Sustainable Clothing Materials

Many fashion brands tout sustainable fabrics, but it is important to note that the sustainability of any garment depends on the amount of wear it receives. Ethical clothing brands will often provide this information, allowing you to make more informed choices.

For example, linen is made from the flax plant, which requires minimal water and pesticides and uses every part of the plant, minimizing waste. It is also strong and breathable.

ECONYL(r)

A regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets, carpet scraps and other textile waste that would otherwise pollute the earth, ECONYL(r) is an infinitely recyclable fabric. Made by Aquafil, a leading manufacturer of synthetic fibers based in Trento, Italy, this unique yarn is used in swimwear and t-shirts from brands like La Perla and Mara Hoffman, as well as luxury fashion accessories like Karun’s snazzy sunglasses. The company’s closed loop creation process allows them to collect fabric waste from manufacturers to reuse in the production of remoulded ECONYL(r) nylon.

Although polyester has lower water use than natural fabrics, it can still be a major source of pollution. According to the NRDC, the polyester industry has some of the worst environmental impacts in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, most dyes are highly toxic and pollute water, contributing to the microplastic crisis that reduces agricultural and drinking water quality around the world.

A key element of sustainability is ensuring that the workers who make the products you wear are treated with dignity and respect. Several sustainable clothing companies have taken steps to promote ethical labor, including working with charities that support women’s empowerment. This is one of the most effective ways to ensure that you’re purchasing clothes that have a positive impact on the environment, while also supporting people and communities.

ECOVERO(tm)

As a fabric, sustainable viscose is incredibly kind to the earth. It is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, harvested from forests that meet FSC or Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification scheme standards. The manufacturing process is chlorine free and uses up to 50% less water than generic viscose. It also uses less chemicals than other fabric production processes, which is great for the environment as well as your skin and the workers making it.

The fabric is then woven into garments and used in home textiles like curtains and bedding. It is silky soft and breathable, perfect for leisurewear or intimate items. It is also biodegradable and compostable, again better for the environment. It is a beautiful and natural alternative to cotton or polyester, especially when mixed with other eco-friendly fabrics such as linen or modal.

While the textile industry has a long way to go in terms of environmental responsibility, there are some positive moves towards sustainability. The fabric we carry, ECOVERO, is manufactured in Europe where there are strong worker unions and carefully controlled chemical sustainable clothing materials processes that operate under REACH regulation and OEKO-TEX certification. The wood and chemicals needed to make this fabric are sourced locally, which means they don’t have to be flown across the world, cutting down on emissions and transport costs.

Lyocell

Known by many names including Tencel, Excel and more, Lyocell is the sustainable fabric superstar. It looks and feels like silk, drapes beautifully, is antibacterial and moisture wicking. It’s also a natural temperature regulator and odor eliminator, making it perfect for those with skin sensitivities. It also blends really well with other fabrics such as cotton, wool and ethically sourced merino.

Interestingly, unlike other cellulose fabrics such as viscose rayon, lyocell is made from a closed loop high fashion home fabrics process that doesn’t generate harmful by-products. It’s a renewable resource and can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its remarkable qualities. The cellulose is derived from wood pulp, usually eucalyptus but also bamboo, beech and spruce trees – harvested sustainably from forests that are managed for environmental responsibility.

The wood pulp is then dissolved in a non toxic solvent, such as amine oxide (used to make TENCEL(tm)), creating a raw cellulose solution. This is then spun into yarns, woven into fabric and is finished with chemicals that are non toxic as well.

The best thing about lyocell is that it’s highly breathable which means you can wear your clothing and bedding for longer between washes as it doesn’t retain body odors the way that other fabrics do. This is great news for the environment as it reduces water usage and energy.

Organic Cotton

Cotton is a common material found in most of the things we use — tees, dresses, jeans, socks, underwear, etc. But the way it’s grown has a dark side that impacts both people and planet. While conventional cotton uses pesticides and fertilizers that are sprayed in large fields, organic crops focus on the health of soils and waterways.

Organic farmers also save seeds year after year, curating varieties that are best suited to their climate. They can even share the seeds with local farmers so that they continue to grow and use them for generations to come. This is a big reason why choosing organic clothing is so important – it supports sustainable, regenerative agriculture practices that keep our planet healthy and nourished for future generations.

Aside from being better for the environment, organic cotton is also a lot safer for the people who make and wear it. Organic production methods prohibit the use of persistent and toxic chemical pesticides that can lead to rashes, allergic reactions, and even death among farm workers. Organic clothing is also less likely to contain harmful microplastics, as they don’t break down into smaller particles over time like conventional polyester does.

However, it’s crucial to note that not all cotton with the organic label is created equal. The organic designation needs to be backed by a non-toxicity sustainability certification, such as GOTS, which ensures that the cotton is ethically produced and coloured using safe and low impact dyes.