As the years go by, most things get more expensive. If you’re lucky, your income rises with them. However, if there’s one thing that often bucks the trend, it’s clothing. As the years’ pass, it seems to get more affordable. How does that work? A major reason for this is sustainability. We’re no longer using as many sustainable and eco-friendly materials as we used to, and overseas production is bringing those costs down.
If you are ready to turn your back on polyester and other cheap materials that require a considerable amount of energy and resources to produce, then read on. Here are some great eco-friendly alternatives to consider.
Linen
Linen is not only an excellent option for bedding but for your clothing too. It’s made from a sustainable product, flax, and requires very little energy to manufacture. In fact, flax needs fewer pesticides, fertiliser, and water than cotton – making it a recyclable and compostable material with many benefits.
Bamboo
Who would have thought that a hard shoot could make soft, luxurious clothing? Bamboo clothing comes from the fast-growing bamboo plant. The fibres are soft, easy-care, and make lovely clothing that lasts the distance.
Bamboo is naturally disease-resistant, antibacterial, and odor-reducing. However, if you are going to focus your sustainability mission on bamboo, make sure you opt for the green bamboo clothing range. Toxic chemicals can often be used in the manufacturing process, but there are ways around that.
Hemp
If you’re looking for a sound option that allows you to turn your back on polyester and other synthetic materials for good, then hemp would be it. This natural material uses minimal fertiliser and pesticides and is also exceptionally versatile. You can turn it into shorts, shirts, pants, t-shirts, and almost any other garment you require.
Hemp fibres are strong, lightweight, and weather-resistant. They have about three-times the tensile strength of cotton and can also be blended with other fibres for durability.
Lyocell
When every second garment you see in your favourite clothing shop features largely synthetic products, it can get a little frustrating. Fortunately, there are materials such as lyocell on the market that can keep you on that path to sustainability.
Lyocell is a beautiful material that’s made from wood pulp. It doesn’t cause much pollution and is also a wrinkle-resistant fabric that requires minimal care.
Those who wear lyocell clothing swear by it for comfort and style. The fabric is smooth and soft, anti-bacterial, and has a touch of elasticity at the same time. It can also be used in a range of garments, meaning your wardrobe can be as broad and varied as it would be with humanmade materials.
It’s getting harder and harder to find clothing that has been made with natural materials. Due to the low costs of synthetic fabric and overseas production, polyester and other manmade fabrics are becoming the option of choice. Buck the trend and promote sustainability. Go looking for beautiful and natural clothing that has minimal impact on the environment. The quality will speak for itself.