Gone are the days when clothing simply meant a cover for your body. Today, your clothes speak for you, and what better way to show your support for the planet than dressing up in sustainable vegan fabrics- all the while keeping it chic! Dressing well is an art, but dressing your message is a whole other ballpark. Confused how? Don’t worry-we’ve got you! Here we are, with a list of textiles explicitly curated for the environment-conscious like you!
1. Organic cotton
We’ve all grown up surrounded by cotton, whether it be our clothes or that brown teddy bear we’ve cuddled close before going to bed. But that same cotton is cultivated in harsh situations, compromising both people and our natural resources. How to help? Simple. Switch to its alternate- organic cotton.
Organic Cotton demands fewer resources, avoids harmful chemicals and does not discount the safety or health of the farmers cultivating it. What’s more – it generates almost 46% less CO2 emissions as compared to regular cotton. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it is also kinder to human skin. The lack of chemical pesticides makes it perfect for sensitive skin, reducing skin allergies and flare-ups. More brands have begun using this particular variety of cotton, and it is time we do the same!
2. Lyocell
Lyocell, or the ‘miracle fabric’, is created from crushed wooden pulp, usually eucalyptus, oak or birch. It is then dissolved until a raw, sticky, viscous liquid is left. This is further processed into yarn and spun as clothes. Lyocell is breathable, firm and gentle on skin with a silky soft texture making it the perfect fit for activewear. This fabric’s arrival has turned over the sustainable fashion industry, and more bets are being placed on its durability every day.
3. Vegan leather
Wondering why everyone is so obsessed with vegan leather nowadays? Let us tell you why. Vegan leather synthesized from pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, cactus plants, other fruit wastes and even recycled plastic is now gaining popularity! Owing to its cruelty-free sustainable production, it is fast becoming a favourite in the commercial market- from Stella McCartney’s jackets to automobile seat covers in luxurious car models, Vegan leather looks good, but more importantly, feels good.
4. Modal
Initially developed in Japan in 1951, Modal is produced from beech-tree pulp and then manufactured into processed fibre. It is a semi-synthetic, elastic form of rayon. Highly breathable and stretchable, Modal bears some similarities to viscose rayon but is relatively more sustainable and eco-friendlier than the latter. While its production process is environmentally conscious, how it is manufactured, later on, is highly crucial, thus before buying modal fabric clothes, one must do prior research.
5. Ahimsa silk/ peace silk
Just as the name suggests, Ahimsa silk is silk reared sans any harm to silkworms, peacefully and carefully. While average silk production involves boiling, steaming, or sun-drying cocoons, effectively killing silk larvae, Ahimsa silk is produced in India’s small scale cottage industry. Currently, it supports a vast number of silk farmers, weavers and spinners (primarily women). There are four main types of silk made commercially in India: Mulberry, Eri, Tussar and Balkal silk. While Mulberry and Tussar silk is commonly produced as non-ahimsa silk, India manufactures both as ahimsa silk. Balkal Silk and Eri are all Ahimsa. Feel great wearing this soft, shiny fabric- all the while doing your part to help create a healthier ecosystem!
6. Hemp
In the cannabis Sativa plants family, Hemp is a sustainably created fabric made of high-yielding crops. Hemp is recognised as one of the most adaptable and durable natural fibres for manufacturing applications like rope or sails in historical use. Once processed, Hemp bears a similar texture to Cotton. It is non-susceptible to shrinkage and highly resistant to pilling. What makes Hemp a better choice for you is that it is intensely strong. If your cotton t-shirt lasts for ten years, your hemp t-shirt will last for double the time or sometimes even triple!
7. Sea algae
Sea Algae is manufactured into what is known as seaweed fabric. Brown algae, usually referred to as knotted wrack, is generally utilised, termed Ascophyllum nodossum. The cellulose fibre is the product of the algae fabric and is created with Tencel, and certain bamboo in the same lyocell method, except seaweed, is the source of the plant and is an authentic ocean fabric. The cloth is very tensile, neutral in carbon and 100% biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for sustainable fashion lovers! Add these seven fabrics into your wardrobe to look good, and feel even better!
To know more about how to shop sustainably, check out 7 ways to shop sustainably on a budget.
Start your sustainable journey with The Good Route where you can discover ethical brands and learn more about conscious living.
Written by, Shivani Maheshwari
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