1. Tencel™ Lyocell
A brand name for a type of lyocell, this fabric is a fan favorite for its silky-smooth feel and beautiful drape. It's a semi-synthetic fiber made from the wood pulp of sustainably managed trees, often eucalyptus. The production process is a standout feature;
it operates in a "closed-loop" system that recycles over 99% of the water and non-toxic solvents used, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
2. Organic Cotton
Unlike conventional cotton, which is a notoriously thirsty and pesticide-heavy crop, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To be certified organic, the land must be free of prohibited substances for at least three years, promoting healthier soil, cleaner water, and safer conditions for farm workers.
3. Recycled Polyester (rPET)
Often abbreviated as rPET, this material gives plastic a second life. It’s primarily made from post-consumer plastic bottles that are cleaned, shredded, and melted down into pellets. These pellets are then extruded into new polyester fibers. It’s a popular choice for outerwear and activewear, as it diverts plastic from landfills and oceans and has a lower carbon footprint than virgin polyester.
4. ECONYL®
ECONYL® is a specific brand of regenerated nylon that’s become a go-to for swimwear and sportswear brands. It’s made entirely from nylon waste that would otherwise pollute the Earth, such as discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps from mills, and old carpets. The waste is collected, cleaned, and purified back to its original quality, creating a fiber that's identical to virgin nylon without using new petroleum resources.
5. Deadstock Fabric
Think of deadstock as designer leftovers. These are high-quality, unused fabrics that a fashion house or textile mill has left over after a collection is produced. Reasons for surplus include over-ordering, last-minute design changes, or discontinued colors. By using deadstock, designers rescue beautiful materials from landfills and create limited-edition pieces.
6. Monomaterial
A product described as "monomaterial" is made from a single type of fiber. For example, a jacket where the shell, lining, thread, and even zipper tape are all polyester. This design approach is crucial for circularity because it makes recycling vastly simpler. Blended fabrics are notoriously difficult to separate and recycle, but monomaterial items can be processed whole.
7. GOTS Certified
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world's leading certification for organic textiles. A GOTS label ensures that the fabric contains a minimum percentage of certified organic fibers (either 70% or 95%) and that every step of the production process—from processing to manufacturing—meets strict environmental and social criteria. This includes rules on chemical use, wastewater treatment, and fair labor practices.
8. Cupro
Often called "vegan silk" for its luxurious feel, cupro is a regenerated cellulose fabric made from a waste product of cotton production. It's derived from cotton linter, the ultra-fine, silky fibers that stick to the seeds after ginning and are typically too small to be spun. Though its production involves chemicals, it is often done in a closed-loop system that recycles the water and solvents.
9. Piñatex®
An innovative, natural alternative to leather, Piñatex is made from the cellulose fibers extracted from pineapple leaves. These leaves are a byproduct of the existing pineapple harvest, meaning they don't require additional land, water, or pesticides to produce. The leaf fibers are felted into a non-woven substrate that can be used for bags, shoes, and clothing.
10. Hemp
One of the oldest and most sustainable fibers, hemp is a durable, fast-growing plant that requires very little water and no pesticides to cultivate. It also enriches the soil it grows in. As a fabric, hemp is breathable, strong, and softens with each wash, making it a rugged yet comfortable choice for everything from T-shirts to workwear.
11. Linen
Derived from the flax plant, linen is another ancient fiber prized for its sustainability and performance. The flax plant can grow in poor soil and requires little water or pesticides. Every part of the plant can be used, minimizing waste. The resulting fabric is lightweight, highly breathable, and absorbent, making it perfect for warm weather.
12. Circularity
Circularity, or a circular economy, is a model of production and consumption that designs out waste and pollution. In fashion, this means creating products that can be maintained, reused, repaired, and eventually recycled or biodegraded to regenerate natural systems. It's the opposite of the linear "take-make-waste" model.
13. Bluesign® Approved
Bluesign is a standard for environmental health and safety in textile manufacturing. A "Bluesign Approved" fabric means that it was created with the highest degree of safety for the consumer, with minimal impact on people and the environment, and using responsible resources. It audits the entire production process to eliminate harmful substances from the very beginning.
14. Undyed Fabric
This term refers to fabric left in its natural, uncolored state. Conventional dyeing processes can be water- and chemical-intensive. By skipping the dyeing stage, brands reduce their use of water, energy, and chemicals, resulting in a product with a lower environmental footprint. The aesthetic is often a soft, natural off-white or cream.
15. Post-Consumer Waste
This refers to waste material from a product that has been used and discarded by a consumer. The most common example in fashion is recycled polyester made from used plastic water bottles. Using post-consumer waste gives a second life to materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
16. Pre-Consumer Waste
Also known as post-industrial waste, this is material that is discarded before it ever reaches the consumer. Examples include fabric scraps from the cutting room floor, leftover yarn from weaving, or rejected materials from the mill. ECONYL® uses both pre- and post-consumer waste in its recycled nylon.
17. Bananatex®
Bananatex® is a durable, waterproof, and plastic-free fabric made entirely from the fibers of the Abacá banana plant. These plants are cultivated in the Philippines within a natural ecosystem, requiring no pesticides or extra water. Developed by the Swiss bag brand QWSTION, this material is strong yet flexible and fully biodegradable.
18. Bio-based Polymer
This is a broad category for plastics and fibers that are derived from renewable biological sources like corn starch, sugarcane, or plant oils, instead of petroleum. These materials are gaining traction as alternatives to conventional synthetics like polyester and nylon because they reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a common example.
19. SeaCell™
SeaCell™ is a branded fiber, similar to Tencel™ Lyocell, but with a unique twist. It's produced by embedding finely ground seaweed into a cellulose fiber. The production process is a closed-loop, solvent-spinning method that is eco-friendly. The resulting fabric is soft, breathable, and proponents claim the seaweed's proximity to skin can transfer nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
