Sustainable fabrics are becoming a focal point within the sewing community as we switch out mindset from over-consumption to slow conscious sewing.
But What actually Makes Fabrics Sustainable?
Sustainable textiles are produced with minimal environmental impact, focusing on natural resources that are responsibly grown, harvested, or recycled. These fabrics often come with certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Fair Trade, which ensure ethical practices and lower ecological footprints.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics to Consider
Organic Cotton
Grown without pesticides, organic cotton uses less water and has a lower impact than conventional cotton.
Tencel™ and Lyocell
Produced from sustainably sourced wood pulp, they are biodegradable and made within a closed-loop manufacturing system, which cuts down on processing waste.
Econyl®
Made from recycled Nylon, often from ocean waste like fishing nets. Making it a great alternative for polyester swimwear fabrics, it's durable and flexible.
Hemp and Linen
The traditional, natural fibres that require less water and fewer chemicals, making some of the best low-impact options.
Bamboo
As long as it's sourced from a responsible manufacturer with a closed loop system, bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources next to trees. Bamboo grows up to 30x more quickly than trees, making it a more sustainable resource to grow. To create bamboo into material fibres, a chemical process is required to bring it to our desired composition which is why it's important to find a responsible and closed-loop manufacturer.
There are plenty more fabrics that fit to be more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, these are just a few.
Choosing Certified Sustainable Fabrics
The easiest thing you can do as sewists, is look for the trusted certifications to ensure fabrics meet environmental and ethical standards. Here are a few key certifications to consider:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Ensures Organic practices in cotton and wool production.
FAIR TRADE
Prioritises fair wages and ethical treatment of workers.
OEKO-TEX
Ensures chemicals within the manufacturing process are non-toxic/harmful. Ensuring a healthier fabric for your skin.
BLUESIGN
Blue sign supports and ensures sustainable, resource saving production of textiles through regular on-site assessments.
Take Care of Your Sustainable Fabrics
It's best to take care of your sustainable fabrics so that they last longer. Being a made with natural fibres, having a biodegradable nature, you'll want to do everything you can to ensure you get best life out the fabrics.
Always use gentle detergents, avoid over-washing and line dry when possible. Fabrics can be durable and last a long time if well taken care of. Look for eco-friendly detergents where possible to avoid harsh chemicals building up on the fabrics.
Another win for the planet, your skin and your washing machine.
