn.
32. Orange Fiber
Orange fiber is made from orange waste. The process starts with extracting the cellulose and then turning it into a fiber, then yarn.
The result is a silk-like fabric. The texture is very soft and lightweight.
Since oranges are high in vitamins A, E, and C, it’s also good for the skin.
33. Piñatex
Piñatex leather is a textile material made from pineapple leaf fibers. The fibers are created by extracting the leaves of pineapples. This puts waste out of landfills.
It’s one of the most sustainable clothing materials because the production process doesn’t involve toxic chemicals or pesticides. Since it’s a renewable resource, there is less need for more resources like water and land.
Piñatex is one of the best sustainable clothing fabrics and is biodegradable.
34. Cupro
Cupro is a type of regenerated cellulose fabric made from cotton waste. It’s made by dissolving in a cuprammonium hydroxide solution. Then, it’s spun into fibers to make the fabric.
The appearance and feel of cupro is like silk. It drapes very well and is incredibly breathable.
Cupro is also great at moisture wicking so it’s comfortable to wear in more hotter or humid weather.
aMOUR VERT
Amour Vert is a sustainable clothing brand that is both comfortable and luxurious.
This dress is made with cottonseed cupro. The texture is very silky smooth.
35. Seacell
Seacell is a biodegradable clothing material made from cellulose fibers and seaweed. To create this material, seaweed is dried and then ground into a powder. The powder is then turned into an eco friendly fabric.
Not only is Seacell sustainable, but it’s also good for your skin. Seacell is rich in vitamins and nutrients.
Seacell production utilizes a close-loop system so the production materials are recycled and used.
FRANK AND OAK
Frank and Oak uses sustainable materials in its clothing line including organic cotton and Seacell.
This sweater is made with organic cotton and SeaCell. The fabric contains nutrients good for skin including iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
36. Jute
Jute is a natural fiber made from the stems of the jute plant. It’s one of the most widely used natural fibers and is considered one of the most eco friendly fabrics.
The fiber is plant-based so it’s renewable and grows with not a lot of pesticides.
Jute is not only used in clothes but also bags, ropes, and carpets because of its incredible strength. It’s often blended with other materials like cotton to make it more versatile.
The jute plant is great at absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide which reduces greenhouse gases.
37. EcoVero
EcoVero is a sustainable viscose made with sustainable wood pulp by the company Lenzing. The production process used a closed-loop process so it reduces water usage.
Making EcoVero utilizes fewer fossil resources when compared to generic viscose.
The brand Lenzing also provides transparency in the Ecovero supply chain.
EcoVero is certiied by EU Ecolabel.
thought
Thought is a sustainable fashion brand that uses EcoVero fabric in its clothing. This jumpsuit las 67% Lenzing Ecovero 28% organic cotton and 5% elastane jersey.
38. Bananatex
Bananatex is one of the most sustainable clothing fabrics made from Abacá banana plants. These bananas are cultivated in the Philippine highlands with no pesticides, fertilizers, or excess water.
Bananatex is not only biodegradable, but it also has the ability to increase biodiversity and enrich the soil.
Many other fabrics use plastic coatings to make fabrics waterproof, but Bananatex uses a natural beeswax coating.
Banatex has OEKO-TEK 100 and Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold certiications.
39. S. Cafe
Did you know coffee can be turned into a fabric? S. Cafe is made from coffee grounds that would otherwise go to waste.
S. Cafe fabric also provides natural UV protection and absorbs odors. It’s also incredibly fast-drying and moisture-wicking.
It’s one of the best sustainable fabrics for activewear.
40. Qmonos
Qmonos is made from spider silk and microbes. It’s 100% biodegradable and extremely durable.
It’s a sustainable alternative to synthetic petroleum-based fabrics like polyester and nylon.
Because of its strength and durability, it’s commonly seen in activewear.
41. Deadstock Fabric
When manufacturers produce clothing, oftentimes there are lots of leftover fabrics that go to waste. Using deadstock fabric is an incredibly sustainable method because it reduces waste, conserves resources, and limits carbon footprint.
Deadstock fabric also costs lower than newly produced fabrics. It’s a win-win for clothing brands to use it.
cHRISTY DAWN
Christy Dawn is a sustainable women’s clothing brand that uses deadstock fabric.
This sleeveless midi dress uses deadstock upcycled fabric and is ethically made in Los Angeles.
Final Thoughts
This sustainable fabrics list includes common sustainable fashion materials like organic cotton and Tencel but also has some lesser-known ones like mushroom leather and Seacell.
We see increasingly more sustainable brands trying out incorporating innovative sustainable materials into their fashion brands which is great news. There is, however, more that needs to be done to get unsustainable brands to switch to using more sustainable fabrics.
Not only do they need to use more sustainable materials, but the fabrics also need to be ethically produced and be fair trade.
Next time you go shopping, keep in mind some of these most sustainable clothing materials so you can build an eco-friendly wardrobe!
But also make sure before you buy, use up your old things to the fullest! Read my guides on repurposing old socks and old jeans.
FAQs
What is the most environmentally sustainable clothing material?
Some of the most environmentally sustainable clothing materials are organic cotton, organic hemp, linen, Tencel, recycled polyester, and Econyl. These are just a few sustainable materials – there are many more sustainable fabrics that are used to create a variety of clothing pieces.
Ultimately, the most environmentally sustainable clothing material comes down to a few factors including production methods, sourcing of materials, materials processing, and what is done at the end of the lifecycle of the fabric.
Organic cotton is one of the most sustainable clothing materials because it grows without pesticides and reduces water and soil contamination.
How to tell if fabrics are sustainable?
You can tell if fabrics are sustainable by analyzing these factors:
Type of Fabric Source
Look for organic fabrics that are biodegradable, renewable, or eco-friendly. Fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and Tencel are all eco-friendly fabrics.
Sustainability Certifications
The most sustainable clothing materials have sustainability certifications. The ones to look out for are Global Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade Certified.
GOTS prohibits harmful processing methods, OEKO-Tex tests products against over 350 chemicals, and Fair Trade Certified ensures companies meet rigorous social and environmental standards.
Manufacturing Process
Not only are the materials themselves important for sustainability, but the manufacturing process is just as crucial. Place priority on fabrics that use less energy consumption, fewer chemical treatments, and minimize water usage. This prevents pollution, conserves resources, and reduces carbon footprint.
End-of-Life Considerations
At the end of the life cycle, sustainable fabrics should be able to be recycled, composted, or repurposed. Ultimately, we want fabrics that don’t end up in the landfill.
Long-Lasting and Durability
The amount of time a type of fabric can last is also important. The more durable and long-lasting it is, the longer you can use that clothing piece.
What is the least toxic clothing material?
The least toxic clothing material include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, Tencel, and linen. Many plant-based materials are also non-toxic such as mushroom leather, QMilk, Seacell, and Banatex.
These sustainable fashion materials use little to no pesticides and harmful chemicals in the production process.
Which fabric has the lowest environmental footprint?
Organic cotton or recycled cotton are some of the fabrics with the lowest environmental footprint because they use little to no fertilizers and pesticides. It also uses a lot less water and energy to produce than traditional cotton.
Why is polyester not sustainable?
Polyester is not sustainable because it’s not biodegradable and it can stay in landfills for many hundreds of years. Toxic materials are also used during the production process. When polyester gets into landfills, the toxic chemicals may leak into and contaminate water in the area.
What is an eco alternative to polyester?
An eco alternative to polyester is recycled polyester. It’s made with recycled water bottles that would otherwise go to waste. Recycled polyester also uses fewer resources to produce than virgin polyester.
Should I stop wearing polyester?
It’s best to avoid wearing virgin polyester because it can contain toxic chemicals. This may lead to skin redness, itchiness, and other irritations. It’s best to wear recycled polyester instead.
For more sustainable clothing guides, check out these posts!
