Sustainable Shopping for Eco-friendly Fabrics
When it comes to being a conscious consumer, being mindful of how sustainable the fabrics that you buy and wear are is essential. To make informed choices about the clothing that you purchase, it is important to take the time to do your research about who is making your clothes, how those who are responsible for making them are being treated and what they are made of. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you better understand which fabrics are sustainable and how to curate a more ethical wardrobe!
Linen
Linen is one of our favorite fabrics here at Dressember! A natural fiber made from the flax plant, linen is a strong and durable fabric. Considered a sustainable fabric because of its lack of need for pesticides, the minimal amount of water used in its growth and the lack of waste that comes from the plant itself makes linen a fabric that we recommend you keep in your closet. As with any article of clothing, make sure to consider how those who grow flax plants and those work in factories where linen is being created are being treated and compensated for their work. The sustainability of fabric is just as important as the ethical practices behind it.
Hemp
Similar to linen, hemp is a sustainable and natural fiber. Its growth and cultivation don’t require an abundance of water or harsh chemical herbicides. Though hemp is a sustainable fabric, different companies produce garments in their own ways. Watch out for organizations that produce hemp fabric chemically or use environmentally dangerous dye! These organizations may promote their hemp clothing as sustainable, even when some of the practices entailed in production aren’t as environmentally friendly as consumers assume. This is the practice of greenwashing - something conscious consumers should watch out for so as not to be manipulated by brands that don’t actually make ethical and sustainable choices.
(Some) Cotton & Wool
There are also a few more materials that, while sustainable, require a careful eye to know when a brand is greenwashing or not living up to the ethical and sustainable values conscious consumers embody! Organic cotton, for example, is preferable to regular cotton, as it uses exponentially less water to make (91%) than traditional cotton and results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to consider the treatment of cotton farmers. Also, while wool may be biodegradable and recyclable, oftentimes the treatment of the sheep and the other environmental impacts of the cultivation of wool goes ignored. It is our responsibility as conscious consumers to ask brands about the treatment of those involved in the production process as well as the environmental effects their business practices have on the world around us.
Recycled Nylon
Next up is recycled nylon. Unlike the original nylon textures, recycled nylon diverts waste from landfills and uses less water, energy, and fossil fuels. Nylon is considered an especially sustainable fabric for swimwear - ethical wardrobe pieces we highly recommend investing in, as they reduce waste and oil use.
When it comes to sustainable fashion, making choices that represent your values is the most important part of being a conscious consumer. Shopping for sustainable fabrics, as opposed to fabrics that are created at the expense of our environment and the labor that goes into creating them, is just one way you can be a more conscious consumer and do more to support brands that value ethics and sustainability in their practices and society at large. If you’re looking for some ethical and sustainable brands to support, check out Dressember’s Ethical Fashion Directory!
As a helpful tool, here are a few questions to ask yourself the next time you can ask yourself next time you’re looking for a sustainable fabric to incorporate into your closet:
How does the growth and production of this material impact the environment?
How are the people making these clothes treated?
Have I done my research about the company I am purchasing from and their values regarding sustainability?
About the Author
Layla Nath is in her sophomore year at American University where she studies political science and journalism! Due to her love of advocacy and academia, she is involved in her college community as a teaching and research assistant. Her desire to help others through writing and research, alongside her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice has led her to this team as an Editorial Intern!