Since the green movement started in the early 2000’s, consumers have had a say in which fibers they want to see used in their apparel, because of the mounting pressure on companies to only use fair trade and organic fabrics to produce their garments.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and doesn’t destroy ecosystems. In fact, it’s known to improve soil quality and often uses less water. Like other vegan fabrics, organic cotton is easier to clean than wool, faster drying, and softer to the touch.
Linen
Linen is a durable material that becomes softer and stronger the more that it’s used. Vegan fabrics such as linen can absorb up to 20 percent of its weight in moisture before it feels damp. Unlike wool, which takes a long time to dry, linen easily releases moisture into the air, which keeps you cool. In addition, it is non-allergenic, and requires considerably fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other crops and is both recyclable and biodegradable.
Seaweed
Dried seaweed is crushed coarsely, ground, and simultaneously introduced into cellulose fiber, from which materials for a wide variety of textiles, known as SeaCell, are manufactured. Brown algae used in this material supposedly activate cell regeneration, re-mineralize skin, limit inflammation, soothe itchiness (take that, itchy wool) and detoxify the body. The porous structure of the SeaCell textile fibers promotes humidity intake and release, which keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Wood
Lyocell is the general term for a material made from wood pulp that’s manufactured by means of an environmentally friendly process that reuses processing chemicals. It’s also biodegradable, recyclable, and naturally wrinkle-free. A great substitute for silk, Lycocell is soft, drapes well, and can be washed, dyed, and even woven to mimic the qualities of suede, leather, moleskin, or wool.
Beech Tree Fiber
Modal is a variety of rayon, made exclusively from the renewable fiber of beech trees. Since the base material comes from a natural source, rayon fibers such as modal are sometimes classified as a “natural synthetic.” Fabric made from modal is very soft and smooth, with a moderate to high sheen. The original “artificial silk,” it is soft, drapes well, and dyes easily. Unlike wool, it does not need to be ironed and retains its shape, size, and strength even after repeated washings.
Hemp
Hemp grows without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, making it ideal for organic farming. The plant’s roots can descend 3 feet or more into the ground, thereby anchoring and protecting soil from runoff while building and preserving topsoil and subsoil structures. Hemp is also completely biodegradable. It is similar to linen in feel and breathability, unlike wool, which traps heat and can support the growth of bacteria.
Soybeans
Soy fabric, also known as “vegetable cashmere” is a new eco-friendly fabric made from a byproduct of soybean processing. It has the softness and luster of silk, the drape and durability of cotton, and the warmth and comfort of cashmere. The material is free of any petrochemicals, and, most importantly, does not involve the abuse of sheep.
Coconut Fiber
If a company called Nanollose has its way, you’ll soon be able to buy warm, soft clothes made from coconuts. The company uses coconut fiber to produce material similar to rayon, which is conventionally made from trees. Aptly, the new fabric is called Nullarbor. It saves animals and spares trees, and its production requires minimal land, water, and energy use.
