You're probably wondering what makes a sustainable fashion material. The core idea is that sustainable fabrics are made from natural or environmentally friendly sources, such as sustainably grown plants.
But besides the raw material, other factors must also be taken into account to determine whether the textiles are sustainable. For example, the production of the item: dyeing process, printing process and finishing. The end of life of the garment is also important: is it biodegradable or recyclable? Below, you can find good examples of sustainable fabrics available on the market. This way you know what to look for the next time you're on the lookout for sustainable fashion pieces.
One of the main reasons why recycled and deadstock fabrics (i.e. fabrics that are the result of overproduction) are a sustainable material is that they don't need to be produced separately. By making slow fashion pieces from recycled materials, these fabrics are given a second chance instead of ending up in landfill. Deadstock fabrics are materials that have been overproduced. They are lying around in the warehouse waiting to be thrown away. So, it's great to see that more and more sustainable fashion designers are creating one-off pieces from deadstock materials, preventing them from ending up in the bin.
Top tip: Slow fashion pieces and garments made from recycled fabrics are usually marked with a label.
As a sustainable fashion material, linen has two major advantages. First, it is extremely breathable. In winter, it keeps you warm, while in summer it keeps you cool. It is also a biodegradable material, as it is derived from the stems of the flax plant. Compared to cotton, flax is much more robust and requires much less water to grow.
Top tip: If you're looking for a slow-fashion piece made of linen, it's best to keep your hands off white linen pieces. This is because they have been subjected to an intensive chemical bleaching process. Instead, opt for natural shades like brown, ivory or grey.
A fantastic example of sustainable textile production is hemp. It is one of the most sustainable fabrics available today as it grows incredibly fast, does not deplete the soil and does not require any pesticides. The plant also produces more fibres than flax or cotton. Similar to linen, hemp is a good choice in winter and ideal for the summer months due to its UV resistance. It is robust and can also be made into bags or shoes.
Top tip: Opt for muted tones when shopping, as bright tones are an indication of harsh chemical dyes.
Image credits:
Header image: Getty Images
Image of rolls of deadstock fabric: Stocksy
Image of a woman wearing a linen suit: Getty Images
Image of pretty rolls of hemp: Shutterstock