What Fabrics Work Best for Sustainable Fashion Collections?

Close up image of recyclable cotton fabric

As the fashion industry continues to embrace eco-conscious practices, designers and brands are making fabric choices that align with sustainability objectives. Consumers, too, are listening more carefully, not only asking how something looks, but what it was made of, where it originated and what its impact is.

If you’re creating a sustainable fashion collection, the fabrics you use can have a significant impact on your environmental footprint, brand story, and product quality. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best fabrics for sustainable fashion, how to understand their environmental credentials and what to look for when choosing a reputable textile partner.

What Qualifies as a Sustainable Fabric?

Close up image of a green cotton fabric

But before we get to the fabrics, we need to define what makes a textile “sustainable.” Although some of these terms can have different implications based on context, there are a few principles that most experts are in agreement with.
These values take into account not only the fabric, but its life cycle from raw material through production to use and end-of-life. Let’s see what the five key factors are that make a fabric really sustainable, and how you’ll recognize them when you’re selecting fabrics for your collection.

1. Low Environmental Impact

A close up image of various types of fabrics

A sustainable fabric is one that places less stress on natural resources like water, land and energy. The goal is to use materials and processes that use fewer inputs and produce fewer waste and pollution. For example, fabrics like lyocell require much less water than conventional cotton, and are produced in closed bodies of water that recycle the resources. This way, the carbon emissions are reduced and essential resources for future generations are saved.

Environmental impact assessment: Brands often use certifications such as
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which ensures that the fabrics are tested for harmful substances and are manufactured in environmentally responsible conditions.
Another helpful label is Bluesign® which indicates that the production process as a whole has been certified to meet stringent environmental and safety requirements.
By selecting fabrics that carry these certifications, you can be assured that the material is less harmful to the environment and is in line with sustainable practices.

2. Responsible Manufacturing Standards

A close up image of a fabric manufacturing plant

True sustainability is not only concerned with caring for the planet, but the people who make our fabrics. Ethical production means workers are paid fairly, work in safe conditions and earn a living wage.
Unfortunately, many fast fashion supply chains still rely on poor labor practices, where workers live and work in unsafe conditions with limited pay. By supporting brands that prioritize ethical manufacturing practices, you can have a positive impact on the industry.

Certifications such as Fairtrade Textile Standard and SA8000 are good indicators that labor practices are meeting international standards for social responsibility. Further, suppliers who are members of organizations like the Fair Wear Foundation are dedicated to transparency and accountability as it relates to labor policies.
For brands, supply chain certification is a way to ensure that sustainability addresses both the environment and human rights.

3. Recycled Sources

Closeup image of a brown recyclable fabric

Fabrics that are made from renewable resources or recycled waste are more sustainable. Hemp, bamboo, or eucalyptus trees are just a few examples of renewables that grow fast and use fewer pesticides, less land and very little water to live.
Crops such as conventional cotton have a negative environmental impact, which makes it an inherently green option. Renewable resources also have the quality of regeneration, which means they can be used over and over again without depleting the environment.

Sustainable sources, by contrast, give new life to waste. A good example of this is recycled polyester (rPET), which is made from waste plastic bottles or post-consumer waste. Since virgin oil is not used, rPET saves landfill and energy.
Certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) can help you to ensure that the fabrics are actually being made from recycled material. This transparency helps to build trust among brands and consumers alike that the material is being responsibly sourced.

4. Non-Toxic Processing

A woman cutting a brown nontoxic fabric

Many fabrics, even natural ones, have chemical-intensive processes which release toxins into the environment. For instance, traditional viscose is made with carbon disulfide, a toxic chemical which is dangerous to the environment and the health of workers.
Sustainable fabrics are those that don’t fall into these issues, due to cleaner, non-toxic, or closed-loop processing. Lyocell is the exception here because 99% of the chemicals in its solvent system are reused, reducing waste and pollution.

To ensure that you are wearing fabrics that are safe to wear, look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX® Made in Green, which ensures that not only are fabrics safe to wear, but also that they are made by environmentally friendly factories.
The other is Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) compliance, which simply means that manufacturers practice a stringent chemical management process. By choosing fabrics that carry these guarantees, brands can be certain they’re providing a safe and sustainable fabric for both people and the environment.

5. Durability and Circularity

A close up image of various fabric options

Sustainability is not only about how a fabric is manufactured, but also how long it lasts, and what happens at the end of its life. Quickly wearing out fabrics also means consumers have to buy more, continuing the cycle of overconsumption.
On the other hand, hard-wearing fabrics such as hemp and lyocell can be washed again and again without losing quality. The durability of their clothes means that they do not need to be replaced as often.

Circularity, which means a fabric can be brought back into the system at the end of its life, either recycled or composted. Fabrics that receive the Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification are proven to be designed for safe reuse and/or natural biodegradation.
Some brands also use the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) which ensures organic content while covering the entire supply chain from processing to labeling. By selecting high-quality and circular fabrics, brands can create collections that make a real impact and contribute to building a sustainable and closed-loop fashion ecosystem.

Best Eco Friendly Fabrics for Sustainable Fashion Collections

Here are some of the best fabrics that designers and brands are opting for when it comes to low impact, high-quality fashion lines:

1. Lyocell (TENCEL™)

A close up image of Lyocell fabric

Lyocell, sometimes called TENCEL™ is one of the most sustainable fabrics around today. It is made from wood pulp that comes from trees like eucalyptus, beech or spruce that grow quickly and do not need pesticides.
What’s unique about lyocell is that it’s made using a closed-loop production system, which means that nearly all the water and solvents used in the process are recovered and reused. Lyocell is also one of the most environmentally friendly textiles available in the fashion industry, with a very low waste production process.

Lyocell not only has green credentials, it also performs beautifully in everyday use. It’s soft, breathable like cotton, wrinkle-free, hypoallergenic and biodegradable. It’s a favorite fabric for fashion brands because it can be used to make a wide range of casual basics, athleisure, and even luxury clothing.
Not only that, but it’s also used in bedsheets and towels by home textile manufacturers, because of its moisture-wicking properties. Suzhou Yanmao Textile Technology Co., Ltd. offers high-quality lyocell fabrics including custom blends that provide stretch or wrinkle resistance, providing brands with more creative freedom.

2. Organic Cotton

A close up image of organic cotton fabric

Another fabric that is popular for sustainable fashion is organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown more naturally and free from pesticides as well as synthetic fertilizers like conventional cotton.
This helps to reduce the damage to the soil, local ecosystems and farmers. Even if organic cotton requires a bit more water than lyocell, it is still a thousand times less harmful than traditional cotton farming practices.

Organic cotton also feels soft and breathable and is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s ideal for T-shirts, denim, loungewear and baby wear. It is durable enough that it can be worn on a daily basis while still being comfortable and natural.
Brands can look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure that their products are made in a way that respects organic farming practices and fair labor standards. For companies that need sustainable cotton, organic cotton is a compromise between sustainability and comfort with their product.

3. Hemp

A close up image of hemp fabric

Hemp is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly crops in the world. It grows rapidly, needs very little water, and it builds up the soil instead of draining it. Unlike cotton, it does not require any pesticides or chemicals to grow, making it sustainable in nature. Grown in different locations, it can provide a high yield, versatile fabric that is renewable and does not have a negative impact on the environment.

When it comes to clothing, hemp is very durable and long-lasting. It is naturally antimicrobial, UV resistant, and gets softer with each wash for more comfortable wear. Hemp textiles are generally used for casual wear, workwear, and bags, and also as a blend with other fibers for a softer hand-feel. Its rough textured look also suits brands that like minimalist, eco-friendly or Bohemian types of design. With its organic makeup, hemp becomes a natural choice for designers who want a fabric that represents both strength and sustainability.

4. Recycled Polyester (rPET)

Close up image of recycled polyester fabric

Recycled polyester (RPET) is a form of polyester that is made from plastic bottles and other post-consumer waste materials. This process prevents plastic from landfills and oceans and limits the use of new petroleum-based polyester.
Even though rPET cannot be broken down, in the context of circular fashion systems where resources can be re-used instead of being discarded, rPET can play an important role. It is also more energy efficient than the process of making virgin polyester, resulting in a lower carbon footprint overall.

In textiles, RPET is being used for strength, moisture wicking and excellent color fastness. It’s used for outerwear, sportswear, linings and accessories. However, it doesn’t degrade naturally so it’s often used in blends with natural fibers such as lyocell or organic cotton. This mix is a perfect combination of strength with biodegradability. For brands that take plastic waste reduction seriously while still delivering performance, rPET is a great fabric option, especially when paired with responsible suppliers like Suzhou Yanmao, experts in sustainable fabric compositions.

Fabrics To Avoid

Close up image of various fabric options

Although many fabrics are popular, some fabrics do not fit the sustainable fashion ideal. What you need to watch out for is as follows:

Fabric	Why It’s Problematic
Conventional Polyester/Nylon	Non-renewable, non-biodegradable, petroleum based
Rayon/Viscose (standard)	Made from wood pulp but uses toxic chemicals (e.g. CS2)
Acrylic	High levels of pollution during production.
Fabric Blends (e.g., cotton-polyester)	Hard to recycle and ends up in landfill most of the time

If you use these materials, try to use low-impact certified varieties or recycled ones.

Why Partner with Suzhou Yanmao Textile Technology Co., Ltd.?

Close up image of a fabric company

Suzhou Yanmao is an experienced supplier of sustainable fabrics from lyocell, modal, bamboo, recycled polyester, and customized fabric blends since 2018. The company works closely with fast-fashion brands and boutique designers alike to deliver certifiably trusted, high quality fabric solutions with flexible sourcing options.

Highlights:

• High emphasis on sustainability and quality control
• Experience working with industry leading international brands
• Highly personalized weaving, finishing and dying services.
• Responsive team, fast delivery

Whether you’re introducing a capsule collection or expanding a comprehensive line, Suzhou Yanmao can guide you through the process of sourcing responsibly and making a meaningful impact on the world through sustainable materials.

Final Thought

The fabric is the starting point of sustainable fashion. By opting for options such as lyocell, organic cotton, rPET, or hemp, you can create collections that not only look good but also feel great and make a smaller impact on the environment.

By working with suppliers like Suzhou Yanmao Textile, you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability, and you can have the best of both worlds. Want to develop your next sustainable collection? So, if you are interested in incorporating smart and sustainable textiles into your next project, get in touch with Suzhou Yanmao Textile today.