Fashion Fabrics

Read your clothes' labels and tags like nutrition facts -
buy what's healthy and avoid what's toxic!

Get the scoop below:

WHAT TO WEAR

natural fabrics

Look for: organic, regenerative, recycled, dye-free (ideally)

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a common natural, breathable fabric option.

Organic Hemp

Hemp is one of the most sustainable fabrics out there. It's durable, insulating and cooling; it doesn't need much water to grow; and doesn't need chemicals to be processed. (Source)

Organic Linen

Made from the flax plant, linen is a great, comfortable and natural option.

Recycled or Regenerative Wool

*This fabric has animal cruelty issues

If buying recycled or secondhand wool, this fabric is eco-friendly and you don't have to worry about animal welfare concerns. If you have to buy new wool, look for regenerative wool.

Recycled Nylon

Best for things you don't wash frequently (like coats or bags). This fabric can be made from things like fishing nets or tights, reducing waste.

*This fabric still has a microplastics issue.

Recycled Polyester

Best for things you don't wash frequently (like backpacks or shoes). Often made from recycled plastic water bottles, this fabric repurposes plastic waste.

*This fabric still has a microplastics issue

WHAT TO AVOID

plastics

Acrylic

Acrylic is a fabric made from petroleum through a chemical-filled process.

Polyester

Polyester is a petroleum-based fabric made using chemicals.

Nylon

Nylon is a fabric made from petroleum.

sneaky bad guys

DON'T BUY THESE NEW

Rayon/Viscose

Rayon is made by taking plants and dissolving them in a chemical solution to make the fabric (Source). Other than chemical use, this fabric also contributes to deforestation, high water use and animal endangerment.

Leather

Animal cruelty concerns aside, 130 chemicals are used in the leather-making process, including "biocides, surfactants, enzymes, lime, sodium sulfide, dyes, and various solvents" (Source).

Traditional Cotton

The problem with regular cotton: the widespread use of toxic and environmentally damaging pesticides. (Source)

WHAT'S OKAY TO

buy secondhand

cotton
organic cotton
hemp
organic hemp
linen
organic linen

leather
silk
wool
rayon
recycled nylon
recycled polyester

These fabrics have already been processed, so it's more important to reduce waste and buy secondhand.

If you need something made of plastic, it's also much better to get it secondhand.