Top 6 Sustainable Fabrics
Have you ever come across buzzwords like “sustainable textiles,” “eco-friendly textiles,” “natural textiles,” or “environmentally friendly fabrics”?
If so, breathe a sigh of relief. And why? Because I am here to help you if you are perplexed by these popular sustainability buzzwords.
In layman’s terms, a sustainable fabric is one that does no harm to the environment.
Considering that a sustainable fabric must be made from environmentally friendly fibers or recycled materials and must be fair trade certified and animal cruelty-free.
For a better understanding, take a look at the illustration below.
The popular sustainability jargon listed above means the same thing but can be taken in different ways.
Someone would say that an ideal eco-friendly fabric is one that is not water-intensive, labor-intensive, etc.
OR
Some would say that a natural fabric is a vegan fabric, etc. Remember, in the end a sustainable textile is ultimately one that has no harmful effects on the planet.
Regardless of whether they are made from virgin materials or landfill waste.
Now let us discuss the 10 most sustainable textiles of 2023 that you should invest in.
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton heads the list when it comes to the most widely used and commonly available sustainable textile. This is because it is grown without harmful pesticides or fertilizers, which ultimately improves soil quality. Plus, organic cotton uses less amount of water and feels super soft on the skin, making it one of the superior fabrics among eco-conscious consumers. Well, I personally love organic cotton and most of my wardrobe staples are made of organic cotton.
Origin — Natural fibers of the cotton plant.
Properties — Long lasting, breathable, highly versatile, hypo-allergenic, etc.
Major Producing Countries — India, China, Kyrgyzstan, etc.
Fabric Breathability — High.
2. Organic Linen
Y’all might not know this, but linen is known as the ‘king of natural fabrics’. One of the oldest natural textiles to exist, linen is derived from the stalk fibers of the flax plant. Its antibacterial properties, breathability, durability, soft feel, and anti-static properties set it apart from other eco-friendly textiles.
Origin— Stalk fibers of the flax plant.
Properties — Anti-bacterial, lightweight, antifungal, strong, durable, cool, sweat absorbent, etc.
Major Producing Countries — China, and European countries like Italy, Ireland, etc.
Fabric Breathability — High.
3. Banana Silk
A year ago, I was working on my graduation collection, where I and my team experimented with different sustainable fabrics. In the process, I stumbled upon banana silk and thought of extracting banana silk fibers at home. So, I went to the HOPCOMS and bought 2 to 3 banana stems.
The banana stem consists of three layers of fibers - the outer layer, the middle layer, and the inner layer. The outer layer of the banana stem is very hard and is used to make rope, rugs, etc., while the middle layer is quite soft, and crisp. It is used for making paper and banknotes and then comes the inner layer that is soft like silk and is used in making silk textiles.
This glossy banana silk is also considered a sustainable substitute for mulberry silk. Some of its best properties include moisture absorption, durability, breathability, light weight, etc.
Origin — Inner Stem Fibers of Banana.
Properties — Versatile, durable, shiny, lightweight, moisture absorbent, etc.
Major Producing Countries — Philippines, India, Brazil, Japan, Nepal, etc.
Fabric Breathability — High.
4. Hemp
Hemp is a popular sustainable textile derived from the stem of the hemp plant and is known for its versatility and durability. Recently, hemp fabrics have come to the forefront of environmentally conscious consumers due to their carbon-neutral properties. That is, the plant sequesters more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Unlike other crops, growing hemp requires less time, a minimum of water, and no pesticides, insecticides, etc. Therefore, it is a good idea to invest in clothes or furnishings made of hemp to reduce your environmental footprint.
Origin — Stalk fibers of the hemp plant.
Properties — UV resistance, antimicrobial, durable, stronger than cotton, high tensile strength, moisture absorption, etc.
Largest Producing Countries — China and France.
Fabric Breathability — High.
5. Mushroom Leather
Not long ago, some brands in the fashion industry, including some prominent ones, were denounced by animal rights activists for using animal leather. As a result, many luxury brands immediately announced a ban on the use of exotic skins in their luxury products.
Considering that each square meter of leather of animal origin emits 17.0 kg of CO2 and uses ample amounts of toxic chemicals, mushroom leather comes to the rescue. Made from mycelia, mushroom leather has become a sought-after sustainable alternative to faux leather in the fashion industry. This vegan material looks and feels similar to animal leather — a unique selling point that cannot be avoided.
Origin — Mycelium
Properties — Durable, flexible, strong, non-toxic, water-resistant, etc.
Main Producing Countries — Indonesia, etc.
Fabric Breathability — Medium.
6. ECONYL®
ECONYL® is another name for regenerative nylon made from marine debris and landfill waste such as fishing nets, industrial plastic, etc. This environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic nylon was first developed by an Italian company called Aquafil. ECONYL® has similar properties to nylon but differs from conventional nylon in one extraordinary characteristic. What does it consist of? Well, ECONYL® can be remade, recycled, and reshaped over and over again. Isn’t that fascinating?
Origin — Landfill waste and marine debris.
Properties — Lightweight, flexible, strong, durable, water repellent, etc.
Fabric Breathability — Very low.
Time-Consuming — Yes.
Conclusion
Although many fabrics are made from biodegradable materials, it is the process that makes them truly sustainable. If the raw material from which a fabric is made is biodegradable, but the process to turn that raw material into a piece of fabric uses a large amount of water and dyes, it can hardly be called environmentally friendly.
I hope you enjoyed reading today’s blog. If you have any questions about today’s topic or would like to suggest something to me, you are more than welcome.
Also, please comment if you would like me to cover a particular topic for you.
Thank you!
Love
Nausheen
