Nowadays, the fashion industry is more focused on sustainability. This includes the choice of materials. For example, innovative natural fibres and recycled materials that are not only stylish but also better for the planet. You may be familiar with organic cotton and linen, but many more sustainable materials can be used for fashion. Do you want to know more? Find 23 sustainable fashion materials in this article.
What are sustainable fashion materials?
Sustainable fashion materials are fabrics and fibres designed to reduce their environmental impact. They are often biodegradable, renewable and have a lower environmental impact. In addition, they are usually made with less water, less energy and fewer chemicals. Examples of sustainable materials are organic cotton and linen.
Read more: Sustainable And Ethical Fashion: A Guide
Why choose sustainable materials for fashion?
You may be wondering what the advantage of sustainable materials is. Let us tell you. Sustainable materials help reduce pollution, save water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional textile production is harmful to the environment, but sustainable clothing alternatives such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and hemp are helping to make the industry cleaner.
In addition, sustainable materials are frequently of better quality and last longer. Not only does this mean you don't have to replace your clothes as often, but it also means you're contributing to sustainable fashion that is less focused on the throwaway mentality.
7 sustainable fabrics in the fashion industry
Are you wondering which sustainable materials are suitable for the fashion industry? Here are seven (traditional) sustainable materials you should know about.
1. Organic cotton
Organic cotton is lightweight and breathable, making it a popular choice for clothing. It is grown without synthetic pesticides and chemicals, improving the production process for the environment. The most common organic cotton labels are GOTS and OCS.
Good to know: Our non-recycled cotton is OCS-certified. MUD Jeans does not use cotton with toxic chemicals, pesticides or genetically modified seeds.
2. Hemp
Hemp grows quickly, requires little water, and are often free of pesticides. This makes it very environmentally friendly. Hemp keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is also a multipurpose material that can be used to make everything from jeans to T-shirts.
3. Linen
Linen is a natural fibre made from the flax plant. This plant requires little to no fertiliser, pesticides or water, making it a sustainable choice. Linen is breathable and absorbs moisture well, making it comfortable to wear in the summer.
4. Recycled polyester (RPET)
A better alternative to synthetic polyester is recycled polyester (RPET). Recycled polyester is made from plastic bottles and is suitable for activewear and fleece. However, there are concerns about some toxic substances in PET bottles, such as BPA. Look for labels such as CRS, RCS, OEKO-TEX and Bluesign® to make sure you make the right choice.
5. Tencel Lyocell
Are you looking for something special? Have a look at Tencel Lyocell, a fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. The manufacturing process is a closed system, which means waste and emissions are kept to a minimum. According to its manufacturers, Tencel Lyocell can absorb 50 times more moisture than cotton.
6. Bamboo
Did you know that bamboo keeps growing after it is harvested? Bamboo grows back with super speed, making it a sustainable option for clothing. Choose organic bamboo in 'raw' form to make a sustainable choice.
7. Cork
Cork is made from the bark of cork oaks without damaging the tree itself. This material is light, waterproof, and multifunctional. You can find cork in accessories such as bags, shoes, jewellery, and even clothing.
16 new sustainable materials in the fashion industry
Now that you know a bit more about the sustainable materials mentioned above, get ready for some more trailblazing materials of the future. In fact, many newer, pioneering, sustainable materials are changing the fashion world. We have collected 16 of them for you, from pineapple to nettle.
8. Piñatex
Piñatex is a popular vegan alternative to leather because it is made from the fibres of pineapple leaves. As a natural material with no animal suffering, Piñatex is a sustainable and ethical choice. You can find it in various products, including shoes, bags, and accessories.
9. ECONYL®
Although the environment should avoid synthetic materials, sometimes they are essential. For example, swimwear that needs to be stretchy and quick-drying. A better alternative is ECONYL®. This material is made from recycled nylon waste, such as old fishing nets, and is produced in a closed system.
10. QMONOS™
It sounds like a future material, but it is already used today: QMONOS™. This material, made from spider silk and microbes, is strong and flexible. QMONOS™ is claimed to be five times stronger than steel, extremely long-lasting and completely biodegradable.
11. Bananatex®
We have already mentioned pineapple, but you can also make fashion from bananas. Bananatex® is made from the fibres of the Abaca banana plant. It is durable, waterproof, and lightweight. As no chemicals are used in the process, Bananatex® is an environmentally friendly choice for leather bags.
12. Deadstock
Textile waste is a major problem in the fashion industry. Deadstock offers a solution. By reusing these materials, we reduce waste and promote sustainability. There is no need to process the fabrics, so it will reduce the production footprint and keep valuable materials out of landfills.
13. Modal
Modal is a fabric made from beech wood pulp known for its softness, breathability, and biodegradability. It is, therefore, often used for underwear and loungewear. If you choose modal, make sure the garment's fabric is carbon-neutral.
14. ECOVERO™
Another relatively new sustainable fabric is ECOVERO™. Made from sustainable wood and pulp, it is a greener alternative to synthetic viscose.
15. SCOBY leather
Have you heard of kombucha? The SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) used to make the drink can also be used in the fashion industry. Drying the SCOBY produces a leather-like material perfect for making shoes, purses, and clothes.
16. S.Cafe®
S.Cafe® is an innovative fabric made from recycled coffee grounds. Yes, you read that right. S.Cafe® has excellent properties such as UV protection and fast drying. The only downside is that your clothes might smell like coffee.
17. Brewed Protein
Brewed Protein is a substance made from the fermentation of plant biomass. The multipurpose material has great potential for a sustainable and flexible fashion world. You can use Brewed Protein as an alternative to silk, cashmere, fleece, denim, and even leather.
18. Apple leather
Besides pineapple and banana, another fruit can be used as a sustainable clothing material: the apple. Apple leather is made from apple waste and is completely biodegradable. It is used to make handbags, wallets, and trainers.
19. Woocoa
Combine hemp, coconut, and mushrooms, and you get Woocoa. Although still relatively unknown, Woocoa has great potential as an alternative to wool.
20. Cupro
Do you enjoy wearing silk but want a more sustainable alternative? Cupro (or Cupra) is for you. Cupro is made from cotton lint, a by-product of cotton, and has a luxurious and silky feel. When choosing Cupro, look for brands that are transparent about their production process.
21. QMilk
QMilk is a sustainable material that calls itself 'the material of the future'. QMilk is made from casein, a protein found in milk. It is 100% natural, silky, skin-friendly and completely biodegradable.
22. Micro-Algae
Microalgae offer a sustainable, biodegradable solution. They require much less land and water than traditional materials and can even grow in wastewater. Although microalgae for fashion is still largely experimental, it is fair to say that microalgae is an environmentally friendly material.
23. Ramie / stinging nettle
The final sustainable material we would like to highlight is ramie. Ramie is a natural fibre derived from the Boehmeria nivea plant, a member of the stinging nettle family. Ramie grows fast, without pesticides, and requires less water than cotton. Because of these advantages, ramie is used in clothing and other textiles.
Read more: Sustainable Fashion Trends Of 2024 You Must Know
Choose sustainable materials for fashion
The fashion industry is increasingly using sustainable materials. Although there is still a long way to go, brands are experimenting with sustainable alternatives to traditional (synthetic) fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and deadstock and nettle.
MUD Jeans also invests in sustainable practices and materials. We use at least 40% recycled denim in our clothing, and the non-recycled cotton we use is always OCS-certified and organic. Even our paper labels are OEKO-TEX certified. Are you choosing MUD jeans? You are picking clothing made from sustainable materials.
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