Eco-Friendly Fabrics: What Are They and Why Should You Care?

In the past several years, the fashion industry has been going through a much-needed change. The need for more sustainable practices across all industries increases as people continuously raise their awareness on environmental concerns in the world we live in. The arrival of eco-friendly materials has been among the most notable changes. But what are these fabrics, what are their advantages for your wardrobe, and why should you, as a buyer, care? 

What we’ll cover:

• What are environmentally friendly fabrics?

• Why should it matter to you?

• How can you make the switch?

What are environmentally friendly fabrics?

Eco-friendly fabrics are made from materials that have the least environmental impact throughout their whole lifecycle, from manufacture to disposal. Unlike traditional textiles that could use dangerous chemicals and non-renewable resources, eco-friendly fabrics give sustainability and ethical standards top priority.

Organic Cotton

A well-liked, environmentally friendly choice is organic cotton. Conventional cotton is grown with a considerable amount of water and pesticides. On the other hand, organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals and with much less water. This method improves soil health and reduces water pollution, and it also helps to save local animals from harm and increases biodiversity.

TENCEL™ (Lyocell)

Sustainably farmed tree wood pulp produces lyocell, also known as TENCEL™. TENCEL's manufacture is very environmentally friendly; its closed-loop process recycles water and solvents, hence lowering waste and chemical release. The end result is a fabric that can naturally degrade.

Hemp

A robust, flexible fabric that’s been used for thousands of years, hemp is grown with no chemicals and very little water - it's among the greenest materials you can buy. As it grows, hemp also replenishes nutrients and restores soil health. The strong, long-lasting hemp fibres also kill bacteria, which helps prolong the life of your clothes.

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester is made of discarded plastic bottles and other plastic debris. By using re-purposed plastic, it lowers the need for producing new oil-based resources and helps divert waste from going to landfill sites. By recycling old polyester, it consumes less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gases than making new polyester.

Organic Linen

Another eco-friendly fabric is linen, which comes from the flax plant, free of man-made pollutants. The flax plant needs very little water to grow and has a minimal environmental impact. Being strong and breathable, linen is a long-lasting fabric which gets softer with every wash, 

Why should it matter to you?

Knowing why sustainable textiles help the environment can help you choose your clothing more wisely. Here is why these sustainable choices are important:

1. Effect on the environment

The garment sector is among the biggest polluters worldwide. Often, traditional fabric production calls for hazardous chemicals, too much water, and a large quantity of waste. Eco-friendly fabrics that promote good agriculture, lower pollution, and protect natural resources can help address these problems. Choosing eco-friendly alternatives not only preserves the environment but also propels the industry as a whole towards more environmentally responsible behaviour.

2. Health advantages

Many traditional materials are treated with chemicals damaging to you and the environment. These chemicals could irritate the skin or trigger allergies. On the other hand, sustainable fabrics are often made with little to no hazardous chemicals, which makes them better for your skin and general health.

3. Ethical issues

Usually, sustainable materials are created using more ethical manufacturing methods. This might mean fair labour practices, improved wages, and safer working conditions. Purchasing from businesses that use eco-friendly fabrics helps to support more ethical employment practices and enhances the working conditions all throughout the supply chain.

4. Quality and durability

Often, eco-friendly fabrics endure longer than traditional ones. Hemp and organic linen, for instance, are widely known for their strength and durability. Investing in high-quality, eco-friendly clothing that is more durable and will probably last longer, meaning you won't have to buy replacements as often. In the end, this will help your wardrobe to be more eco-friendly.

5. Personal duty

Every item you buy matters. By making more conscious decisions around eco-friendly fabrics, in turn, you’re choosing to support sustainability. When millions of people carry out only one action, it can greatly affect the fashion sector. We each become part of a bigger movement for social and environmental responsibility.

How can you make the switch?

Changing to environmentally friendly materials can be simple. Look for clothing brands that prioritise sustainability and transparency in their production processes. Many manufacturers now offer certifications, such as OEKO-TEX for chemical safety or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic textiles, that let you more easily identify environmentally friendly clothes.

Buy sturdy, high-quality, versatile items that go with different ensembles for different events. This mindset not only helps the environment but also helps you design timeless, repeatable outfits. 

In the end, sustainable fabrics are a significant development towards making the fashion industry more eco-friendly. Knowing what these materials are and why they matter will enable you to make better educated choices that help the environment as well as yourself. Buying eco-friendly clothes is not just a trend; it's a deliberate decision in line with a larger dedication to a better planet and ethical practices. Choose wisely and dress sustainably; your clothing can be a powerful tool for change.