The 8 Most Sustainable Fabrics in the Textile Industry

Fashion is now more than just how clothes fit and what's trending. Nowadays, consumers are more conscious of their environmental impact and are therefore looking for clothing made of sustainable fabrics. Whether you're a conscious consumer or entrepreneur going into sustainable fashion, we're going to show you the most sustainable fabrics to keep your eyes on.

But first…

What Are Sustainable Fabrics?

Sustainable fabrics are clothing materials made of organic or recycled materials that minimize environmental harm and promote ethical production. These textiles are low-impact, meaning they contribute to water conservation, lower carbon emission, reduced textile waste, and less pollution.

These are the basic metrics to identify sustainable fabrics.

For example, organic cotton, a sustainable fabric does not require irrigation, toxic pesticides and fertilizers to grow. That it's a plant product also means it's biodegradable, so there's no issue of sky-high landfills or carbon emissions from incinerating old textiles.

If you surf the internet long enough, you're probably going to notice a 100 different definitions of sustainable fabrics. That's because the word sustainability is an umbrella term that encompasses a lot of concepts related to social responsibility and climate change.

But the common thing about sustainable fabric materials is that they're made from either organic or recycled fibers. Of course, recycling any item reduces the need for producing more of that material, which ultimately reduces its environmental impact.

Examples of Sustainable Fabrics

Common examples of sustainable fabrics include:

• Organic cotton
• Linen
• Organic hemp
• Recycled polyester
• Tencel
• Wool
• Silk
• Modal

1. Organic Cotton

Although conventional cotton found in most fashion staples is a natural fabric, it requires huge amounts of water and chemicals to grow, compromising its sustainability. Enter its better half: organic cotton.

Organic cotton grows well without pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation, plus it generates 94% less carbon emissions than conventional cotton, making it arguably the most sustainable fabric around.

Check out these block print napkins made of organic cotton fabric.

Recycled cotton is also a low-impact alternative, as it helps to keep textile waste out of landfills and minimize cotton production.

2. Linen

Our forefathers have been cultivating linen for centuries and it's one of the oldest fabrics used in fashion. The flax plant, from which linen is derived, doesn't need fertilizers or pesticides to grow, and it does pretty well even in poor soil with little water. The fabric is also highly durable and biodegradable. These qualities make linen one of the most sustainable fabrics out there.

What's more, linen is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, properties we've all come to love in summer.

But the downside of linen is the fibers often undergo heavy chemical processing to add beautiful colors. However, you can still find undyed organic linen (usually beige or gray).

3. Organic Hemp

Hemp, marijuana's sober cousin, is a powerhouse of sustainability. It grows quickly with minimal water and zero chemicals, and it even improves soil health by removing impurities. In fact, hemp is considered a carbon-negative material because it absorbs more CO2 from the atmosphere than your average plant.

But although it softens with time, hemp fabric usually feels rough initially, so the manufacturing process typically involves blending it with softer fibers. Moreover, the chemical intensive processing it passes through can undermine it's sustainability.

So, look out for hemp fabrics that have been processed with eco-friendly products and research the brand you're buying from to be sure.

4. Recycled Polyester (rPET)

Polyester is a synthetic fabric, hence toxic for the environment. But like I earlier mentioned, any item that's recycled is good for the environment because it reduces waste and prevents more manufacturing. Recycled polyester is an eco-friendly fabric because it meets these criteria. Plus the fact that recycled polyester is not just polyester but waste plastic bottles that are broken down into tiny fibers.

But this is where things also take a U-turn. As long as recycled polyester is made of tiny plastics, these microplastics can pass into the water when you wash your clothes, polluting our waterways.

5. Tencel (Lyocell)

Tencel is a brand name for lyocell, a lightweight natural fabric derived from dissolving wood pulp. It's processed using a closed-loop system, which means all the solvents and water are recycled, making Tencel one of the most sustainable textiles in the market.

Consumers love Tencel for its silky smooth texture and moisture-wicking properties.

But be wary when it comes at a low price point: some manufacturers use less sustainable methods to mass produce Tencel. So you want to do your research before buying from any supplier.

6. Wool

Wool is another common fabric used in sustainable clothing as it's organic, durable, and highly biodegradable. Derived from animals like sheep and goats, it's an organic fiber l well-known for providing warmth in winter and cool in summer. It's that good.

But although wool is environmentally friendly, there are ethical concerns about the sourcing. Remember that wool isn't a vegan fabric. To ensure the wool you're buying is both eco-friendly and ethical, opt for certified mulesing-free or regenerative wool that prioritizes animal welfare and land preservation. It's a good idea to confirm that the brand supports responsible wool sourcing.

7. Silk

Silk is a luxurious, natural material produced by silkworm caterpillars, and it's considered a sustainable fabric as it's renewable and low-impact.

Brands that ethically source silk allow the caterpillars to mature and leave their cocoons before extracting the silk. However, less ethical manufacturers go ahead to boil these little beings in their cocoons to obtain the raw material.

So, the ethical thing to do when buying silk is to look out for peace silk (Ahimsa silk), which doesn't harm silkworms.

8. Modal

Next on our list of common fabrics used in sustainable fashion is modal. (People actually do confuse this for cotton, but it's not.) Modal is often described as being softer and more luxurious than cotton. Its soft, silky feel and moisture-wicking properties make Modal a darling in the activewear industry. Another advantage it has over cotton is sustainability.

Modal is a natural fiber derived from the pulp of beech trees, which grow quickly without requiring heavy amounts of water, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers like cotton.

So if you're looking for a more luxurious and eco-friendly version of cotton, modal can be a great choice.

Check out this modal block print dress.

Other examples of sustainable fabrics (although not so common) include:

• Piñatex (pineapple leather)
• Econyl
• Qmonos
• Bamboo fabric
• Woocoa
• Cork
• Deadstock fabric
• Bananatex

Sustainable Fabric Doesn’t Always Mean Sustainable Fashion

Now you know examples of sustainable fabrics used in the fashion industry. While it sounds all good and straightforward, it can be tricky to know which product is truly sustainable. Because even when the fabric itself is eco-friendly, the brand may have used unethical or chemical processes that undermine the clothing's sustainability.

For example, a brand using toxic dyes and unfair wages to produce cotton garments. Which is why knowing sustainable fabrics material is not enough, from a social responsibility standpoint.

You might want to read this blog on what makes clothing truly sustainable.

The bottom line? If you're a consumer, make sure to research the brand you're buying from to ensure they employ sustainable practices. If you're a brand, you don't want unethical processes to ruin the good you're doing. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of sustainable fabrics?

Sustainable fabrics offer several benefits to humans and the planet by reducing the textile industry's environmental impact. They minimize the use of water and harsh chemicals, therefore protecting soil and water quality. Sustainable materials also help consumers save money, thanks to their durability. Plus, recycled fabrics help reduce waste.

What are 5 examples of natural fabrics?

Natural fabrics come from plants or animals, and great examples include cotton, linen, silk, wool, and hemp. Natural fabrics are biodegradable, as they're basically organic matter.

Which fabric would be considered more sustainable?

Organic cotton is usually considered the most sustainable fabric as it grows with little water and zero harmful chemicals, enhances biodiversity, and generates 94% less carbon emissions than conventional cotton.

What are the most biodegradable fibers in fashion?

Natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp, silk, and wool are among the most biodegradable fabrics. These materials break down naturally in soil within months to a few years, unlike synthetic fabrics, which can take decades. For the best results, they should be untreated with harmful dyes or other toxic chemicals.