Despite the increasing awareness of sustainability in the fashion industry, many consumers and fashion entrepreneurs remain unaware of the different sustainable fabrics available. Surprisingly, sustainable brands, designers, and experts also seem to be overlooking the promotion of these eco-friendly materials. Through my interactions with industry experts, I have noticed this trend and feel compelled to highlight some of the sustainable fabrics that are worth knowing and including in your collections this year.
Last week, a close acquaintance reached out to me and shared their enthusiasm about a project they’re launching – an impressive line of T-shirts. As a conscientious designer, my friend is committed to ensuring that their project is environmentally sustainable. We engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding material sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and sales, and I felt both proud of their accomplishments and optimistic about the future of their project.
However, I noticed a gap in knowledge regarding sustainable fabrics. Limited information is readily available on the materials that can be used to create a sustainable fashion collection. Additionally, companies may need to do more to highlight the importance of eco-friendly materials in their collections. Consequently, I researched sustainable fabrics suitable for fashion projects like the one embarked on by my friend.
Here are the six sustainable fabrics designers and brands should consider and incorporate into their collections.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a natural fibre that is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It relies on natural methods to control pests, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of beneficial insects and trap crops. This farming method promotes biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, reducing the use of chemicals that can harm wildlife and disrupt soil health.
Furthermore, organic cotton is often harvested by hand, reducing the need for fossil fuel-powered machinery and providing employment opportunities for farmers.
In addition to environmental benefits, organic cotton also has advantages for consumers. Clothing made from organic cotton is often more comfortable and breathable than conventional cotton clothing. Furthermore, organic cotton is usually processed without the use of toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to workers and the environment.
Organic cotton is often certified by third-party organizations that ensure it meets specific environmental and social standards. As a result, it is becoming increasingly popular among consumers concerned about the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices. Although organic cotton may be more expensive than conventional cotton, it provides benefits in terms of environmental, sustainability, social responsibility, and long-term durability.
Brands such as PeopleTree, Seasaltcornwall, Tentree, Thought, Whitestuff, and H&M have used organic cotton in their collections.
Hemp
Hemp fabrics are becoming increasingly popular in the world of sustainable fashion. As a sustainable crop, hemp requires less water and fewer pesticides than many other crops, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. The fibres of hemp are also more robust and durable than cotton fibres, making them an ideal choice for clothing and textiles.
Hemp fabrics are breathable and moisture-wicking, which makes them comfortable to wear in warm weather. They are naturally resistant to bacteria and UV light, making them popular for outdoor clothing and products. Hemp fabrics are versatile and can be used to create various products, including apparel, home textiles, and industrial materials.
Hemp fabrics can be produced without harmful chemicals or additives, making them a sustainable choice for clothing and textiles. Additionally, hemp is a fast-growing crop that can help to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The use of hemp for textiles dates back thousands of years and has been used to create everything from rope to clothing.
Brands such as Hempandhope, Tentree, Thought, Patagonia, The Hemp Temple, and Vans have used hemp in their products.
Linen
Linen fabrics are popular for those looking for a natural, sustainable, and comfortable material. Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant, and it is lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for warm weather.
In addition to being comfortable, linen fabrics are also durable and can last for decades with proper care. They are also hypoallergenic and have natural anti-bacterial properties, making them a good choice for sensitive skin users.
Linen is a sustainable fabric as it requires less water and pesticides than cotton and is biodegradable and compostable at the end of its lifespan. Furthermore, linen fabrics have a unique texture and appearance, with a slightly slubbed and imperfect look that adds character to clothing and home textiles.
Linen fabrics are versatile and can be used for various products, including clothing, bedding, and table linens. They become softer and more comfortable with each wash and wear and have a rich history in fashion and textiles dating back thousands of years.
Brands such as Komodo, WithNothingUnder, FlaxAndLoom, and BeaumontOrganic continue to use linen in their collections.
Tencel
Tencel fabrics are a popular choice for those looking for a sustainable and comfortable fabric. Tencel is actually a brand name for lyocell, a fibre made from wood pulp. Tencel fabrics are known for their softness and smooth texture, making them comfortable to wear. They are also highly absorbent, which helps to wick away moisture and keep the wearer cool and dry.
The closed-loop process used to produce Tencel fibres makes Tencel fabrics incredibly sustainable. This process uses less water and energy than traditional textile manufacturing methods, and the resulting Tencel fabrics are biodegradable and compostable.
Tencel fabrics are versatile and can be used for a variety of products, including clothing, bedding, and home textiles. They also have natural anti-bacterial properties, making them a good choice for sensitive skin. Additionally, Tencel fabrics are resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage, which makes them easy to care for and maintain.
Tencel is a renewable resource, as the wood pulp used to create Tencel fibres comes from sustainably managed forests. Furthermore, Tencel fabrics are produced using a non-toxic solvent, which makes them safer for the environment and workers.
Brands like Amour Vert, Allbirds, Paneros, and Colieco continue to use Tencel in their collections.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabrics have become increasingly popular as sustainable and comfortable fabric options in recent years. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be sustainably harvested for use in textiles. Bamboo fabrics are known for their softness and breathability, making them comfortable. They are also naturally moisture-wicking, which helps to keep the wearer cool and dry.
Bamboo fabrics also have natural anti-bacterial and odour-resistant properties, which make them a good choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, bamboo fabrics are hypoallergenic, making them less likely to cause skin irritation.
Bamboo fabrics are biodegradable and compostable, which makes them a sustainable choice. They are also UV resistant, which can help protect the wearer from the sun’s harmful rays. Bamboo fabrics are versatile and can be used for a variety of products, including clothing, bedding, and towels.
While bamboo fabric production requires less water than traditional cotton farming, it does require chemicals and energy to process the plant fibres into textiles. However, these impacts can be minimized through proper management and certification processes.
Brands such as Cariuma, WeAreThought, BAM Clothing, Boody, SeaSaltCornwall, Patagonia, and Athleta have used bamboo in their collections. In 2019, Emma Watson wore a bamboo jumpsuit by Osman to the Met Gala.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester fabrics are a sustainable alternative to traditional polyester fabrics. These fabrics are made from post-consumer plastic bottles or recycled polyester textile waste, which reduces the carbon footprint of fabric production. The process of making recycled polyester fabrics uses less water and energy compared to traditional polyester fabric production.
Recycled polyester fabrics have the same properties as traditional polyester fabrics, including durability, wrinkle resistance, and quick drying. They are also easy to care for and can be machine washed and dried. The production of recycled polyester fabrics helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment.
Recycled polyester fabrics can be used in a variety of products, including clothing, bags, and home textiles. Using recycled polyester fabrics can support the circular economy and encourage sustainable consumption. Some experts are concerned the use of recycled polyester still has an environmental impact on the environment. According to GoodOnYou, recycled polyester doesn’t fix fast fashion’s over-production problems.
Brands such as Tentree, Adidas, Patagonia, and Levi’s have used recycled polyester in their collections. In 2020, Nike used recycled polyester in their “Move to Zero” collection. Tentree continues to make clothing from recycled polyester to date.
In conclusion, sustainable fabrics are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry due to their eco-friendly nature. Organic cotton, hemp, linen, Tencel, bamboo, and recycled polyester are just a few examples of the sustainable fabrics designers and brands use. I hope to publish another list of the less-known fabrics sustainable fashion designers use to create their collections.
By using these materials, we can reduce the fashion industry’s impact on the environment while still producing stylish and high-quality clothing.