This is the first part of the sustainable series – focusing on the core of clothing: the fabric.
Here you’ll learn different types of fabrics, some might even surprise you and some make you over think your choice again.
For example, did you know that making one cotton T-shirt requires over 2,500 liters of water? Isn’t that crazy?
Navigate to where you want to go:
- Cotton
- Linen and Hemp
- Wool, Cashmere, and Alpaca
- Tencel (Lyocell)
- Eco-Friendly Viscose and the Rise of Triacetate
- Bamboo
- Synthetic Materials
- Acrylic
- Recycled Synthetics
- Fiber Blends
- The Bottom Line
Have you ever stopped to think about what you’re wearing? Not just the jeans, shirt, or sneakers, but who made them, what materials they’re made from, and the environmental impact behind them?
A few years ago, if someone had asked me these questions, I wouldn’t have had a clue. Honestly, I didn’t care much. If I liked something, I bought it. Simple as that. What’s wrong with that? I thought.
But here’s the thing: the question of fashion and sustainability is incredibly complex. It’s not just about the labor or how far the item traveled to reach you.
The materials themselves play a huge role in whether you’re making conscious choices or unintentionally causing more harm.
When I first heard about sustainability, slow fashion, and sustainable materials in clothing, I couldn’t imagine myself, a fashion lover, wearing anything like those dull, natural-colored linen pants or a hemp jacket. It felt so far removed from my style.
But over time, I realized it’s all about mindset—and times have changed too.
Now, my closet is full of pieces made from sustainable materials that belong to the slow fashion category, and I couldn’t be prouder of the effort I’ve put into learning the difference and making better choices.
Cotton:
Not as Innocent as It Seems
When you think of cotton, you probably imagine a natural, breathable material. But did you know that conventional cotton is one of the most harmful materials for the environment? Producing a single cotton T-shirt requires a shocking 2,650 liters of water. Add to that the heavy use of pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified seeds, and suddenly, cotton isn’t as innocent as it seems.
If you love cotton, the solution is to opt for organic cotton. It’s grown without harmful chemicals, is safer for your skin, and has a much smaller environmental footprint. Yes, it’s pricier, but higher quality means it lasts longer, making it a worthy investment.
Linen and Hemp:
Sustainable Classics
Remember when linen and hemp were considered dull and rigid materials? Those days are over. Thanks to modern textile innovations, these fabrics are now soft, stylish, and available in a variety of colors and textures.
Linen and hemp are incredibly sustainable: they require minimal water, no pesticides, and are biodegradable. They’re also practical—both fabrics are breathable, moisture-absorbing, and antibacterial. In summer, they keep you cool; in winter, they trap warmth. Plus, the more you wear them, the softer and more unique they become.
If you’re looking for eco-friendly staples, linen and hemp are your go-to sustainable materials for clothing that lasts and feels great.
Wool, Cashmere, and Alpaca:
Timeless and Ethical
Wool, cashmere, and alpaca are excellent choices when sourced responsibly. Wool, in particular, is naturally odor-resistant and self-cleaning, meaning you’ll wash it far less often than synthetic alternatives. This not only saves water but also extends the lifespan of your clothes.
For extra care, look for certifications like GOTS wool or ethical wool, which ensure humane treatment of animals and sustainable farming practices. Worried about itchy wool? Give it a chance to warm up to your body temperature—it might surprise you!
If you’re looking for something luxurious, silk is another fantastic natural material. It’s thermoregulating, lightweight, and perfect for every season. Just remember to treat these materials gently—hand washing and proper storage can make them last for years.
Did you know: A fascinating curiosity about silk production is how it’s made from the cocoons of silkworms. The process involves boiling or steaming the cocoons to soften the sericin (a protein) that holds the silk threads together. Then, the delicate silk thread—sometimes up to 900 meters (almost 1 km) long per cocoon—is carefully unwound in a process called reeling.
Surprisingly, it takes about 2,500 silkworm cocoons to produce just 1 pound (around 0.45 kg) of raw silk! This makes silk both labor-intensive and highly precious. You can see this is not a sustainable neither but luckily there’s also peace silk.
Peace silk (or Ahimsa silk) is being made by method where the harvesting process allows the silkworms to naturally emerge from their cocoons, avoiding harm, unlike conventional silk methods.
Tencel (Lyocell):
The Star of Sustainability
If there’s one material taking the sustainable fashion world by storm, it’s Tencel, also known as lyocell. Made from fast-growing eucalyptus trees in a closed-loop process, Tencel is environmentally friendly and requires significantly fewer chemicals than traditional viscose.
Tencel fabrics are incredibly soft, durable, and versatile, making them ideal for everything from luxurious dresses to casual T-shirts. Plus, they pair beautifully with other materials like linen for added texture and strength.
Want a sustainable wardrobe without compromising on quality and comfort? Tencel is your answer, especially if you’re aiming for clothing made from sustainable materials.
Eco-Friendly Viscose and the Rise of Triacetate
Viscose is constantly evolving, and innovative options like Triacetate are paving the way for a sustainable future.
Triacetate is a unique fabric made from high-quality, regenerated cellulose. It feels similar to silk but is less durable, making it ideal for trousers or formal dresses.
When blended with synthetic fibers (around 30%), it becomes more resilient, holding its shape and structure better, such as creases in trousers.
Bamboo:
The Sustainable Yet Tricky Choice
Bamboo fiber is a popular option due to its softness, antibacterial properties, and relatively sustainable growth. Bamboo requires less water and minimal chemical pesticides or fertilizers, making it far more eco-friendly than traditional viscose or cotton.
However, the production process for most bamboo fabrics mirrors that of viscose, relying on chemical processing, which makes it less sustainable than alternatives like Tencel.
For a truly sustainable option, look for mechanically processed bamboo, a type of sustainable material often called bamboo linen.
Unfortunately, this eco-friendlier version is still hard to find on the market. Regardless, bamboo is a better choice than synthetic fibers or conventional cotton, especially for casual or sportswear.
Synthetic Materials:
The Environmental Villains
Polyester, nylon, acrylic—these materials are synthetic, made from petroleum, and are some of the worst offenders in terms of environmental impact. Let’s break it down:
1. Petroleum-Based Production
Synthetic fibers are essentially plastics, created through an industrial process that extracts oil and transforms it into fibers like polyester or nylon. This process emits greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, contributing heavily to climate change.
2. Microplastics and Waste
Every time synthetic clothes are washed, they release microplastic particles into the water, which eventually enter oceans and our food chain. Worse, synthetic materials don’t biodegrade, meaning they sit in landfills for centuries.
3. Poor Comfort and Longevity
Polyester, for instance, traps odors, doesn’t breathe well, and often pills over time. It’s also prone to static and absorbs unpleasant smells, leading to frequent washing, which shortens its lifespan.
Nylon is even worse, emitting harmful gases during production and producing non-biodegradable waste, like millions of discarded tights each year.
While synthetic blends (e.g., polyester and wool) may reduce wrinkling or improve durability, the environmental cost far outweighs the benefits. If synthetic materials are unavoidable, look for recycled options made from post-consumer plastics or old clothing.
Acrylic:
A Wool Substitute That Falls Short
Acrylic is often marketed as a wool substitute, being lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying. However, acrylic absorbs odors, requires frequent washing, and is prone to pilling and losing its shape. It’s also entirely non-biodegradable and poses significant environmental challenges.
Instead, consider sweaters made from organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo blends as a more sustainable alternative.
Recycled Synthetics:
The Lesser Evil
If you absolutely need synthetic materials (e.g., for activewear or outdoor gear), go for recycled polyester or nylon.
These materials are made from existing plastic waste, such as discarded fishing nets or plastic bottles, reducing the need for virgin petroleum. While recycled synthetics still release microplastics during washing, they reduce waste and fossil fuel consumption, making them a better choice than conventional synthetics.
Fiber Blends:
A Hidden Challenge
Blended fabrics, like cotton mixed with elastane in jeans, may improve stretch and comfort, but they come with a significant downside: they’re non-recyclable.
Current technology can’t separate blended fibers for reuse, which complicates recycling efforts and increases waste.
When possible, choose clothing made from a single material to support circular fashion and reduce environmental impact.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Wisely
Every material in your closet tells a story. Are you choosing sustainable materials that align with your values?
Whether it’s saying goodbye to conventional cotton or embracing innovative options like Tencel, your choices matter—for the planet and for your wardrobe.
>Next time you’re shopping, don’t just look at the price tag—read the label. The materials you wear can make a big difference, so why not choose ones that are kinder to the earth and built to last?
Let’s keep things transparent here: sustainable fashion will likely come with a different price tag than what you’re used to, depending on various factors. I know many people’s first thought is, “I can’t afford it.” And I totally get it.
But next time you’re shopping for new clothes, consider cost per wear and how it makes you feel.
Investing in quality, sustainable pieces often pays off in the long run—for both your wallet and your conscience.
Get more insight:
Leave a Reply