Exploring Eco-Chic: A Guide to Sustainable Fashion Materials

Every time you slip into a new top you purchased from the mall, did you know you’re contributing to a massive environmental hazard? From water pollution to greenhouse gas emissions, the fashion industry’s toll on the environment is enormous.

But what if your wardrobe could be part of the solution instead of the problem?

Consuming clothes that are from sustainable practices is important for the environment.

It’s important to think about where your clothes come from. I’ll tell you about the sustainable materials that go into the manufacturing of your clothes.

Organic cotton

Organic Cotton is grown using materials and practices that have a low impact on the environment (“Organic”). The sustainable practices create soil fertility, diminish water pollution, and support the preservation of biodiversity (“Organic”).

It is grown without pesticides from seeds. Additionally, the Organic cotton farming practices avoid using harmful chemicals.

Using fewer pesticides increases workers’ health. Additionally, people can maintain their health with access to clean water and food supplies.

Therefore, Organic cotton is a sustainable practice that must be implemented in the Fashion Industry.

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester is a hero in the sustainable fashion world. Recycled Polyester counters the environmentally toxic dominance of synthetic fiber, and traditional polyester (Dao).

It transforms plastic bottles into new fibers. By doing this, it fights the buildup of waste in landfills.

Not only does this process reduce the consumption of resources, but it also cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions compared to the production of virgin polyester (Dao).

Tencel

TencelTM is the brand name for Lyocell, which is a type of rayon that consists of cellulose fiber made from wood pulp (“What is”).

This material is known for its softness, durability, and environmentally friendly production method (“What is”).

The Tencel brand emphasizes itself as a “sustainable fabric,” and this introduction aims to explore exactly how it is sustainable in terms of society, the environment, and the economy (“What is”).

Other sustainable materials:

Numerous materials and techniques can be utilized to enhance the sustainability of garments, including using organic, recycled, or eco-friendly materials or employing efficient and environmentally friendly production processes. However, the use of eco-friendly fabric is the principal (Dao).

Materials derived from sustainable resources enable the manufacturing of materials that are sustainable, too, promoting environmental consciousness, reduced carbon footprint, and reduced depletion of natural resources (Kalim).

Unlike synthetic and conventional materials like polyester, nylon, and conventional cotton, eco-friendly materials have minimal impact on the environment and, in the long term, reduce the carbon print.

When analysing the sustainability of different fashion materials, it is important to examine a range of factors, including their impact on the environment, durability, and overall comfort (Dao).

For example, although, organic cotton is derived from natural processes, it does require a substantial amount of water compared to other sustainable materials like Tencel.

Tencel, which is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, has moisture-absorbing properties and is also biodegradable (Kalim).

Another material worth we must examine is recycled polyester. It’s derived from post-consumer PET bottles and has a much lower impact on plastic waste and energy consumption than virgin polyester.

For casual wear, Tencel or organic cotton may be the best options due to their comfort and breathability.

The pathway towards a sustainable future invites us to continue engaging in dialogue, clearing the path for future advancements in sustainable fashion practices.

Works Cited

Dao, Thomas. “What Is Recycled Polyester Fabric? Pros and Cons, Characteristics and Application.” Vietnam Clothing Manufacturer, 9 Oct. 2023, vietnamclothingmanufacturer.com/recycled-polyester-fabric.

Kalim, Kal. “Sustainability Meets Style: An Introduction to Sustainable Fabrics.” Unmoda, 5 Apr. 2024, www.unmodaglobal.com/blogs/journal/sustainability-meets-style-an-introduction-to-sustainable-fabrics.

www.fibre2fashion.com. “Organic Cotton for Sustainability Is the New Thing Today.” Fibre2Fashion, www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/7251/organic-cotton-a-sustainable-choice. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

“What Is Tencel Fabric?” Sleep Foundation, 10 May 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/best-bedding/what-is-tencel-fabric#:~:text=Tencel%20Lyocell,using%20sustainably%20grown%20eucalyptus%20wood.