Top eco-friendly fabrics to try

image credit: Walter Frehner

Looking to green up your closet? Choosing eco-friendly fabrics is one of the easiest ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable. Whether you’re shopping for new clothes or picking materials for your next DIY project, here are some of the best planet-friendly fabrics to look out for.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a classic for a reason. It’s grown without harmful pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which helps protect soil health and uses less water compared to conventional cotton. Plus, it supports biodiversity and is gentle on sensitive skin.

Hemp

Hemp is a sustainability superstar. It grows super fast, doesn’t need much water, and actually improves soil quality as it grows. Hemp fabric is naturally antimicrobial, UV protective, and gets softer with every wash. It’s also incredibly durable-clothes made from hemp can last for years.

Linen

Made from flax plants, linen is another low-impact natural fiber. It needs minimal water and pesticides, and every part of the plant is used, so nothing goes to waste. Linen is lightweight, breathable, and biodegradable, making it perfect for warm weather and eco-conscious shoppers.

Bamboo (Mechanically Processed)

Bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t require replanting, pesticides, or much water. The most sustainable bamboo fabrics are mechanically processed (sometimes called bamboo linen), not chemically processed into rayon. Always check for certifications to make sure you’re getting the real eco deal.

TENCEL™ Lyocell

TENCEL Lyocell is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (like eucalyptus) in a closed-loop process that reuses water and solvents. The result is a soft, breathable, and biodegradable fabric that’s great for everything from activewear to bedding.

Recycled Polyester

While polyester itself isn’t eco-friendly, recycled polyester gives a second life to plastic bottles and other waste. This reduces landfill, saves resources, and cuts down on the need for new petroleum-based fibers. Look for garments made from 100% recycled materials for the biggest impact.

Wool (Merino, Yak, Alpaca)

Wool from animals like merino sheep, yaks, and alpacas is renewable, biodegradable, and naturally insulating. Merino wool is soft and moisture-wicking, yak wool is warm and hypoallergenic, and alpaca wool is lightweight and lanolin-free. Just make sure it’s sourced from farms with ethical animal welfare standards.

Innovative Plant-Based Leathers

• Cork: Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming them, cork is renewable and acts as a carbon sink. It’s a popular vegan leather alternative for bags and shoes.

• Piñatex: Made from pineapple leaf fibers, this material turns agricultural waste into a durable, leather-like fabric.

• Mycelium (Mushroom) Leather: Created from the root structure of fungi, mycelium leather is biodegradable and requires fewer resources than animal leather.

Other Cool Sustainable Fabrics

• Modal: Made from beech tree pulp in a closed-loop process, modal is soft and biodegradable.

• Ecovero: Another wood pulp-based fabric, produced with lower emissions and water use than traditional viscose.

• Cupro (Bemberg): Made from cotton linter (a byproduct of cotton production), cupro is silky, breathable, and produced in a closed-loop system.

• QMilk: Crafted from surplus milk protein, this fabric is soft, breathable, and biodegradable.

• Bambor: A blend of organic cotton and bamboo rayon, offering durability and natural antibacterial properties.

Quick tips for choosing eco-friendly fabrics

• Always check for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fairtrade, or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure your fabric is truly sustainable.

• Go for undyed or naturally dyed fabrics when possible-they’re even gentler on the planet.

• Consider recycled or upcycled materials to reduce waste and resource use.

Making the switch to eco-friendly fabrics doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With so many innovative options out there, it’s easier than ever to look good and feel good about your fashion choices.

Sources

Sustainable Fabrics: Paving the Way for a Greener Future (BCC Research)

Sustainable Fabrics & Textile Technologies – Polygiene

Sustainable Fashion Materials: From Recycled Fabrics to Organic Textiles (RMCAD)

New materials for sustainable fabrics | Chemistry World

The Emp0wer of Sustainable Textiles: Eco-Friendly Fabrics Making a Difference (Blily)

Sustainable Fabrics, Ranked - Green America

Guide on the most ethical materials - SustainYourStyle