Understanding Sustainable Fabrics for a Greener Wardrobe

Reading clothing labels today can be confusing, especially with so many sustainable fabrics out there. Some materials are even made from apples and pineapples, which might seem odd! There are also different manufacturing methods and certifications to consider, making it tricky to understand what’s truly eco-friendly. It’s important for consumers to grasp these differences to support a more sustainable fashion industry.

The materials we choose greatly impact the environment. They affect water usage, microplastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, deforestation, and huge amounts of landfill waste. By choosing eco-friendly fabrics, you can take a big step toward a more sustainable wardrobe. So, while you might ask “who made my clothes?” Let’s also remember to ask, “What are my clothes made of?

What is Sustainable Fabric?

Wondering what makes a fabric truly sustainable? Let’s break it down into three easy steps!

First, think about where the material comes from. Is it harvested from environmentally harmful practices, like unsustainable farming or animal exploitation? Or is it sourced sustainably, perhaps from recycled materials?

Next, consider the processing. Sustainable fabrics often use methods like weaving and eco-friendly dyes, while others may go through harsh treatments with chemicals like bleach or carcinogenic dyes. You want to choose the ones that are kind to the planet!

Finally, look at the fabric’s future. What happens when it can’t be worn anymore? Many unsustainable fabrics end up in landfills, which is a big problem. So, when you’re selecting your fabrics, ask yourself if they’re durable and if they can be recycled or composted later on.

What Are the Top Sustainable Fabrics?

With the fashion industry moving toward sustainability, picking eco-friendly fabrics is more important than ever. Many brands are embracing materials that reduce environmental impact and support ethical practices. From organic cotton to recycled textiles, sustainable fabrics provide stylish choices for a greener wardrobe. Here are the top sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics commonly used in the fashion industry:

Natural Sustainable Clothing Fabrics (Vegan)

• Organic Cotton
• Recycled Cotton
• Hemp
• Linen
• Bamboo Linen
• Cork

Recycled Synthetic Sustainable Clothing Fabrics (Vegan)

• ECONYL®
• Recycled polyester
• Deadstock

Sustainable Semi-Synthetic Clothing Fabrics (Mostly Vegan)

• Lyocell
• Modal
• Bamboo Lyocell
• ECOVERO™
• Piñatex

Potentially-Sustainable Natural Animal Fabrics (Non-Vegan)

• Sheep Wool
• Merino Wool
• Alpaca Wool
• Cashmere
• Silk

What Sustainable Fabrics Are Used by TRI Cycle?

At TRICycle, we focus on sustainability by using sustainable materials that are stylish and good for the planet. Here are some of the sustainable fabrics we use:

1. Upcycled Bed Sheets

   We transform old bed sheets into new products, reducing textile waste and promoting a circular economy.

2. Organic Cotton

   Grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals, organic cotton is soft and safe for the environment. It’s a great choice for those who care about comfort and sustainability.

3. Organic Cotton Canvas

   This durable fabric, made from organic cotton, is perfect for long-lasting items. It’s produced without harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer option for everyone.

4. Certified Viscose

   Sourced from responsibly managed forests, certified viscose  is biodegradable and eco-friendly. It helps decrease the use of synthetic materials.

These are the most commonly used fabrics in our products, but our options don’t stop there! Because we offer customised merchandise, we’ve expanded our selection of fabric choices. As long as it’s sustainable, we can turn it into any kind of product you desire!

What Unsustainable Fabrics Should Be Avoided?

While there are fantastic sustainable fabrics out there and new technologies are giving us even more options, most clothing is still made from unsustainable materials.

Fast fashion brands are a big part of the problem. They produce cheap clothes that often come from unfair labour practices and unsafe working conditions. Plus, these poorly made garments usually end up in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into the environment.

Here’s a quick list of fabrics to avoid :

• Polyester

  Essentially plastic, this synthetic fabric is made from man-made polymers.

• Nylon

  A silky fabric made from fossil fuels, nylon can be melted down and spun into fibers.

• Acrylic

  Created from plastic threads derived from petroleum, acrylic is another one to skip.

• Cotton

  While it’s natural, cotton uses a lot of water and relies heavily on pesticides, causing pollution.

• Rayon

  Made from wood pulp, rayon involves harmful chemicals to convert it into usable fibers, which can be risky to wear.

Choosing the right fabrics can make a big difference, so keep these in mind next time you shop!

Sources:

https://www.4tify.co/blog/worst-fabrics-for-the-environment

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/guide-to-sustainable-fabrics
https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-fashion/sustainable-fabrics

https://www.ecolove.shop/blogs/news/a-guide-to-the-most-and-least-sustainable-fabrics

https://www.eco-stylist.com/a-guide-to-the-most-and-least-sustainable-fabrics/

https://www.thisgreenlifestyle.com/all-articles/6-unsustainable-fabrics-to-avoid#:~:text=Without%20further%20ado%2C%20the%20fabrics,should%20be%20avoided%20when%20possible.