Eco-Fashion Materials
Straight to the point, below is a list of Eco-Fashion materials for you to explore and look into.
Natural Plant Fibers:
Organic Cotton 🌾
Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It ensures a healthier environment and safer working conditions for farmers. Brands like People Tree, Patagonia, and Mara Hoffman prioritize organic cotton in their collections.
Hemp 🌿
Hemp is a versatile and sustainable fiber known for its durability and breathability. It requires minimal water and no pesticides to grow. Brands like Jungmaven, Hoodlamb, and Hemp Tailor are champions of hemp fabric.
Linen 🌾
Linen, made from the flax plant, is one of the oldest textiles in the world. It is known for its strength, breathability, and biodegradability. Brands like Eileen Fisher, Linenfox, and Industry of All Nations showcase linen in their sustainable lines.
Organic Linen 🌾
Similar to organic cotton, organic linen is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It is known for its exceptional breathability and natural cooling properties. Brands like Reformation, Flax Linens, and Rawganique offer clothing made from organic linen.
Tencel™ Modal 🌱
Tencel™ Modal is derived from sustainably harvested beech trees. It is renowned for its softness, drape, and moisture-wicking properties. Brands like Amour Vert, Alternative Apparel, and People Tree incorporate Tencel™ Modal into their eco-friendly collections.
Bamboo 🎋
Bamboo fabric is made from the cellulose fibers of the bamboo plant. It requires minimal water and grows rapidly without the need for pesticides. Brands like Boody, Thought, and Cariloha offer stylish bamboo clothing options.
Nettle Fiber 🌿
Nettle fiber is derived from the stalks of the stinging nettle plant. It is a strong and versatile fiber with minimal environmental impact. Brands like Fibre Tibet, From Clothing, and Shennong Nongxi offer nettle fiber garments.
Jute 🌾
Jute is a natural fiber commonly used for packaging and textiles. It is renewable, biodegradable, and requires low pesticide use. Brands like Birdsong, Nandi, and Dhaka Project incorporate jute into their sustainable fashion collections.
Organic Silk 🐛
Organic silk is produced from silk worms raised on organic mulberry trees, without the use of harmful chemicals. It promotes sustainable and ethical silk production. Brands like Christy Dawn, Eileen Fisher, and Cuyana offer garments made from organic silk.
Kapok Fiber 🌳
Kapok fiber comes from the seed pods of the kapok tree. It is a lightweight and hypoallergenic fiber that is often used as a down alternative. Brands like Kapok 88, Hemptique, and Shokunin utilize kapok fiber in their sustainable products.
Organic Ramie 🌱
Ramie is a natural fiber derived from the stalks of the Boehmeria nivea plant. It requires minimal water and pesticides to grow, making it an eco-friendly option. Brands like Nui Organics, Slow Nature, and Stella McCartney feature organic ramie in their collections.
Natural Animal Fibres:
Peace Silk 🐛
Peace silk, also known as Ahimsa silk, is produced without harming the silkworm. The process allows the silkworm to complete its life cycle, promoting cruelty-free silk production. Brands like Maiyet, Study 34, and Samatoa use peace silk in their luxurious designs.
Alpaca Wool 🦙
Alpaca wool is a warm and soft fiber that comes from the alpaca, a domesticated South American camelid. It is hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and requires less water than other animal fibers. Brands like Apus Peru, Nagnata, and Indigenous work with alpaca wool.
Organic Wool 🐑
Organic wool is sourced from sheep raised in accordance with organic standards. It ensures the welfare of animals and promotes sustainable grazing practices. Brands like Patagonia, Ibex, and Toad&Co offer garments made from organic wool.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather 🌿
Vegetable-tanned leather is processed using natural tannins found in plants, such as tree bark. It is a more sustainable alternative to conventional leather, which often involves harmful chemicals. Brands like Matt & Nat, JW PEI, and Brave GentleMan offer stylish accessories made from vegetable-tanned leather.
Synthetic Fibers:
Recycled Polyester ♻️
Recycled polyester is made by transforming plastic bottles and other polyester waste into new fibers. It reduces the demand for virgin polyester and diverts plastic waste from landfills. Brands like Patagonia, Outerknown, and Girlfriend Collective utilize recycled polyester.
Econyl® ♻️
Econyl® is a regenerated nylon made from recycled fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic waste. It helps clean up oceans while offering the same quality as virgin nylon. Brands
Pinatex (Pineapple Leather) 🍍
As mentioned earlier, Pinatex is a leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers. It offers a cruelty-free and sustainable option for creating accessories and garments. Brands like H&M, Veerah, and Po-Zu incorporate Pinatex into their collections.
Mylo (Mushroom Leather) 🍄
Mylo is a lab-grown leather alternative made from the root structure of mushrooms. It has a similar look and feel to traditional leather but with a significantly lower environmental impact. Brands like Bolt Threads, Stella McCartney, and Lululemon have collaborated to create products using Mylo.
Bio-based Polyurethane (PU) 🌿
Bio-based PU is a plant-derived alternative to conventional petroleum-based PU. It offers similar qualities of durability and water resistance while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Brands like Veja, Rothy's, and Allbirds incorporate bio-based PU into their footwear designs.
Econyl® Regenerated Nylon ♻️
Continuing from the previous list, Econyl® is a regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and other nylon waste. It helps reduce plastic pollution in oceans and landfills. Brands like Outerknown, Aquafil, and Mara Hoffman embrace Econyl® in their swimwear and activewear lines.
Recycled Cotton ♻️
Recycled cotton is produced by transforming post-industrial or post-consumer cotton waste into new fibers. It reduces the need for new cotton cultivation and saves water and energy in the process. Brands like Reformation, Patagonia, and Tonlé utilize recycled cotton in their sustainable collections.
Refibra™️ Lyocell 🌿
Refibra™️ Lyocell is a type of Tencel™ lyocell that incorporates recycled cotton scraps into the production process. It helps reduce waste and conserves resources while maintaining the properties of traditional Tencel™ lyocell. Brands like Lenzing, Mara Hoffman, and Tri