What is the most environmentally friendly material in the world of fashion?

Sustainability in the fashion world is getting more and more attention these days, and it's no coincidence that it's one of the world's largest environmental impacting economic sectors. In order to improve the situation, more and more people are looking for eco-friendly materials that can help reduce their ecological footprint after shopping. In this blog post, I'll share with you which is the smartest choice!

Natural raw materials at the forefront of sustainability

Natural materials, such as wool, cotton, linen and hemp, are generally among the most sustainable solutions, as they:

• They come from renewable resources: Wool, for example, grows back on sheep every year, while cotton and flax can be constantly re-produced by growing plants.

• Biodegradable: After use, they do not pollute the environment with microplastics, unlike synthetic materials.

• Durable and versatile: With proper care, they can be used to create long-lasting garments, reducing the need to buy new clothes.

• Hypoallergenic and comfortable, so even those with sensitive skin can wear them.

1. Organic cotton

It is one of the most popular raw materials, as it does not require any chemicals or artificial fertilizers to grow. Clothes made from organic cotton are comfortable, making them ideal for everyday wear. Last but not least, they are hypoallergenic!

2. Flax

One of the oldest natural materials used by mankind. Flax requires little water to grow and practically all parts of the plant can be used. It is a durable and strong material, ensuring a long life for the garment. It is biodegradable and provides an elegant natural look.

3. Wool

The most common example of animal-based raw materials. Although raw materials from animal farms may have a larger ecological footprint, we are still talking about a recyclable raw material that is available in many different varieties.

4. Bamboo

One of the fastest growing plants, it is becoming increasingly popular for clothing. It is soft and silky to the touch, and requires few chemicals and water to grow.

5. Silk

A natural luxury material obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm. However, its traditional production is a less sustainable solution. It is an extremely light and delicate material that never goes out of style.

Why is it worth paying attention to the fabric composition of your clothes?

Fabric composition is crucial when looking for sustainable clothing. It's a good idea to always check the label for the following reasons:

1. Minimize environmental impact: A garment made from natural materials leaves a much smaller environmental footprint than its synthetic counterparts. For example, the production of polyester uses a significant amount of fossil fuels.

2. Longer lifespan: Quality materials are more durable, so you need to replace them less often, resulting in less waste.

3. Healthier to wear: Natural fibers like cotton or linen are skin-friendly, breathable, and more comfortable than synthetic alternatives.

Disadvantages of natural materials

Although natural raw materials offer many advantages, they are not without their drawbacks. It is important to understand that these materials can also cause environmental stress, and certain properties of them pose challenges for manufacturers and consumers.

1. They are prone to wrinkling or shrinkage: Linen or cotton fabrics wrinkle easily, so they require more care (e.g. ironing). Wool has excellent heat-regulating properties, but it is also prone to pilling or shrinkage when washed.

2. Minimal synthetic blends: To make garments less wrinkle-prone or easier to care for, minimal amounts of synthetic fibers, such as elastane or polyester, are sometimes added. This can help with flexibility and comfort, but you should be careful to keep this percentage as low as possible.

3. High water consumption

Cotton requires a significant amount of water to grow and manufacture. It takes around 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt. This can be particularly problematic for farms that are experiencing water shortages.

4. Cultivation area requirement

A lot of land is being cleared for the cultivation of natural materials, primarily through deforestation. In addition, monoculture farming increases the risk of soil depletion and reduces biodiversity.

5. High production costs and weather-dependent cultivation

Organic handwoven cotton and linen also mean higher prices, which reduces accessibility for price-sensitive consumers. In addition, climate change is making cultivation increasingly unpredictable...

How do you choose environmentally friendly clothing?

1. Look for labels: Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX, which guarantee the sustainability of the material and its freedom from harmful chemicals.

2. Keep the material composition in mind: Choose natural fibers or blends containing recycled materials.

3. Invest in quality: In the long run, it's worth spending a little more on a durable piece made from natural materials rather than replacing cheap, synthetic clothes frequently.

The most environmentally friendly materials are usually natural fibers like wool, cotton, or linen, as they are renewable, biodegradable, and healthier to wear. Although they are prone to wrinkling and are sometimes blended with synthetic fibers, these materials are still much more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. Always pay attention to the composition of the fabric when shopping, as this will not only protect the environment, but also build a timeless wardrobe.

The first step in sustainability is to consciously choose materials – for our future and the planet!