With the changing times, fashion industry has also seen a significant change with designers giving more attention towards sustainability and eco-consciousness. With increasing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and synthetic materials, many designers and consumers are incorporating sustainable fashion and eco-friendly fabrics in their collection. This article explores what is sustainable fashion and highlights some of the most popular sustainable fabrics making their mark in the industry.
Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion refers to the practice of creating clothing, accessories, and footwear in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Key aspects of sustainable fashion include minimizing waste, using eco-friendly materials, supporting fair labor practices, promoting ethical production methods and reducing the burden on the planet.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Organic Cotton:
Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which not only safeguards the environment but also protects farmers’ health. The production process consumes less water compared to conventional cotton, which makes it a more sustainable choice.
Hemp:
Hemp is a versatile and durable fabric that requires minimal water and grows quickly without the need for pesticides. Hemp fibers can be used to make clothing, shoes, and even accessories, which makes it a preferred choice for sustainable fashion designers.
Tencel (Lyocell):
Tencel is derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, typically from eucalyptus, birch, or spruce trees. The production process is eco-friendly. It uses a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, resulting in minimal waste.
Recycled Polyester:
Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing the demand for new petroleum-based fibers. By recycling plastic waste, this fabric helps combat plastic pollution while conserving energy and resources.
Bamboo:
Bamboo fabric is derived from the fast-growing bamboo plant, which requires little water and no pesticides. It is biodegradable and has natural antibacterial properties, which makes it an attractive choice for sustainable activewear and undergarments.
Piñatex:
Piñatex is a sustainable alternative to leather made from pineapple leaf fibers, a byproduct of the pineapple harvest. It is a cruelty-free and biodegradable option for fashion designers who are looking for options to reduce their environmental footprint.
Organic Linen:
Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant, which requires fewer pesticides and less water compared to conventional cotton. Organic linen is grown without the use of harmful chemicals, which makes it a renewable and biodegradable fabric choice.
Soy Silk:
Soy silk, also known as soybean fiber, is made from the byproduct of soybean oil production. It is a soft and silky fabric that has a low environmental impact, as it utilizes a waste material from the food industry.
Modal:
Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber made from sustainably sourced beech tree pulp. It is known for its softness and breathability, and the production process uses fewer chemicals and water compared to traditional rayon.
Cork Fabric:
Cork fabric is derived from the bark of cork oak trees, which naturally regenerate after harvest. It is a durable and water-resistant material, often used in bags, shoes, and accessories as a cruelty-free leather alternative.
Seacell:
Seacell is a sustainable fabric made from seaweed and wood pulp. The seaweed used in its production comes from sustainable and renewable sources. Seacell is soft, breathable, and has natural antimicrobial properties.
Recycled Nylon:
Recycled nylon, also known as Econyl, is made from post-consumer waste, such as discarded fishing nets and nylon fabric scraps. It helps reduce plastic pollution and decreases the demand for new nylon production.
Milk Fiber:
Milk fiber, also known as casein fiber, is made from the protein found in milk. It is a biodegradable and compostable material with a silky feel, which makes it an eco-friendly choice for clothing and textiles.
Jute:
Jute is a plant-based fiber that is biodegradable and renewable. It grows quickly and abundantly, requiring few pesticides or fertilizers during cultivation.
Adopting sustainable fashion and eco-friendly fabrics is an important step towards a responsible fashion industry. By supporting designers and brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility, consumers can contribute to positive change. So next time when you go shopping, look out for the outfits where you can see the eco-freindly mark on the fabrics.
You May Also Like
Decoding Biosphere 