A big topic of conversation in the fashion industry today is sustainability. Now more than ever, fashion brands and designers are making a commitment to consider sustainability at every step in the design process. One of the most important of these steps is fabric sourcing.
The production of textiles is an energy intensive process that requires a great amount of energy and results in significant waste. It can also lead to unsafe working environments due to unethical working conditions and the toxic chemicals that may be used in the treatment of many textiles. To design an eco-conscious fashion collection, it will be important that you consider how the fabrics you choose are sourced, manufactured, and distributed.
So, what are sustainable textiles? Sustainable textiles are yarns and fabrics that are produced using ethically responsible strategies. Designers should consider the production process in which the textile was made, the traceability of the materials used to make the textile, and the working environment the textile was produced in. Overall, a sustainable textile will have a positive environmental, economic, and social impact.
Common examples of sustainable textiles:
Organic cotton: Compared to regular cotton, organic cotton is grown with less water and without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.
Hemp: Considered one the most sustainable fibers, hemp can grow quickly with less water and without the use of agricultural chemicals. It can be blended with other natural fibers to improve its texture or hand.
Bamboo: Bamboo is another low maintenance and fast growing plant. Textiles made with bamboo fibers are silky and soft to the touch. They are a comparable alternative to synthetic fibers such as rayon or polyester.
Recycled textiles: Some polyester and nylon fabrics are made with recycled materials such as PET bottles or other industrial waste. Econyl, for example, is a regenerated nylon made from recycled fishing nets.
Technologically advanced textiles: There are many textile technologies being developed to reduce the impact that textiles have on our environment. Added to polyester and nylon fabrics, CiCLO technology breaks down synthetic material once it’s in the correct environment to do so. The goal of this technology is to slow down the progression of microfibers into our ecosystems. Another example is antimicrobial technology such as Microban. This technology combats odors and stains, lessening the need for garments to be washed after every use.
Keep in mind, no textile is perfect. Every sustainable textile will have it’s disadvantages. As the fashion industry continues to move into the direction of sustainability, we are hopeful that newer (and maybe even better!) textiles solutions will be readily available in the future. We will be here to share them with you!
Download our FREE Fiber Comparison Sheet to learn more about the 3 major fiber types and their advantages and disadvantages.