Sustainable Fabrics 101: What to Look for When Shopping Green

Sustainable fashion starts with the right materials. If you’re wondering what makes a fabric eco-friendly, here’s your quick guide to the best options.

1. Organic Cotton
Unlike conventional cotton, which uses 16% of the world's pesticides, organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals. It's softer, breathable, and biodegradable—a win for both you and the planet.

2. Tencel (Lyocell)
Tencel, made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, is a game-changer. Its closed-loop production process recycles 99% of the water and solvents used. The fabric is breathable, silky soft, and biodegradable—no wonder it's a Purple Potato favorite!

3. Recycled Denim
Denim is notorious for water consumption, but recycled denim changes the game. Brands are now repurposing old jeans into new ones, cutting water use by up to 90%. Plus, they look just as cool.

4. Hemp
Hemp grows quickly, needs little water, and enriches the soil—earning its title as the "miracle crop." It’s durable, naturally antibacterial, and softens beautifully over time.

5. Bamboo (but watch out!)
While bamboo sounds eco-friendly, its production can be chemical-heavy unless it’s processed mechanically (look for "bamboo linen"). When done right, it’s breathable, soft, and biodegradable.

What to Avoid:
Steer clear of fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon—all petroleum-based and shedding microplastics. Even "recycled polyester" is better but still releases tiny fibers.

By choosing better fabrics, you’re not just dressing well—you’re voting for a greener planet. Next time you shop, check the label—your choices matter!