Which Fabrics are Sustainable and Which are Not?

Do you want to know which fabrics are sustainable and which are not? Keep reading to know how to incorporate the correct fabrics into your wardrobe. The fashion industry is one of the main causes for global human-caused carbon missions. It's important to understand which types of fabrics is better than the other in terms of sustainability.

Starting with the least sustainable fabrics including polyester, acrylic, conventional cotton, Viscose Rayon, and Nylon.

Polyester is non-biodegradable and is commonly used to make rope, bottles, computer tapes, and home furnishings. This fabric is not sustainable because it primarily derived from oil which is not good for the environment and causes pollution. During the washing cycle micro plastics are released which can be harmful to wildlife when consumed.

Acrylic is made using toxic chemicals which can be harmful to both factory workers and wildlife. This fabric is not sustainable because it releases micro plastics to the environment and is not easily recyclable.

Conventional cotton is made using large amounts of rainwater which is normally polluted with toxic dyes and chemicals. The chemicals used to produce conventional cotton puts a negative impact on soil health and water supplies.

Viscose rayon is produced by dissolving cellulose into toxic chemicals that is harmful to factory workers. This fabric is commonly used in the fashion industry when clothing is mass produced for fast fashion brands. Trees are used to produce rayon which leads to deforestation from the excess production of this fiber.

Nylon is produced from crude oil and used for swimwear, activewear, tights, leggings, and stockings. Nylon is not biodegradable and remains in landfills for 20 to 200 years. The production of nylon takes up large amounts of water and creates greenhouse gases.

Now, the most sustainable fabrics include orange cotton, organic hem, organic linen, and tencel.

Organic cotton is produced through post-consumer and industrial waste. It is made without the use of toxic and harmful chemicals. Organic cotton is grown without seeds that obtain pesticides, so they have not been genetically modified. This type of fabric offers better quality and ensures a long-lasting timeline.

Organic hemp is produced from plant fibers through a process called "retting". This fabric is cooling and naturally insulating, so it is great for UV protection. Hemp is created without toxic chemicals and is a great fabric choice for sustainability.

Organic linen is a lightweight material that is commonly worn during the summer season. This fabric is produced from flax fibers with no chemical treatment and produces less carbon emissions.

Tencel is produced from wood pulp similarly to rayon. It is biodegradable and uses a lot less water than rayon making it more sustainable. This fabric is compostable and can easily revert back to nature once recycled. It is more expensive compared other sustainable fabrics.

There are many other sustainable fabric choices to pick from, but these four are the most popular and used among sustainable fashion brands. Knowing which fabrics are eco-friendly allows you to be more environmentally aware and understand how synthetic fabrics are ruining the planet. When shopping for clothing always check the tag and see what materials the item is made out of, so you make the conscious choice of purchasing the best option.

By Noelle Tarpinian