In an era where sustainability is the buzzword in many minds, the fashion industry is undergoing a transformation towards eco-friendly practices due to being one of the largest contributors to global environmental pollution. One of the most significant areas of change is in the materials used to make our clothes. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, conventional cotton, viscose, nylon, and spandex consume enormous quantities of resources such as water and energy, and they contain many chemicals or pesticides. These types of fabrics are not biodegradable, and studies* suggest it can take from 20 to 200 years to decompose. Furthermore, studies are also being conducted not only on the impact on our natural resources and environment but also on the consequences for our health and textile workers.
What is a sustainable material for our garments?
Sustainable materials for garments are those that are produced in an environmentally, economically, and socially responsible manner, with minimal impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle. The fabrics come from eco-friendly resources and are typically made with biodegradable elements from natural or recycled fibres.
For fashion brands to be more sustainable, there are certain criteria they must adhere to, ensuring that the environmental impact already created can be reversed and that they aim for a sustainable future.
For fashion brands to be more sustainable, there are certain criteria they must adhere to, ensuring that the environmental impact already created can be reversed and that they aim for a sustainable future.
Some key points of this lifecycle are:
- Preference for sustainably sourced materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, linen, and recycled fibres.
- A production process that is environmentally friendly, focusing on renewable energy consumption, non-toxic dyes, water waste reduction, and recycling and upcycling existing garments.
- Ethical labour practices that ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, and respect for workers' rights.
- Creation of high-quality pieces that last longer, providing opportunities to repair, reuse, and recycle clothes.
- Clear and honest communication about the sources and environmental impacts of production processes, enabling customers to make informed decisions about their purchases.
- Sustainable brands that meet the above points usually have certifications from reputable organisations, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, OEKO-TEX, and GRS (Global Recycled Standard).
- Use of recyclable materials during the packaging process to reduce the use of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic. Also, consider the carbon footprint, including methods of travel or distribution—how far the products travel to their destination throughout the production process until reaching the consumer.
- Promote awareness and education about sustainability and their company production processes, allowing consumers to make informed purchases.
Choosing sustainable fabrics not only helps reduce the environmental impact of fashion but also supports ethical production practices. Are you looking for sustainable clothing materials but don’t know where to start?
Here’s a guide to some of the best sustainable fabrics for your wardrobe:
- Organic CottonOrganic cotton is an excellent choice for the environment and farmers. It’s produced without harmful synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, making it a healthier option for us, the environment, and farmers. It uses far less water than conventional cotton and is also more durable. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure the cotton is 100% organic.
- Tencel (Lyocell)Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a breathable and biodegradable fabric made from wood pulp, sourced from eucalyptus, beech, or spruce trees, produced in an eco-friendly manner, using less water and non-toxic solvents. It's a high-quality fabric, easy to care for, and has a silk-like feel.
- HempHemp is recognised as an extraordinary type of natural fibre. It’s one of the most sustainable natural fibres available, as it doesn’t require much water, grows quickly, and doesn’t need pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. Like Tencel, hemp fabric is durable, biodegradable, and has excellent breathability. It comes from the stem of the hemp plant, a type of cannabis species, and has a similar feel to linen or jute.
Bamboo
Coming from the bamboo plant, this fabric can be soft, durable, breathable, and have antibacterial properties, but it’s only sustainable if produced in the right way. When buying bamboo garments or household textiles, it's important to ensure they have been certified as being produced in an eco-friendly manner.Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is made from plastic bottles, and the aim of recycling this non-biodegradable material is to reduce plastic waste or prevent it from ending up in landfills or the ocean. Recycled polyester is the same quality as virgin polyester but requires less energy to recycle. One of the current climate issues is the amount of plastic that has been produced and how to recycle and give a second life to this material in a sustainable way, creating less pressure on our environment. The safety of this material on our health is still questionable, so using organic cotton, linen, wool, or hemp would be a better choice.Linen
Linen is an excellent choice of fabric. It is a natural fibre made from flax plants, which require little water and no pesticides. During the production process, the entire flax plant can be used, reducing waste. Linen is breathable, biodegradable, durable, and becomes softer with each wash. While many summer clothes are made of linen, it is also becoming increasingly popular for household textiles such as bedding, tablecloths, and curtains.Cork
Cork is not only seen in homeware but is also a great material for shoes, handbags, and accessories. It’s a natural textile made from plant fibres, is biodegradable, and can regenerate itself. It’s also water-resistant, making it very versatile!
Why choose sustainable materials?
The fashion industry has been under the spotlight for its significant impact on the environment and over-consumption of natural resources. Choosing sustainable fabrics for your wardrobe helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution from synthetic fabrics leaking microplastics into the water during washing, toxic dyeing processes, and water waste from textile production.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), it takes 2,700 litres of water to make one cotton t-shirt, which is equivalent to the drinking water consumption of one person for approximately two and a half years. That’s a lot! Moreover, clothes made of polyester or other synthetic fabrics "can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose" (Cobbing and Vicare 2016; Fletcher 2014; Chen and Burns 2006).
To achieve a circular economy, it is important to produce and purchase textiles in a conscious and sustainable manner, ensuring they are reusable, recyclable, and repairable. Supporting a better and healthier lifestyle by purchasing certified and high-quality sustainable materials will not only make the world a better place but also contribute to a longer lifespan for your clothes. This is why being sustainable matters.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), it takes 2,700 litres of water to make one cotton t-shirt, which is equivalent to the drinking water consumption of one person for approximately two and a half years. That’s a lot! Moreover, clothes made of polyester or other synthetic fabrics "can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose" (Cobbing and Vicare 2016; Fletcher 2014; Chen and Burns 2006).
To achieve a circular economy, it is important to produce and purchase textiles in a conscious and sustainable manner, ensuring they are reusable, recyclable, and repairable. Supporting a better and healthier lifestyle by purchasing certified and high-quality sustainable materials will not only make the world a better place but also contribute to a longer lifespan for your clothes. This is why being sustainable matters.
How to make sustainable choices
Changing your shopping habits is the first step towards a sustainable wardrobe. We don’t want to wear clothes that harm ourselves and the planet.
Shop mindfully, slow down, and consider quality over quantity when making your next purchase, focusing on materials that will make your clothes last longer. Buy clothes because you love them and need them, not because everyone is wearing them! Check the labels and select products that have been certified, for example, GOTS and OEKO-TEX, to ensure that you are getting an authentic product, as "organic cotton" doesn’t always mean it’s been produced in a sustainable way.
Try purchasing second-hand before buying new, consider renting or swapping with friends, and care for your clothes by following label instructions. Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic laundry products, and repair or upcycle before giving clothes away.
Support brands that are committed to sustainability and are also ethically certified, for example, Fairtrade or B Lab. We’ve done some research for you—check out our directory page for a few certified clothing brands.
By choosing sustainable fabrics, you’re not only making a positive impact on the environment, your health, and your future, but also supporting a movement towards a more ethical, sustainable, responsible, and circular fashion system.
Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or investing in timeless pieces, opting for sustainable natural materials like organic cotton, linen, Tencel, and hemp can make a significant difference. What we wear matters, so choose your outfits wisely to benefit both yourself and others, and contribute to a better planet!
Shop mindfully, slow down, and consider quality over quantity when making your next purchase, focusing on materials that will make your clothes last longer. Buy clothes because you love them and need them, not because everyone is wearing them! Check the labels and select products that have been certified, for example, GOTS and OEKO-TEX, to ensure that you are getting an authentic product, as "organic cotton" doesn’t always mean it’s been produced in a sustainable way.
Try purchasing second-hand before buying new, consider renting or swapping with friends, and care for your clothes by following label instructions. Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic laundry products, and repair or upcycle before giving clothes away.
Support brands that are committed to sustainability and are also ethically certified, for example, Fairtrade or B Lab. We’ve done some research for you—check out our directory page for a few certified clothing brands.
By choosing sustainable fabrics, you’re not only making a positive impact on the environment, your health, and your future, but also supporting a movement towards a more ethical, sustainable, responsible, and circular fashion system.
Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or investing in timeless pieces, opting for sustainable natural materials like organic cotton, linen, Tencel, and hemp can make a significant difference. What we wear matters, so choose your outfits wisely to benefit both yourself and others, and contribute to a better planet!
Thank you for reading!
Sustainable Reads Team
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