Let’s be real, taking off pajamas in the morning is a struggle. It’s not unusual for me to pick clothes that are as comfortable as possible, reminiscent of when I was happy and in my PJs. There is no denying that the feel of fabric is important. Ever loved the look of something on the hanger, only to realize it’s itchy or restrictive? I’ve definitely been there.
Just like what you put in your body is important, so is what you put on your body. Since skin is our biggest organ, it’s easily influenced by outside forces. Therefore, we should be careful what we put near it. And, there are also environmental concerns with fabric.
The oil industry is the number one source of pollution. It seems pretty obvious that something like oil would cause pollution. However, did you know that the fashion industry is the second biggest cause of pollution? And as the industry continues to expand, it’s environmental impact worsens. I’ve blogged about fast fashion before, but I want to take a closer look at eco-friendly fabrics.
Hemp
Now just to be clear, Industrial Hemp is from the same Family as marijuana. However, it’s not used for recreational purposes, so don’t be getting any ideas! In fact, hemp has been used for many years in the production of fabric and is gaining recognition for its sustainability. There are many benefits to choosing hemp as one of your eco-friendly fabrics.
The Highlights of Hemp
Water usage is a sore spot when it comes to fabric production. The fashion industry uses 1.5 trillion liters of water every year! In comparison to cotton, hemp is a much less water-intense crop, requiring 50% less water. When you consider that one cotton t-shirt requires 2700 liters of water, that’s quite significant.
Let’s chat pesticides. Common problems with pesticides include water contamination and reduction of biodiversity. The good news is that growing hemp does not require pesticides. In addition, hemp grows quickly (in as little as 60 days!) and requires little space.
So, it’s a better alternative for the earth, and also a top contender among eco-friendly fabrics. Not only is it incredibly durable, it also softens with time and washing. Hemp is comprised of cellulose fibers that are breathable and also microbial, which means it is resistant to mold and mildew. I can guarantee that your hemp clothing will last much longer than anything cotton. Hemp is actually four times stronger than cotton!
Tencel
Moving on to another fiber made from a natural material. TENCEL is actually a brand name in of itself owned by an Austrian company, Lenzig AG. This specific company uses TENCEL for both its lyocell and modal materials, so it’s a bit confusing. Usually when other companies use TENCEL, they are referring to Tencel lyocell. This is a dissolved wood pulp that is spun into a thread. Pretty cool, right?
Turning Tencel to Thread
As with any fabric production, there are pros and cons to the production of Tencel lyocell. While it is made from plant materials, it is much more sustainable than something like cotton. It is 100% biodegradable. Additionally, the solvent used to turn the wood pulp into fibers is continually recycled. Lenzig AG does admit concerns about the amount of energy their TENCEL process takes. However, they are continually working toward more renewable energy sources.
While TENCEL is great for many types of clothing, it is especially useful for activewear. It is 50% more absorbent than cotton, so it is a wonderful alternative to synthetic activewear brands. And like hemp, TENCEL is also a cellulose fiber, which makes it resistant to bacterial growth. A great choice as eco-friendly fabrics go.
Looks like you might be taking TENCEL activewear on a date to your next gym session!
Linen
Unlike TENCEL, which is fairly new to the fashion scene, linen has been around the block. When I think of linen, my immediate thought is “tablecloths.” I suppose this makes sense, since linen tablecloths were considered family heirlooms in the past. Since I don’t even have a table, I think I will survive without inheriting a tablecloth.
There are so many pros to choosing linen as a fabric for clothing. Since it’s made from the flax plant, it is 100% biodegradable unless it is dyed. Organic flax (real linen), is actually one of the most sustainable fabric options you can choose. Flax itself requires limited amounts of water and energy, and little if any pesticides or fertilizers. It also grows quickly and is good for the land.
Longevity of Linen
Among eco-friendly fabrics, linen has one of the longest lives. This is what makes it such a frontrunner as clothing fabric. If your goal is to minimize your wardrobe and avoid fast fashion, choose linen! Still not convinced? The unique properties of flax make it strong, resistant to the sun, and thermo-regulatory. This means that it will keep you both warm and cool, depending on the season!
One of the biggest complaints I hear about linen clothing is how easily it wrinkles. I can see how this was a problem in the past when “crisp” suits were the norm. These days, many linen clothes make wrinkling look like a natural part of the design.
Fun fact, did you know that the U.S. dollar bill is made out of 25% linen?
Recycled fabrics
As always, the most sustainable option is to reuse. I so appreciate companies that get creative with their eco-friendly fabrics. The basic idea is that they take old, discarded clothing and create something new. This is the very heart of sustainability: reducing waste by reusing and recycling.
It’s not unusual to see clothing made from recycled polyester or cotton. However, there are some more creative companies that are using things like plastic bottles for their eco-friendly fabrics. One of my personal favorites is a sustainable activewear brand, Girlfriend Collective. They make incredibly comfortable and durable activewear for women. This company creates each pair of their leggings from twenty-five plastic water bottles, recycled polyester, and spandex.
I love a fabric choice that can help divert plastic water bottles from landfills
When the Real World Calls….
While Zoom calls and working from home offer more opportunities for PJs all day, there comes a time when the real world will call. So, why not choose clothes that offer comfort and sustainability? Eco-friendly fabrics promise not to disappoint the environment or your skin. And, maybe wearing plastic water bottles will help me remember to drink more water!
Keep an eye out for my next blog post on some of my favorite sustainable clothing brands. I’m excited to highlight companies that are doing amazing work with their eco-friendly fabrics.
Be Well. With Love
Leave a Reply