Eco-Friendly Fabrics: A Shopper's Guide to Sustainable Style

"Not everyone knows that synthetic fibers come from fossil-fuel-derived resources."

Paulien Harmsen told FashionUnited (2024) Senior Scientist Sustainable Textiles at Wageningen University

Introduction

In 2023, the apparel industry produced 918 million tonnes of carbon emissions worldwide. That's more carbon emissions than were produced by the UK, France and Spain combined in 2022.

Sustainability is a hot topic, but not one that the general public feel informed enough about. A study by Statista showed that, one in five Gen Z consumers said that they don't know how to be more sustainable. Let's start with the basics; the clothes you're wearing.

Garments are sold with a small tag in either the neck seam or side seam. This tag holds vital information about the production of the item and arguably more importantly the washing instructions.

This will tell you the percentage makeup of the item.

Natural Fabrics

Sustainable Cotton - Not all cotton is created equal, strive for organic cotton or 'Better Cotton'. Organic cotton is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, therefore reducing its environmental impact. Additionally, used cotton can be recycled into lower grade items such as cloths and mop heads.

Hemp - A product of the cannabis sativa plant grows in abundance without any need for fertilisers or pesticides. Hemp produces a hardwearing fabric similar to linen. If processed correctly, hemp can be a low-impact, sustainable fabric.

Linen - Although Linen is typically on the expensive side, it is a super sustainable option made from the flax plant. This hardwearing fabric will last you years , and when it has reached the end of its life it is completely biodegradable.

Engineered Fabrics

Recycled Polyester - Made from recycled plastic bottles, recycled polyester is an accessible alternative to virgin polyester. However, it is important to note that this product is not widely reusable or recyclable at this time.

TENCEL™ Lyocell - An innovative alternative to plastic based fibres TENCEL™ Lyocell is made using wood pulp in a sustainable closed-loop production process. This fabric is characteristically gentle and soft to the touch. Although not adopted by highstreet giants this fabric is one to look out for.

ECONYL - Made using plastic saved from the ocean and waste from plastic manufacturers, ECONYL is an alternative to nylon. While this fabric is still made of plastic, it saves plastic waste from ending up elsewhere and repurposes it into useful and often stylish garments.