How can you incorporate eco-friendliness in your textile choices?

As a fashion designer, you have the power to influence the environmental impact of your creations. One of the most important aspects of sustainable fashion is the choice of textiles, or the fabrics and materials that make up your garments. Textiles can have different effects on the planet, depending on how they are produced, used, and disposed of. In this article, you will learn how to incorporate eco-friendliness in your textile choices, by considering the following factors:

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1 Natural vs synthetic

Natural textiles are made from plant or animal fibers, such as cotton, wool, silk, or linen. Synthetic textiles are made from man-made materials, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. Natural textiles tend to have a lower environmental impact than synthetic ones, as they are biodegradable, renewable, and require less energy and water to produce. However, some natural textiles can also have negative effects, such as pesticide use, land degradation, or animal welfare issues. Synthetic textiles, on the other hand, can have advantages such as durability, versatility, and low cost, but they also pose problems such as microplastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and non-biodegradability. Therefore, when choosing between natural and synthetic textiles, you should weigh the pros and cons of each option, and look for ways to minimize their environmental footprint.

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Suzannah Alexander

Passionate Communicator, Leader and Creative Professional
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Because there isn't a perfect fiber, you have to think of the issue a trade off. From my POV, the best way to weight the trade offs is to pair the fiber with the function as optimally as possible. It's also worth pointing out that as human beings, there can still be a variety of answers to what is the most optimal fiber for a given job. Some people like linen for bed sheets and some like cotton, and some people will have to choose based on what they can afford. So there is no 'right' choice. Rather than shame each other for the choices we make, right now if we focus our attention on what factors lead to the most waste, we can focus our efforts on tackling that while we learn more. It's a very complicated situation.

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2 Organic vs conventional

Organic textiles are grown or raised without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers, or hormones. Conventional textiles are grown or raised with the use of such chemicals, which can have harmful effects on the soil, water, air, and biodiversity. Organic textiles can offer benefits such as improved soil health, reduced water pollution, and lower carbon emissions. However, they can also have drawbacks such as lower yields, higher costs, and limited availability. Conventional textiles can offer benefits such as higher productivity, lower prices, and wider variety. However, they can also have drawbacks such as increased environmental damage, health risks, and social injustice. Therefore, when choosing between organic and conventional textiles, you should consider the environmental and social impacts of each option, and look for ways to support ethical and responsible practices.

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Stephanie Steele

Textiles Sustainability Specialist | Organic Food Growing | Food-Fibre-Fashion Communicator
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Arguably, the only way you can incorporate any semblance of "eco-friendliness" by using conventional textiles is to use those that have already been produced. With this comes a need to design sensitively so that those materials are not downcycled and can be put back in the system, otherwise there is no point in using them in the first place (you would then be better off supporting organic from the get go). Conventionally-produced textiles, which can include those that are from recycled fibres or are a patented man-made cellulosic, can still do damage, and so this either/or mentality is not suitable when making decisions about the "eco-friendliness" of something. You need to dive deeper than that and not look at it with such linearity.

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3 Recycled vs virgin

Recycled textiles are made from existing fabrics or materials that have been reused, repurposed, or transformed into new textiles. Virgin textiles are made from new fabrics or materials that have been extracted or manufactured from natural or synthetic sources. Recycled textiles can have a positive environmental impact, as they reduce the need for new resources, save energy and water, and prevent waste and pollution. However, they can also have some challenges, such as quality issues, contamination risks, and limited supply. Virgin textiles can have a negative environmental impact, as they consume more resources, generate more emissions and waste, and deplete natural capital. However, they can also have some advantages, such as higher quality, greater innovation, and more diversity. Therefore, when choosing between recycled and virgin textiles, you should evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of each option, and look for ways to increase the circularity and efficiency of the textile industry.

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4 Local vs global

Local textiles are sourced or produced within a certain geographic area, such as a country, region, or community. Global textiles are sourced or produced across different geographic areas, often involving long-distance transportation and trade. Local textiles can have a positive environmental impact, as they reduce the carbon footprint, support local economies, and foster cultural diversity. However, they can also have some limitations, such as higher costs, lower availability, and less variety. Global textiles can have a negative environmental impact, as they increase the carbon footprint, exploit cheap labor, and homogenize cultures. However, they can also have some opportunities, such as lower costs, higher availability, and more variety. Therefore, when choosing between local and global textiles, you should consider the environmental and social implications of each option, and look for ways to promote fair and transparent supply chains.

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5 Functional vs aesthetic

Functional textiles are designed to perform a specific function or purpose, such as protection, comfort, or durability. Aesthetic textiles are designed to appeal to the senses, such as color, texture, or style. Functional textiles can have a positive environmental impact, as they can reduce the need for multiple garments, extend the lifespan of textiles, and enhance the well-being of users. However, they can also have some drawbacks, such as higher complexity, lower adaptability, and more waste. Aesthetic textiles can have a negative environmental impact, as they can increase the demand for new garments, shorten the lifespan of textiles, and influence the perception of users. However, they can also have some benefits, such as higher creativity, greater expression, and more satisfaction. Therefore, when choosing between functional and aesthetic textiles, you should balance the needs and wants of each option, and look for ways to combine functionality and aesthetics in your designs.

As you can see, there is no single answer to how you can incorporate eco-friendliness in your textile choices. Rather, you have to make informed and conscious decisions, based on your values, goals, and resources. By doing so, you can contribute to the sustainability of the fashion industry, and create designs that are not only beautiful, but also respectful of the planet and its people.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you incorporate eco-friendliness in your textile choices?

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1 Natural vs synthetic

2 Organic vs conventional

3 Recycled vs virgin

4 Local vs global

5 Functional vs aesthetic

6 Here’s what else to consider

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