Sustainable fashion | the rise of eco-friendly fabrics

12/6/2024

I've noticed during my online browsing (and buying) that there has been a significant shift towards availability of eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics, maybe I am stating the obvious, but I hope we are all becoming far more aware of the environmental impact of the choices we make when shopping. From buying less, to buying (and selling) pre-loved fashion, renting outfits, and choosing eco-friendly fabrics whenever possible, we are no longer prepared to accept fast fashion. But what should we be looking for, what can we do when we are shopping and what are the most sustainable fabrics (and the least sustainable), can the big fashion brands ever be truly sustainable?

This blog post contains paid for links.

Sustainable fashion and the rise of eco-friendly fabrics

The environmental impact of cotton production (and other traditional fabrics)

Traditional fabric production has a substantial carbon footprint. Conventional cotton, for example, is a widely used natural fibre but is notorious for its high water consumption and use of harmful pesticides. The denim industry has come under a lot of criticism for it's extremely high water use, energy consumption and use of toxic chemicals, denim uses one of the most environmentally damaging processes in the fashion industry. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are made from petroleum and they contribute to plastic pollution as they are not biodegradable and cannot be recycled

What are the best eco-friendly fabrics to look out for?

Sustainable textiles are now much more common place and offer a better alternative, there really is no excuse not to seek them out! Eco-friendly fabrics are produced with a focus on reducing their environmental impact, conserving resources and promoting ethical practices.

Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides in the production process, it promotes healthier soil, utilises an all-natural seed and uses much less water.

Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles and thus creates much less waste, it also requires less energy to produce compared to virgin polyester.

Bamboo fabric is a fast-growing plant that requires minimum water and pesticides, bamboo fibre is soft, breathable, and biodegradable. Bamboo wicks away moisture, it is cool and breathable, durable and long-lasting.

Hemp fabric (and organic hemp) is a resilient crop that grows quickly and without the need for herbicides or pesticides, it enriches the soil and hemp fabric is strong and durable. Hemp fabric is popular for t-shirts as it is very resistant to wear and tear.

Tencel or lyocell is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp and produced in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, it is soft, breathable and biodegradable.

Organic linen is made from the flax plant, linen is durable and biodegradable that requires far fewer resources to produce even compared to organic cotton.

Lenzing ecovera has gained in popularity in recent years and is now a go-to of the fashion industry, it is the eco-friendly alternative to viscose and is made from certified wood sources using an eco-responsible manufacturing process. Ecovera fabric generates up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to viscose. It is also much easier to care for than traditional fabrics such as cotton, it is fast drying and is great for athletic wear and loungewear for example.

Cashmere is a natural fibre and biodegradable but it's sustainable credentials need work, looking out for second hand and nearly new cashmere is a positive step.

Wool and merino wool is still one of the most sustainable textiles available especially if organic farming practices, animal welfare and traceability standards are used, wool is also biodegradable and recyclable, it is exceptionally warm but breathable (I always recommend a wool duvet for example).

adidas have replaced virgin polyester with recycled polyester wherever possible

The adidas Z.N.E. full-zip hoodie is minimum of 70% blend of recycled and renewable materials. Check out the new team kits and apparel for Paris 2024 in the Road to Paris Olympics Collection from adidas

Benefits of the new sustainable fabrics

The shift towards eco-friendly fabrics brings numerous benefits, not only for the environment but also for consumers and the fashion industry as a whole.

Reduced environmental impact - eco-friendly fabrics help conserve water, reduce pesticide use, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. They also promote biodiversity and soil health.

Better for human health - fabrics free from harmful chemicals are safer for both the environment and the people who wear them. This reduces the risk of skin irritations and allergies.

Promoting ethical practices - sustainable fabric production often involves fair labour practices, ensuring that workers are treated ethically and paid fair wages.

Long-lasting quality - many eco-friendly fabrics are durable and high-quality, resulting in longer-lasting garments that reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Learn to care for your fabrics and your garments will last longer and look better!

The future of sustainable fashion and the fast fashion industry

The rise of eco-friendly fabrics and the sustainable fashion brand is just the beginning of a larger movement towards sustainable fashion. Brands are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to implementing ethical manufacturing processes and promoting recycling and upcycling initiatives.

But we as consumers play a vital role in driving this change, by making better choices and supporting brands that prioritise sustainability, as well as buying less but buying better, considering pre-loved and learning to look after our clothes so they last longer, we must all do better.

Sportswear and athleisure brand adidas is one of the big brands that have been working towards improving their sustainability processes, for example many of their womens tracksuits are now made from a minimum of 70% blend of recycled and renewable materials.

The fashion industry is clearly undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability, with eco-friendly fabrics leading the charge. From organic cotton to recycled polyester, these materials offer a a much more sustainable alternative to traditional textiles. And as the demand for sustainable fashion continues to grow, we can look forward to a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand. If at all possible, we should all be choosing sustainable clothing, pre-loved, second-hand and more natural materials.

Do you check the negative impact of the brands you are shopping at?

Before you press buy now check the brands sustainability credentials on their website, look out for specific standards and labels such at GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Fair Trade and check out Fashion For Good which is a global initiative to inspire change and drive a collective movement to make fashion a force for good, they work directly with the fashion industry to innovate towards solutions that are better for people and the planet. These labels offer assurance that the garment you are buying meets specific environmental and ethical standards throughout its lifecycle.

The big brands are changing, but it is taking time.

Love from
Michelle xx

Disclaimer: this blog post contains paid for links.