How to Identify Non-Eco-Friendly Fabrics + Textiles to Avoid

Eco-friendly fashion is about making conscious choices that minimize harm to the planet and its people. While some materials may seem harmless or convenient, they often have hidden environmental costs. Understanding which textiles to avoid can help you make more sustainable decisions when building your wardrobe.

Why Some Materials Aren’t Eco-Friendly

Not all fabrics are created equal. Many common textiles have significant downsides, such as:

High energy and water usage during production.
Reliance on harmful chemicals that pollute ecosystems.
Difficulty decomposing, leading to long-term waste.

Let’s break down the worst offenders and why they don’t align with eco-friendly values.

Polyester: The King of Microplastics

Polyester is one of the most widely used fabrics, prized for its durability and low cost. However, it’s made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and comes with serious environmental consequences:

Microplastics: Every wash releases tiny plastic fibers into waterways, which harm marine life and enter the food chain.
High carbon footprint: Producing polyester generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Non-biodegradability: Polyester garments can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.

If you already own polyester items, consider reducing their environmental impact by washing them with a microplastic-catching bag or filter.

Related reading:

10 Easy Steps to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe

Conventional Cotton: Not as Natural as It Seems

Cotton has a reputation as a “natural” fabric, but conventional cotton farming is one of the most resource-intensive processes in the textile industry:

Water usage: It takes around 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt.
Pesticides and chemicals: Conventional cotton relies heavily on synthetic pesticides, which harm ecosystems and farmworkers’ health.
Soil degradation: Intensive cotton farming depletes soil nutrients, making land less fertile over time.

For an eco-friendly option, look for organic cotton, which avoids harmful chemicals and uses more sustainable farming methods.

Nylon: A Plastic Problem in Disguise

Nylon, commonly found in activewear and tights, shares many of the same issues as polyester:

Derived from fossil fuels, contributing to environmental degradation.
Energy-intensive production that releases greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide, which is much more potent than CO₂.
Non-biodegradable, adding to the growing problem of plastic waste.

Recycled nylon is a better alternative, but it’s still not a perfect solution. Prioritize more sustainable fabrics like hemp or bamboo-based materials.

Related reading:

10 Easy Steps to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe

Related reading:

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Tips for Building a Greener Wardrobe

Rayon (Viscose): Greenwashing in Action

Rayon, often marketed as a natural alternative to synthetic fabrics, is made from wood pulp. While this sounds eco-friendly, the production process is anything but:

Deforestation: Large areas of forests, including endangered ones, are cleared to produce rayon.
Chemical-heavy processing: Transforming wood into fabric requires hazardous chemicals that can harm workers and pollute waterways.
Weak durability: Rayon garments often don’t last long, leading to more frequent replacements and waste.

When shopping, beware of vague claims like “sustainable rayon” unless they are backed by certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Acrylic: Cheap but Costly for the Planet

Acrylic is a synthetic fiber often used for sweaters, scarves, and blankets due to its warmth and affordability. However, its downsides outweigh the benefits:

Toxic chemicals: Manufacturing acrylic involves the use of acrylonitrile, a hazardous chemical that poses risks to workers and the environment.
Microplastics: Like polyester and nylon, acrylic sheds plastic fibers during washing.
Lack of biodegradability: Acrylic garments contribute to long-term waste in landfills.

Opt for natural, biodegradable alternatives like wool or organic cotton when possible.

Related reading:

10 Easy Steps to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe

Related reading:

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Tips for Building a Greener Wardrobe

Related reading:

5 Steps to Transitioning Your Closet to Sustainable Fashion

Leather: Ethical and Environmental Concerns

Leather has long been valued for its durability and luxury, but its production raises serious ethical and environmental issues:

Deforestation: Expanding cattle ranches for leather often involves clearing forests, particularly in the Amazon.
Toxic tanning process: Traditional leather tanning uses chromium and other chemicals that pollute water and harm tannery workers.
Animal welfare: Leather production contributes to the exploitation and suffering of animals.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives, consider plant-based leathers made from materials like pineapple leaves, cork, or mushrooms.

What About Blended Fabrics?

Blended fabrics, such as cotton-polyester mixes, combine the drawbacks of both materials. These textiles are also nearly impossible to recycle because separating the fibers is technically and economically challenging. Avoid blends whenever possible to ensure easier recycling or biodegradability.

Tips for Choosing Sustainable Fabrics

Now that you know what to avoid, here are some eco-friendly fabric options to consider:

Related reading:

10 Easy Steps to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe

Related reading:

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Tips for Building a Greener Wardrobe

Related reading:

5 Steps to Transitioning Your Closet to Sustainable Fashion

Related reading:

How to Create a Minimalist, Eco-Conscious Wardrobe

Hemp and linen: Durable, biodegradable, and require minimal water and pesticides.
Organic cotton: Grown without synthetic chemicals, making it safer for the environment and farmers.
Tencel (Lyocell): Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp with a closed-loop production process that recycles water and chemicals.
Recycled fibers: Materials like recycled polyester or wool give new life to waste.

When shopping, look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX to ensure the fabric meets eco-friendly criteria.

Final Thoughts

Building an eco-friendly wardrobe starts with informed choices. Avoiding textiles like polyester, conventional cotton, nylon, and acrylic can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Instead, prioritize sustainable alternatives and support brands that align with your values. Remember, every small step toward conscious fashion contributes to a healthier planet.

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