Eco-Friendly Fabrics Explained – What to Look For in Sustainable Clothing

Introduction

Eco-friendly fabrics is one of the cornerstones of sustainable fashion. But there are so many options out there today, which makes it difficult to understand which materials are actually sustainable. Here, we’ll break down some of the best eco fabrics on the market, how they’re made, and why you should take all the celeb hype seriously.

Why does it matter what fabric you choose when talking about sustainable fashion?

The fabric is where a piece of clothing’s environmental impact often starts. Traditional products including those made with polyester and traditional cotton can be both resource intensive and damaging to the environment. For instance, polyester is made from petroleum and shreds micro-plastics from its fibers into the water every time it’s washed, including into the drinking water supply. While natural, conventional cotton often needs lots of water and pesticides in its growth, damaging local ecosystems and communities.

Changing to eco-friendly fabrics can make your wardrobe much lighter on the environment. They were thought to use less resources, create less waste and have less impact on the planet and the people attached to their production. When you select these materials, you’re helping to enable a more sustainable future for fashion.

Popular Eco-Friendly Fabrics

1.      Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown without the synthetic pesticides and fertilizers typical to conventional cotton which is healthier for both the environment, and the farmers who grow the cotton. Organic cotton uses fewer pesticides, less water and relies on natural methods to suppress pests that attack crops. Check for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), to make sure that it is really organic and sustainably produced cotton.

2.      Hemp

Hemp is tough, fast growing and requires little water and no pesticides. Other reasons people are embracing it as a sustainable alternative to cotton include: it’s naturally pest resistant and will grow in a variety of climates. Made from hemp yarn, Hemp fabric is strong, breathable and biodegradable, therefore ideal for long lasting clothing.

3.      Tencel (Lyocell)

Crop protection efforts of eucalyptus trees are what breed the Tencel brand of lyocell. Nearly all the water and chemicals used are recycled, with very little waste, and the production process is closed loop. Also, as the fabric is soft, breathable and absorbs moisture easily, it is comfortable to wear in every day.

4.      Bamboo

Bamboo is a quick growing, low water requirement crop. There is not, however, a similar monolith for all bamboo fabrics. The processing of some bamboo can be chemically harmful to the environment. Truly sustainable options are “bamboo lyocell,” which is made by a more eco-friendly process. Soft, moisture wicking and bacteria fighting it is popular bamboo fabric.

5.      Recycled Polyester

Conventional polyester is, of course, far from eco-friendly but recycled polyester (also made from plastic bottles) is a more sustainable option. Recycled polyester saves landfill waste and less energy to make by repurposing plastic waste. It does release micro plastics, but if blended with natural fibers can be a good alternative for durability without its all of its bad environmental repercussions.

6.      Linen

Linen is a fabric made from the flax plant and is both natural and biodegradable requiring very little water and no pesticides. Breathable, it only gets softer with every wash, and it's durable. Linen is lightweight and great for warm weather, and is durable and will last a long time if taken care of properly.

When Buying, How to Determine Sustainable Fabrics

By understanding fabric labels and certifications you can make more informed decisions. Here are a few tips:

·         Read Labels Carefully

More and more brands are also providing information about where their fabric comes from and how their products are sustainable. Search for labels that say certified organic, contain recycled, or are made with responsibly sourced material.

·         Look for Certifications

Though the best way to ensure a company is worth your support is to read some of their online reviews, certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade, etc. can help verify that a fabric meets certain standards on the environmental and social side.

·         Choose Blends with Caution

Although blended fabrics are good at adding durability, they make recycling efforts that much harder. Always choose items in single material, it's easier to recycle or biodegrade end of life.

·         Research Brands

Sustainable brands, however, tend to be more transparent about the kinds of fabric they choose and the way that they source. With a quick look at a brand’s website, you can read if they are committed to using sustainable materials.

Conclusion

In terms of sustainable fashion, knowing what you are working with is an important aspect in finding the right materials. Learning about eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, and linen helps you make choices which have lesser environmental impact and support production practices that are ethical. When you shop, look for certifications on products which guarantee they are sustainably sourced. When you opt for eco-friendly fabrics, you're added to a fashion industry that works in favor of Mother Nature and appreciates durability over disposability.