Many people are beginning to do as much as they can to become more environmentally friendly, and that includes their clothes shopping. Here are a few of the best eco-friendly fabrics to look out for.
Linen
Linen is a light and breathable fabric that has been common in the fashion world for years. It comes from the flax plant, which needs little to no fertilizer, pesticides, etc, meaning there is very little impact on the environment to grow it.
From linen dresses, to suits, shirts, and shorts, it is an amazing fabric that is not only super-chic and stylish, but also good for the environment.
Hemp
Similar to linen, hemp is incredibly sustainable. It isn’t water or chemical-intensive, it is high-yielding, and it is also beneficial to the soil it is grown in. Plus, it is considered a carbon-negative material, as it actually absorbs CO2 from the air better than almost any other plant.
While it can be slightly more expensive as it is harder to grow, it is long-lasting and high quality, making it a worthwhile investment.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is widely regarded as the most sustainable material on the planet. It is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and it is processed without the use of chemicals. Overall, organic cotton requires 62% less energy and 88% less water.
It is also a very common and often affordable material, as it is found in everything from T-shirts to socks, pajamas, and bedding.
Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton ticks two very big eco-friendly fabric boxes; it is not only made from sustainable materials, but it is also recycled industrial waste. In other words, recycled cotton garments are made from leftover cotton that manufacturers would have otherwise discarded.
There are some downsides to recycled cotton, and some due diligence is needed, as it can often be tricky to figure out if the garment is 100% recycled cotton, and thus compostable, or if it has remnants of other types of non-recyclable material.
Cork
This may come as a surprise to some, but cork is another incredible eco-friendly material that can be used for clothing. Simply put, the shaved bark of the tree is used, and it is also highly beneficial to the tree to have its bark shaved regularly.
The tree is also a valued member of its ecosystem, and it provides benefits to surrounding trees and plants. After the bark has been dried, it is turned into a vegan leather, which is durable and long-lasting.
ECONYL
Whale nylon isn’t eco-friendly by itself; it is a common material in clothing, such as sportswear, thanks to its ability to stretch and dry quickly. However, ECONYL is a different story, as it is made up of recycled nylon and other synthetic material.
To create it, plastic sea waste, old fishing nets, etc, are recycled to create a material that feels and acts like regular nylon. However, it does release microplastics, meaning it is imperative to use a microfiber filter on your washing machine.
Deadstock Fabrics
Finally, deadstock fabrics are created using materials are clothing that that would have been thrown out, such as manufacturing excess, garments with factory errors, or unsold items. Considering dyes and patterns are already present, there is less manufacturing required.
Companies that create deadstock fabrics also deposit far less material into landfills, as the goal is to use as much of the original fabrics as possible.
Create a More Eco-Friendly Wardrobe
Now that you know a few of the best eco-friendly fabrics on the market, here are a few more ways to create a more sustainable wardrobe.
Quality Over Quantity
The first thing you should do is stop buying a lot of clothes, and rather invest in quality pieces. High-quality clothing lasts longer, and therefore, you are less likely to buy the same thing over and over again, thus lowering the impact you have on the environment.
Thrift
Nowadays, thrifting isn’t just about finding a few hidden gems amongst a sea of clothing you would never wear. With apps like Vinted, you can easily find items that have never been worn, or are almost like new, for a fraction of the original cost. As implied in the previous point, buying less new clothing makes more of a difference than you may think.
Look After Your Clothes
Next, take good care of your clothing to extend its lifetime. Follow the washing instructions, oil your leather, clean the grime and dirt off your shoes, etc. Once again, high-quality clothing that you take care of will last you years.
Upcycle
When your clothing does start to deteriorate, find ways to upcycle it. For instance, jeans that have ripped or worn bottoms can be turned into shorts, or a T-shirt or sweater with a stain on the bottom half can be turned into a crop top.
Even if you don’t have sewing skills, old clothing can be used as cleaning rags around the house, or can be used to patch up other items.
Donate
Finally, you can always donate the clothing you don’t want anymore. Most cities have drop-off points or stores where you can leave your clothing in, and someone else can get the same joy you once got out of your garments.
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