Last year I started taking a more mindful eye to my wardrobe: slimming it down, making the most of fewer pieces, and buying clothes that will last. I try to not buy many new pieces—after all, wearing what you already have is the best and easiest way to cultivate a more mindful and eco-friendly wardrobe. I’m also a fan of thrift shops because they allow me to re-use gently worn items while also saving cash.
But one thing I need to get better at is taking a more critical eye to where the fabric my clothes are made of comes from. After all, buying timeless pieces that are made of better-for-the-world fabrics is a win-win situation for you and Mother Earth. So while you’re shopping, check the tags for these fabrics to learn a bit more about the impact an item may have had when being made.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Affiliate links below; read more here!
Rayon From Bamboo
One of my favorites—rayon from bamboo is excellent because bamboo grows very quickly (up to a foot each day!) and is actually depleted at a slower rate than it grows. Growing bamboo also doesn’t require pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or much water. Rayon from bamboo is super versatile and affordable, meaning you don’t have to drain your wallet. And the best part? It’s wrinkle resistant, machine washable, and super comfy.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
via Cariloha or Amazon // via Cariloha or Amazon // via Cariloha
Note about bamboo: Years ago, the Federal Trade Commission released this note about bamboo fabrics. They basically just want you to know that it’s rayon from bamboo, not pure bamboo, and that the bamboo extraction process uses chemicals.
Modal
My absolute favorite work dress is made of modal. I’ve had it for 5 years, and it hasn’t aged a bit. Modal is a bio-based textile that is actually a type of rayon made from beech tree fibers (rayon refers to fabric made from the wood pulp from any tree, modal only uses beech). I love modal because it’s super soft, silky, and drapes very well. Although most sources say modal is a low-maintenance fabric that can be washed at home, my modal dress is dry-clean only, so make sure to check your label’s care instructions.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
via Zappos or Amazon // via Gap // via Toad&Co
Hemp
No, it’s not just for your stoner friend from high school. Hemp is a high-yield, rapidly renewable plant that requires little or no pesticides, grows without fertilizer, requires little water, and is easy to harvest.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
via Hem Hoodlamb // via Starla Scarf // via Alive Tunic
Hemp also actually wears in with each wash, meaning it gets softer as you wash and wear it. It’s strong, it holds its shape, and it’s very breathable as well.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Spikerking Cotton Hemp Scarf via Amazon
Recycled Polyester
It’s made from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles or polyester fabric remnants, which means that the carbon footprint for producing it is far less than it is for producing virgin polyester. It’s soft and easy to maintain, just like the regular polyester you’re used to, so you’re not sacrificing anything. Check out this video for more on how recycled plastic is turned in to polyester.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
via Nau // via Nau // via Patagonia
Ramie
Ramie is a fabric made of natural plant fibers, and it’s been around for a while—as far back as ancient Egypt. It can be harvested multiple times per year and needs significantly less water than plants like cotton. It also grows well without pesticides or herbicides, so that’s a bonus. Fabric made of ramie is super strong—up to eight times stronger than cotton. And it’s stain resistant!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
via AMII REDEFINE // via MXBAST // via Gap
They’re Eco-Friendly, But…
These fabrics are eco-friendly when compared to many other fabrics. However, remember that all fabrics take some amount of energy to produce, whether that energy is related to agricultural, processing, production, or shipping. Many fibers also use some amount of pesticides and chemical processing, and all fabrics require at least some water while the source plant is growing. Bottom line? You can’t live in a bubble and have zero impact, but you can try to have the smallest impact possible and make informed decisions.
If you’re a sewer or want some fabric for home decor projects, check out this list of great places to buy eco-friendly fabrics!
The post Eco-Friendly Fabrics for a More Mindful Wardrobe appeared first on By Brittany Goldwyn | DIY & Lifestyle.