The Most Sustainable Fabrics

1. Organic Cotton

• Why It’s Sustainable: Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This reduces soil degradation, water pollution, and the carbon footprint associated with conventional cotton farming. Additionally, organic cotton farming often uses less water, making it a more sustainable choice.

• Our Flow Collection t-shirts are made of 100% organic cotton, grown and made ethically in the USA.

• What to Look For: When checking clothing tags, look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX, which ensure the cotton is organically and ethically produced.

• Why It’s Sustainable: Hemp is one of the most eco-friendly fabrics available. It requires minimal water and no pesticides to grow, regenerates soil, and has a high yield per acre. Hemp is also a durable fabric, meaning garments made from it last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

• What to Look For: Hemp fabrics are often labeled as “100% hemp” or “hemp blend.” While shopping, you might also encounter certifications like the Fair Trade label, which ensures ethical production practices.

• Why It’s Sustainable: Linen is made from the flax plant, which grows in poor soil and requires minimal water and pesticides. The entire flax plant can be used, resulting in very little waste. Linen is biodegradable and known for its durability, making it a great long-term investment.
• What to Look For: Clothing tags will typically say “100% linen” or indicate a linen blend. Look for European Flax® certification, which guarantees sustainable production.

4. Tencel (Lyocell)

• Why It’s Sustainable: Tencel is a type of lyocell fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, typically from eucalyptus trees. The production process is closed-loop, meaning that nearly all the solvents used in manufacturing are recycled. Tencel is also biodegradable and requires less water and energy than cotton.

• What to Look For: Tags should mention “Tencel” or “Lyocell.” Check for Lenzing certification, which indicates that the fabric meets high environmental standards.

• Why It’s Sustainable: While virgin polyester is derived from petroleum, recycled polyester (often called rPET) is made from recycled plastic bottles or other recycled polyester garments. This process reduces the demand for new petroleum, decreases energy consumption, and diverts plastic waste from landfills and oceans.

• Our Balance Collection gear is made of 50% recycled cotton, and 50% recycled polyester, all made within a 250 mi radius of the US Southeast, and with social responsibility as a top priority.

• What to Look For: Look for tags that specify “recycled polyester” or “rPET.” Certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) can provide additional assurance that the material is responsibly sourced.

• Why It’s Moderately Sustainable: Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires little water and no pesticides. However, the process of turning bamboo into fabric (often called “bamboo rayon”) can be chemically intensive and environmentally damaging unless done in a closed-loop system. When produced responsibly, bamboo can be a sustainable choice.
• What to Look For: Tags may list “bamboo viscose” or “bamboo rayon.” Seek out products that specifically mention being made in a closed-loop process or that have OEKO-TEX certification.

7. Wool

• Why It’s Moderately Sustainable: Wool is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable and has a long lifespan. However, the environmental impact can vary depending on the farming practices used. Sheep farming can lead to overgrazing and soil erosion if not managed sustainably. Ethical concerns about animal welfare also come into play with wool production.

• What to Look For: Check for “100% wool” or wool blends. Look for certifications like Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or ZQ Merino, which ensure ethical treatment of animals and sustainable farming practices.

• Why It’s Moderately Sustainable: Alpaca wool is a natural fiber that is softer and warmer than traditional wool. Alpacas have a lower environmental impact than sheep because they have soft feet that don’t damage the ground, and they graze more sustainably by not uprooting the grass they eat. Additionally, alpaca wool is biodegradable and requires less chemical processing than other animal fibers. Level of sustainability, however, can vary depending on farming practices and the scale of production.

• What to Look For: Look for clothing labeled as “100% alpaca” or alpaca blends. Certifications like Fair Trade or Responsible Alpaca Standard (if available) can help ensure ethical and sustainable production.

• Why It’s Moderately Sustainable: Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms. It’s biodegradable, requires minimal chemical processing, and has a low environmental impact if produced using traditional methods. However, conventional silk production often involves the killing of silkworms, raising ethical concerns. Additionally, the production can be water-intensive and may involve harmful chemicals if not done responsibly.

• What to Look For: Look for “100% silk” on tags. For more sustainable and ethical options, seek out Peace Silk or Ahimsa Silk, which allows the silkworms to emerge from their cocoons naturally. Certifications like GOTS can also indicate eco-friendly production practices.

Less Sustainable Fabrics

10. Conventional Cotton

• Why It’s Less Sustainable: While cotton is a natural fiber, conventional cotton farming is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. The environmental impact includes water pollution, soil degradation, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. However, cotton is biodegradable and recyclable, which offers some advantages over synthetic fabrics.

• What to Look For: If you’re buying cotton, look for organic or Fair Trade certifications on the tag to ensure a more sustainable and ethical choice. Avoid “conventional cotton” when possible and opt for organic alternatives.

• Why It’s Less Sustainable: Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, but its production is chemically intensive and often involves deforestation, contributing to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. The process of making viscose can also release toxic chemicals into the environment if not managed properly. While viscose is biodegradable, the overall environmental impact is high unless it’s produced in a closed-loop system.

• What to Look For: Tags may list “viscose,” “rayon,” or “modal.” To make a more sustainable choice, look for brands that specify using a closed-loop process or sustainable forestry practices, such as Lenzing’s EcoVero viscose.

• Why It’s Less Sustainable: Acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from polyacrylonitrile, a plastic derived from petroleum. Its production involves toxic chemicals and is energy-intensive. Acrylic is not biodegradable and sheds microplastics during washing, contributing to ocean pollution. Its durability is also less than that of other synthetic fabrics, leading to shorter garment lifespans.

• What to Look For: Avoid garments labeled as “100% acrylic” when possible. If you do purchase acrylic, consider using a laundry bag like a Guppyfriend to catch microplastics during washing.

• Why It’s Less Sustainable: Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum and is energy-intensive to produce. Like acrylic, it sheds microplastics and is not biodegradable. However, nylon is durable, and recycled nylon options are becoming more common, which helps reduce its environmental impact.

• What to Look For: If buying nylon, look for recycled options. Tags may say “recycled nylon” or “Econyl,” which is a type of regenerated nylon made from waste materials like fishing nets.

• Why It’s Less Sustainable: Polyester is the most widely used synthetic fiber, made from petroleum. Its production is energy-intensive, and like other synthetics, it sheds microplastics when washed. While polyester is durable and often used in blends to enhance fabric performance, its environmental impact is significant, particularly when produced from virgin materials.

• What to Look For: Tags often list “100% polyester” or polyester blends. Opt for recycled polyester when possible, and use a microplastic-filtering laundry bag to mitigate environmental impact.

Understanding clothing tags is key to making informed, eco-friendly choices. Here’s what to look for when assessing the sustainability of a garment:

• Primary Material: The first thing to check on a clothing tag is the material composition. Look for natural and sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, linen, Tencel, or recycled fibers. Avoid fabrics that are predominantly synthetic unless they are recycled.

• Blends: Be mindful of blends, as they can make recycling more difficult. For example, a cotton-polyester blend might not be as easily recyclable as 100% cotton. Choose blends that include a higher percentage of sustainable materials.

• Certifications are a quick way to verify the sustainability of a fabric. Look for labels like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade, Cradle to Cradle, or the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). These certifications ensure that the fabric meets specific environmental and ethical standards. 

3. Country of Origin

• The country where the garment was made can provide insight into the environmental and ethical standards of production. Countries with strict environmental regulations or well-known sustainable practices, like certain European nations, may indicate a more eco-friendly product. However, certifications are a more reliable indicator.

4. Care Instructions 

• Sustainable fabrics often require specific care to extend their lifespan. Follow the care instructions to reduce the environmental impact of washing and drying. For example, air-drying instead of tumble drying can save energy and prolong the life of the fabric.

5. Brand Transparency

• Some brands include additional information on tags or packaging about their sustainability practices. If a brand is transparent about where and how their products are made, it’s usually a good sign that they prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Switching to sustainable fabrics is a powerful way to reduce your environmental footprint and support more ethical fashion practices. By understanding the most to least sustainable fabrics and learning how to read clothing tags, you can make informed choices that align with your values. Remember, every small change counts—whether you’re swapping out a polyester tee for an organic cotton one or choosing a garment made from recycled materials, your decisions contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. So next time you’re shopping for clothes, take a moment to check the tag and choose fabrics that are kinder to the Earth.

Thank you for reading,

Breath