Eco-Fashion: Fabrics 101

Heard about all the new ways in which fashion is trying to make less of an impact on the planet? Here's a primer on all the words you'll be hearing when it comes to the fabrics in your your fab new ecofriendly clothing.

Vintage - the most eco option is finding something pre-loved. Check out thrift shops, vintage stores, consignment stores or plain old used clothing stores. Something someone else is simply tired of is something new to you. Go on a hunting expedition - odds are you'll find something that will be just as welcome in your wardrobe as something from the shops at full price. And it's always better to find something unique in a thrift shop than it is to wear the same blouse 50 people in your city have already purchased, no?

Organic Cotton - while Cotton is a natural fiber (unlike nylon, lycra, or any other polyester derivatives that are manufactured from petroleum!) it still has an environmental price. Pesticides, herbicides, petroleum for farm equipment, and the vast amounts of water required all add up to a big eco-impact (check out this Wikipedia entry to find out exactly what the numbers are - they aren't pretty.) Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and using non-genetically modified cotton seed, thus having less impact on the planet. Check your cottons to see if they're organic before you buy. Places such as Roots Canada have many items made from organic cotton, and they're gorgeous.

Bamboo - bamboo is the darling of the eco-world, with products from furniture to flooring to dinnerware to yes, clothing. A very fast-growing, renewable plant, bamboo creates a lightweight but robust and versatile fiber that is easy to care for and create into gorgeous garments. Fabrics made from bamboo enjoy the benefits of being more sustainable, especially if the bamboo is grown organically. It's a wise idea to check the green cred of the fabric manufacturer as widespread demand for bamboo is causing less-than-ethical companies to try to take advantage of the market. You can also often find textiles such as linens or towels made from bamboo (check out these ones from Land's End - and you wouldn't believe how lush they feel.

Hemp - hemp has been used for textiles for thousands of years (did you know the American Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper?). Quickly growing, requiring few pesticides and yielding smooth, long fibers, hemp creates heavier fabrics that have a surprisingly soft finish - almost like raw silk! However, the fabrics look a lot rougher than they feel - most look as if they have the delicate finish of burlap - and so pretty, fashionable hemp articles are few and far between.

Tencel - While Tencel is not the most eco-friendly option, we list it here to familiarize you with the term, since it's being used more and more. Tencel is a textile which is created from wood fiber and is touted as being eco-friendly. While the basis of wood is definitely more sustainable, unfortunately the processing involved in tencel (also known as lyocell) means that there's a heavy chemical impact with this fabric. So while in some cases it can be an ideal alternative, some of the options above are probably better.

Heading shopping? Remember to check the labels on your chosen clothing or, better yet, contact your favourite manufacturer and ask them to provide more eco-friendly options out of the fabrics noted here. It's better for the planet, and for your style!

TAGS: Ecofriendly, Fashion

Recent Entries:
· Glaucoma Drug 'Lumigan' Makes Eyelashes Grow!
· Beauty Night Society Brings Hope and Beauty To Thousands
· Probiotic Skincare Catches On

[ READER COMMENTS ]

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.

Your Name: (required)

Your Email Address: (required, will be kept private)

Your Website's URL: (optional)

Would you like us to remember your info for next time?
YesNo

Your Comments: