The Best Fabrics for Eco-Friendly Fashion
What to Look For and What to Avoid
When it comes to building a sustainable wardrobe, it’s not just about how much you buy—it’s also about what you buy. One of the most important factors in sustainable fashion is the fabric. The materials used to make clothing have a huge impact on the environment, from the resources they consume to how they break down (or don’t) after disposal.
In this guide, we break down the best fabrics for eco-friendly fashion, how to spot them, and which ones to avoid.
Why Fabric Choice Matters
The fashion industry uses over 100 million tons of fiber annually. Many popular fabrics, like polyester and conventional cotton, come with a high environmental cost. Fabric choice affects:
Water usage
Carbon emissions
Microplastic pollution
Soil degradation
Biodegradability
Choosing eco-conscious materials helps reduce this impact—and supports brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable production.
Top 6 Sustainable Fabrics to Know
Here are the leading eco-friendly fabrics making waves in the sustainable fashion world.
1. Organic Cotton
Unlike conventional cotton (a notoriously water- and pesticide-intensive crop), organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, making it safer for the environment and farmers.
Pros:
Less water usage
No toxic pesticides
Softer feel
Look for: GOTS-certified or OEKO-TEX® certified products
2. Linen (Flax)
Linen is made from the flax plant, which grows in poor soil and requires little water. It’s breathable, durable, and biodegradable.
Pros:
Naturally moth-resistant
Fully biodegradable
Minimal water and pesticide use
Bonus: Linen gets softer with every wash.
3. Hemp
Hemp is one of the most sustainable crops available—it grows quickly, uses very little water, and restores soil health.
Pros:
Naturally pest-resistant
Durable and long-lasting
Highly breathable
Look for: Organic hemp blends with dyes that are low-impact or natural.
4. TENCEL™ / Lyocell
Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (usually eucalyptus or beech), TENCEL™ (a branded form of lyocell) is produced in a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents.
Pros:
Soft, smooth texture
Moisture-wicking
Biodegradable
Sustainability highlight: The closed-loop process minimizes waste and pollution.
5. Recycled Cotton
Rather than growing new cotton, recycled cotton is made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste. This reduces landfill pressure and lowers water and energy usage.
Pros:
Diverts waste from landfills
Lower environmental impact than virgin cotton
Look for: Brands disclosing recycling sources and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification.
6. Recycled Polyester (rPET)
While polyester is a synthetic (plastic-based) fiber, recycled polyester gives a second life to plastic bottles and textile waste.
Pros:
Diverts plastic from oceans and landfills
Less energy-intensive than virgin polyester
Important caveat: Still sheds microplastics in the wash—use a microfiber-catching laundry bag like Guppyfriend.
Fabrics to Avoid
Not all fabrics are created equal. Some are best left on the shelf:
Conventional Cotton: Heavy pesticide use, high water consumption.
Polyester: Made from fossil fuels, sheds microplastics, not biodegradable.
Acrylic: High energy use, synthetic, not breathable.
Rayon/Viscose (unless sustainably sourced): Often associated with deforestation and chemical-heavy processing.
You can read more here in our news dedicated to the topic of dangerous fabrics.
Final Thoughts
Fabric is the foundation of fashion—and choosing the right one is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By prioritizing materials like organic cotton, hemp, linen, and TENCEL™, you're not just buying better—you’re voting for a cleaner, fairer industry.
Small shifts in how we shop add up to big changes. Choose wisely, wear often, and always read the label.
Want More Eco Fashion Insights?
Subscribe to our newsletter for fabric guides, sustainable shopping tips, and exclusive brand spotlights: 👉 [Join the Conscious Collective →]