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ORGANIC COTTON:
Sustainability Score: 9/10
Why we love it: • Made from natural fibers • No pesticides or chemicals used • Biodegradable • Wicks away sweat • Breathable • Soft Drawbacks: • Requires a lot of water • Hypoallergenic • Non toxic • Natural moisture management (excellent wicking properties) • Biodegradable • Compostable • Pricey
Versatility Score: 10/10
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COTTON:
Sustainability Score: 8/10
Why we love it: Cotton is a naturally soft material that feels comfortable against the skin • Highly durable strong natural fiber derived from the cotton plant •Breathable fabric •Absorbent •Hypoallergenic • Non-toxic • Natural moisture management (excellent wicking properties) • Biodegradable •Compostable
Versatility Score: 10/10
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HEMP:
Sustainability Score: 9/10
Why we love it: Natural fiber • No chemical processing required • Requires less water than cotton (medium amount) • Requires little to no pesticides
• Biodegradable • Compostable • Pricey
Versatility Score: 10/10
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FLAX - LINEN:
Sustainability Score: 8/10
Linen has a much lower environmental impact than cotton, as it requires no pesticides and little water. It dries faster than cotton and has the tendency to crinkle. It regulates body temperature, so keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Why we love it: • Natural fibers (Flax Plant) • Lightweight • Breathable • Natural moisture management (excellent wicking properties)
• Biodegradable • Compostable • Machine washable
Versatility Score: 10/10
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SILK
Sustainability Score: 8/10
Why we love it: • Natural fibers • Requires less water than cotton • Expensive • Silk worms are killed unless it's Vegan Silk • Luxurious smooth feel • Low Grade silk tears easily
• Biodegradable • Compostable • Machine washable
Versatility Score: 5/10
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RAYON/VISCOSE
Sustainability Score: 8/10
Why we love it: 100% rayon is made from wood pulp cellulose and put through a chemical process, creating a man-made, natural fiber. Rayon has a silk-like aesthetic.
It is processed with chemicals, so if toxic chemicals are released into the environment, we rate this a 5/10.
If the fabric mill processes and disposes of the chemicals properly, we rate this a 7/10 Since this fabric comes from wood pulp, ensure the wood is sourced sustainably. If the fabric mill disposes of the chemicals properly, we rate this an 8/10.
If brands are careful about the source and processing of the viscose, it can be a good eco-friendly fabric to use.
• Lightweight • Soft • Superb drape • Cool • Breathable
Natural moisture management (excellent wicking properties)
• Biodegradable
• Machine washable
Versatility Score: 6/10 (mostly used for clothing)
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BAMBOO
Sustainability Score: 9/10
Bamboo is a sustainable crop. It is essentially a fast-growing grass, and one of the most persistent and versatile grasses on the planet, requires no fertiliser and self-regenerates from its own roots, so it doesn’t need to be replanted. It requires far less water than cotton. Bamboo fiber has various micro-gaps, which make it softer than cotton and increase its moisture absorption. When compared to cotton cultivation, which requires large amounts of water, pesticides, and labour, the advantages are pretty clear.
• Antibacterial and highly absorbent
• Powerfully insulating and soft
• It has a natural repellent for odours
• Biodegradable • Compostable
Versatility Score: 10/10
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Bemoci's Blog: Eco-friendly fabrics
