8 Best Sustainable Fabrics That Will Reduce Toxin Exposure

Cheap synthetic fabrics have become the world’s kryptonite. We just can’t seem to kick the habit. 

From the clothes hanging in your closet to the carpet under your feet, regular use and exposure to virgin plastic-based fibers pose a great risk to your health and the planet. 

The good news? Many sustainable brands are challenging the synthetic status quo, creating a rich tapestry of high-quality and innovative sustainable fabrics for a better world. 

We get it though. In a new age of conscious consumerism, trying to identify the most sustainable fabrics in a sea of greenwashing fluff can feel like a daunting task. 

In this article we cover some of the best sustainable fabrics in circulation right now, listing the pros and cons and overall sustainability rating for each so you can feel confident you’re making the best decision for yourself and the environment. 

What Are Sustainable Fabrics? 

Sustainable fabrics are materials made from either natural or recycled fibers and are manufactured in a way that causes minimal environmental and social harm. In other words, sustainable fabrics are created in a closed-loop production process with a guarantee of high ethical labor standards. 

Sustainable fabrics must have the capacity to either be repurposed into something new or naturally break down in the environment – we’re talking recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable! 

An easy way to identify the most sustainable fabrics is by looking out for sustainable certifications such as the Better Cotton Initiative, Global Organic Textile Standard, and Bluesign. 

Or better still, keep reading this easy and informative guide to sustainable fabrics – you won’t regret it! 

Why Use Sustainable Fabrics

Choosing the right sustainable materials might just change the very fabric of our society – if you will excuse the pun! 

Non-Sustainable Fabrics Are Harmful to the Planet

Cheap synthetic materials – namely virgin plastic fibers like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex – are currently the backbone of sectors like the fast fashion industry. However, the increasing circulation of plastic-based materials is posing a great risk to our health and the planet. 

The production of synthetic fibers generates a huge environmental footprint, accounting for  1.35% of global oil consumption. Shockingly, it’s estimated an Olympic pool’s worth of crude oil is consumed every 25 minutes to keep up with our demand for synthetic clothing. 

Synthetic materials shed microplastics that seep into the environment during production, use, and disposal. Approximately 200,000 – 500,000 tonnes of microfibers from textile waste are unleashed into the ocean each year, with harmful microplastic debris infiltrating just about every place on earth.

Sustainable Fabrics Can Benefit Your Health

As we continue to navigate our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the impact that the clothes we wear have on our health. But, did you know that the fabrics we choose to put on our bodies can affect our skin, fertility, and even contribute to long-term health problems?

What’s more, synthetic fibers are often made with a mix of highly toxic chemicals, which can cause many health and environmental problems. Take polyester, for example. Wearing the world’s most popular fabric against your skin can cause certain types of cancers, skin issues, respiratory infections, and even fertility issues and reproductive disorders.

By opting for more sustainable, low-impact, non-toxic fabrics, we can reduce our toxin exposure and positively impact our health.

How Recycled Synthetic Fibers Can Be Sustainable Fabrics

Plastic bottles. Fishing nets. Textile scraps. 

Many brands are opting to rebuild post-industrial and post-consumer synthetic waste into recycled fabrics. 

On the one hand, recycled synthetic fibers are a great sustainable fabric because it keeps plastic waste in circulation rather than ending up landfills and harming the environment. 

Manufacturing synthetic fibers uses far fewer resources and produce a lower carbon footprint compared to virgin plastic. In fact, producing recycled polyester (rPET) uses 59% less energy than virgin polyester. 

The bad news? Recycled synthetic fibers still cause microplastic pollution and cannot biodegrade when disposed of. 

Plus, there is no guarantee that recycled materials are completely toxic-free, with a study by Brunel University London showing recycled PET plastic containing higher levels of hormone disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) compared to virgin PET.  

If in doubt, look out for recycled sustainable fabrics with certifications such as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® which confirms that the material is free from substances that could potentially harm your health and the planet. 

A Buyer’s Guide For The 8 Best Sustainable Fabrics

Below is a list of our top 8 most sustainable fabrics that we’ve rated on our sustainability scale from 1-5, 5 being the most sustainable option and 1 meaning least sustainable.

1. Piñatex

Piñatex is an ethical leather alternative made from discarded pineapple leaves. Luxuriously soft, durable, and lightweight, Piñatex has a very low environmental impact and supports local pineapple farmers to earn a living wage.

Typically Used In: clothing, accessories, soft furnishings, automotive applications

Brands that use Piñatex: Immaculate Vegan, Wolf and Badger, Hozen

Fabric Care: use natural wax for leather goods and wash clothing by hand

Longevity: can last for a number of years if properly cared for

Cost: mostly affordable

2. TENCEL™ Lyocell

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a naturally soft and durable eco-friendly fabric made from sustainably sourced wood, a 100% renewable and raw material. TENCEL™ Lyocell follows an environmentally-friendly closed-loop production process, is non-toxic, and is more hygienic than other fabrics because it’s so breathable.

Typically Used In: activewear, workwear, denim, shoes, underwear, home decor, bedding

Brands that use TENCEL™ Lyocell: Gap, Organic Basics, Sijo Home

Fabric Care: hand wash or machine at low temperature

Longevity: very durable, should last a long time

Cost: can be more expensive due to specific production technology

3. Organic Linen

Organic Linen is made from flax plants, an ancient sustainable fiber that is 100% renewable and doesn’t require any pesticides or fertilizers. Ideal for hot and cold climates, organic linen becomes softer with every wash so it’s guaranteed to last you a long time! 

Note: Not all linen is manufactured sustainably and ethically so be sure to look out for linen that is certified organic. 

Typically Used In: bedding, kitchen textiles, clothing, soft furnishings

Brands that use Organic Linen: Coyuchi, CB2

Fabric Care: hand wash or wash on a low temperature (preferably cold wash with a mild detergent)

Longevity: can last for many years if cared for properly

Cost: expensive

4. Organic Cotton

If you’re looking for a sustainable fabric that is high-quality and affordable, then try organic cotton! Organic cotton farming and production work with nature rather than against it, maintaining healthy soils, saving water, and avoiding harmful chemicals and pesticides. 

Note: When brands say “organic” make sure claims are backed up by credible sustainable certifications.

Typically Used In: clothing, soft furnishings, bedding, beauty products, diapers

Brands that use Organic Cotton: Pact Clothing, Target, Everlane

Fabric Care: machine washable, avoid high temperatures

Longevity: lasts a long time if cared for properly

Cost: mostly affordable

5. Organic Hemp

Hemp is one of the oldest fabrics in human history. Durable and versatile, Hemp has a high tensile strength compared to other materials such as cotton and its quality improves with every wash. Hemp grows quickly, requires little water, and is chemical-free and pesticide-free. 

Note: Chemicals can be used during the processing stage so look out for natural dyes and certified organic labels.

Typically Used In: clothing, shoes, bedding, swimwear, soft furnishings, paper, insulation

Brands that use Organic Hemp: Rawganique, Eileen Fisher, Hemptique, Back Beat

Fabric Care: machine washable on a gentle cycle or hand wash

Longevity: can last for decades if cared for properly

Cost: expensive

6. Econyl®

From old carpets to fishing nets, Econyl transforms pre-consumer and post-consumer waste into a strong and versatile sustainable fabric. Econyl is free from substances that harm human health and is just as durable as virgin nylon but without the colossal environmental footprint! 

Typically Used In: form-fitting clothing (e.g. activewear, swimwear, and underwear), bags, carpets, ropes, lines

Brands that use Econyl®: Fisch, Evarae, Leonessa Lingerie, Norba

Fabric Care: machine washable, avoid high temperatures, air dry

Longevity: can last for many years if cared for properly

Cost: mostly affordable

7. Bananatex®

Bananatex® is one of the world’s strongest sustainable fabrics made from 100% natural fibers. Using the part of the Abacá banana plant that would otherwise go to waste, Abacá is completely self-sufficient, requires no pesticides or extra water, and contributes to reforestation and the financial security of farming communities. 

Typically Used In: bags, clothing (e.g. lingerie, dresses, blouses), paper goods, sanitary products, car tires, mats, bins

Brands that use Bananatex®: Charlotta Aman, Inuikii, QWSTION

Fabric Care: hand wash or machine wash on a cool cycle

Longevity: very durable; banana fiber currency notes can last up to 100 years!

Cost: more expensive

8. REPREVE®

REPREVE® keeps trash out of landfills by converting plastic bottles and post-industrial waste into a flexible and high-performing sustainable fabric. An eco-friendly alternative to virgin polyester, REPREVE® is certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD and the Global Recycling Standard to protect human health and the planet. 

Typically Used In: clothing, shoes, home decor, industrial, automotive

Brands that use REPREVE®: TOMS, GUESS, MARA HOFFMAN, H20M, VITAMIN A

Fabric Care: machine washable on a low temperature

Longevity: can last for years if cared for properly

Cost: mostly affordable

Final Thoughts On Sustainable Fabrics 

So there you have it! Our guide to some of the best sustainable fabrics in circulation right now.  

It feels as though unsustainable fabrics have crept into almost every corner of modern life. As a global society, we have become especially reliant on cheap synthetic materials which are proving to be bad news for our health and the planet. 

But all is not lost! 

Over the last few years, many sustainable fashion brands are putting their skills to the test and finding creative ways to use sustainable fabrics, from plant-based fibers to recycled materials. 

So when you next go to buy a product, make sure to keep in mind this guide to sustainable fabrics. Why? Because choosing sustainable fabrics is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the environment. 

Be sure to check out our guide to Affordable Sustainable Clothing to learn about some of the many sustainable brands that are successfully using sustainable fabrics for a brighter future.