Fashion brands are looking at new ways to innovate and evolve. From robots that sew and cut fabric to AI algorithms that predict style trends, technology is automating and personalizing the industry. Eco-friendly materials use renewable resources and reduce the industry’s ecological footprint.
Organic Cotton
What is the most eco-friendly fabric? The most eco-friendly fabric has the lowest environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, from the cultivation of its raw materials to its production, use, and disposal. It is produced using sustainable practices that minimize the use of natural resources, energy, and chemicals, and it is made to last and be easily recycled or composted at the end of its lifespan. One of them is organic cotton. Organic cotton is a staple in every sustainable wardrobe. It’s soft, breathable, and durable, which makes it an excellent workhorse fabric that can keep up with you and your busy life. Plus, it’s better for the environment than its conventional counterpart. It takes 2,500 liters of water to produce just one non-organic t-shirt, but organic cotton farming puts people and the planet first by using less harsh chemicals and more efficient water usage. When shopping for organic cotton, look for brands that use GOTS-certified organic textiles. This certification is more than just a seal of approval from a trusted third party. It ensures that organic cotton textiles are processed, dyed, manufactured, labeled, and distributed ethically. You can also look for GOTS certification on fabrics like wool and linen to ensure those are eco-friendly options. These certifications are a good way to ensure that your clothes don’t contain toxic chemicals that can irritate your skin and cause harmful effects on the environment. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin!
Linen
Even though textiles are one of the least environmentally damaging industries, they still produce tremendous amounts of waste—a whopping 15 million tons per year in the US alone. That’s because raw materials are often treated with harsh chemicals during their growth, dyeing, and finishing stages (the average cotton tee uses 17 teaspoons of toxic chemicals). Linen comes from the flax plant—it grows without herbicides or pesticides—and requires less water than other crops. Plus, the entire plant can produce minimal wasted fabric during production. Its breathability makes it a great choice for sustainable wardrobes since it can help keep your skin cool and comfortable. Look for brands that source linen from ethical farms, OEKO-TEX certified or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) approved, or use only natural, low-impact dyes to finish the fabric. Also, choose organically bleached and unbleached linen since this reduces the amount of chemicals absorbed by the human body. You should also seek out a brand that offers a wide range of neutral shades to create a versatile wardrobe that’s easy to mix and match.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a frontrunner for eco-friendly fabrics, boasting softness and breathability. It grows quickly without extensive irrigation and chemicals, making it an ideal substitute for traditional cotton. The bamboo textile industry is growing fast, with many brands opting for it to reduce their environmental footprint and showcase their commitment to sustainability. When choosing bamboo clothes, look for the GOTS certification. This label indicates that a brand has met strict requirements regarding using harmful chemicals in production. Another option is bamboo lyocell, produced using a closed-loop system that recaptures and reuses up to 99% of the chemical solution used in production. Some top brands that offer shirts and dresses made from bamboo lyocell include Panda and Thought. As we look towards the future of fashion, it’s essential to prioritize sustainable materials that will last. Investing in high-quality clothing is the best way to minimize your wardrobe’s impact on the planet while keeping you well-dressed. With proper care, your bamboo garments will last for years and reduce the need for frequent replacements, reducing your carbon footprint.
Silk
The fashion industry generates over 92 million tons of carbon emissions annually. That’s an awful lot of pollution – and we aren’t just talking about driving less or turning off the lights when we leave the room. Textile waste is also responsible for disrupting delicate ecosystems and tainting water supplies, as tiny fibers and strands make their way into rivers and oceans, where they can cause toxicity to human bodies. One solution is to use novel fabrics made of renewable and biodegradable materials. Some examples include bamboo, a fast-growing plant that requires few chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and linen from flax, a traditional fiber crop.
Another possibility is to adopt a circular business model where textiles are recycled and reused. To do so, brands need to be able to track and trace the origins of each piece of clothing. That’s where solutions like product passports come in. These digital IDs are assigned to each garment, allowing retailers to share their full supply chain with eco-conscious consumers. Other trends to shape fashion’s future include personalization and customization through technology, inclusivity and diversity in design and marketing and virtual and augmented reality shopping.
Wool
Creating a sustainable wardrobe starts with sourcing ethically produced materials that will last you for years. A quality piece may have a higher price tag than its high-street counterpart, but it will be an investment you will enjoy for a long time. Keeping this in mind will make the initial investment easier. When it comes to wool, one of the key factors that will make or break its future is whether or not it can be produced sustainably. As long as the animals aren’t crowded or subjected to inhumane practices, the end of this natural fiber may be bright. Wool also doesn’t shed microplastics when washed like synthetic fabrics, which helps reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans. Plus, the fact that wool garments are easily donated when they’re no longer being worn means that they have a very low rate of waste. This makes it a great choice for creating a sustainable wardrobe.
