Sustainable Fabrics: The Easy Way to Be Instantly More Mindful (and therefore infinitely chicer)
An easy way to start building a more sustainable wardrobe is to be more mindful of the fabrics you buy.
Understanding the materials that make your clothes is essential to making clever clothing choices, being comfortable and being more sustainably conscious. Whether you’re exploring how to shop more sustainably or want some quick styling hacks to ensure you’re investing in good quality clothing, knowing your fabrics is a great place to start.
How do I Check a Product’s Fabric Composition?
All manufacturers and retailers are legally responsible for labelling fibre content on clothing. If you’re shopping online, this is relatively straightforward now; there should be a drop-down or section listing each fabric. If it doesn’t state organic or recycled, it probably isn’t.
Shopping in-store is a little trickier, it’s a label check jobby. But as most high streets are made up of fast-fashion retailers, it’s likely to be pretty unsustainable as a rule of thumb. Your best best is getting to know the good brands you love. And we’re here to help you with just that.
Let’s dive into seven sustainable fabrics to prioritise and the one material you should always avoid.
1.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a game-changer for style and sustainably conscious fashion girls. Unlike conventional cotton, it’s grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, protecting the environment and the farmers who produce it. Its breathable nature and natural softeness makes it perfect for all-day, year-round wear, and there are loads of amazing brands that use it. We love Organic Basics for timeless (anything but) basics.
Classic Capsule: Pair a white organic cotton tee with deadstock denim for effortless, sustainable style.
2.
Organic Linen
Derived from the flax plant, organic linen is as eco-friendly as it gets. It requires minimal water to grow and thrives without pesticides. Known for its timeless texture and durability, organic linen becomes softer with every wash. Use it to create breezy, classic looks, ideal for layering during transitional seasons. Anyone who tells you linen is just for summer is not in the know.
Classic Capsule: Fanfare makes the best women’s organic linen suits, this waistcoat is on our Christmas list.
3.
Organic Hemp
Hemp is the multitasking superstar of sustainable fabrics. It grows rapidly, requires little water, and even enriches the soil it’s planted in. Hemp garments are naturally UV-resistant and antimicrobial.
Classic Capsule: Elevate your basics by styling an organic hemp shirt with a pair of bright sustainable sneakers.
4.
Lyocell TENCEL™
Lyocell, often branded as TENCEL™, is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp. Its closed-loop production process ensures minimal waste and water usage. Luxuriously soft and lightweight, Lyocell is perfect for draped silhouettes. Try it in jumpsuits or wide-leg trousers to combine comfort with sophistication.
Classic Capsule: We found these fantastic wide-legged trousers in whole host of colourways from Omnes.
5.
Econyl
Less common in its use than Lyocell TENCEL™, Econyl is made from regenerated nylon waste, including discarded fishing nets and industrial plastic, breathing new life into old materials. It’s a brilliant choice for swimwear and activewear due to its stretch and durability.
Classic Capsule: The Baywatch-esque swimsuit. This gorgeous Talia Collins reversible swimsuit is doubly good as you get two looks in one! We think it should be in every summer (or holiday) capsule.
6.
Deadstock Fabric
Deadstock fabrics are leftover materials from fashion houses or textile manufacturers, repurposed instead of discarded. Choosing deadstock pieces means you’re directly reducing waste. Reformation regularly repurposes deadstock fabric into beautiful, often timeless pieces.
Classic Capsule: The pleated skirt. We love a pleated skirt. The Reformation Rory Skirt is made from deadstock polyester and wool.
7. Recycled Fabric
Recycled fabrics, like post-consumer recycled cotton or wool, give existing materials a second life. By choosing garments made from recycled textiles, you’re conserving resources and cutting down on waste.
And One to Avoid… POLYESTER
Polyester is plastic. It’s made from petroleum, sheds microplastics into waterways during washes, and isn’t biodegradable. Beyond its environmental harm, polyester is neither breathable nor hypoallergenic, often causing discomfort and skin irritation. Even recycled polyester, while a better option than virgin polyester, should be approached cautiously. Look for brands prioritising sustainable fabrics as a broader sustainability commitment.
We’re Sustainable Fabric Snobs….. Hear us Out
Outside of never buying anything new at all (erm hello second-hand shopping and preloved pizzazz), checking clothing labels, and being a snob when it comes to sustainable fabric choices is the quickest way to make sure you’re investing in quality pieces that are far more eco and ethically friendly. It’s a win-win in our book.
LATEST NEWS
