Eco Friendly Clothing More Than Green It Is Fashionable

Not that long ago there was no such thing as eco friendly clothing and while it is still far from main stream it is at least something most of us are aware of if not wearing just yet.

There is nothing strange about the fabrics being used for eco fashions. Fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and soy are very beautiful, often soft, can be very easy to care for and are available in designs that don't shout hippie fashion anymore but are being designed in styles we all can love.

The biggest advantage though to eco friendly fabrics is the environmentally friendly way these crops are grown and the fibers processed and now it often involves more than just the fabrics themselves. More and more it includes concern for the people involved in growing and manufacturing clothing.

Fashion, No Friend To The Environment

Creating clothing is a very large fast paced industry that consumes huge quantities of materials and resources and until recently has paid little attention to those who make the clothing, how crops are grown, how synthetic materials are produced or the waste that is involved.

We are starting to see a shift in focus to being more eco friendly and ethical but many challenges lie ahead. Not only must the fashion industry make big changes but you and I must also be willing to change some of our buying habits. Learn more by visiting eco fashion.

Is Eco Friendly Clothing A Trend Or Is It Here To Stay?

I suppose that depends to a great extent on you and me and whether we will include eco clothing in our wardrobes and a few things should make it an easier choice.

# We have more fabric choices.
New and different fabrics are being used that lend themselves to a wider variety of styles. Large and small retail stores are starting to carry at least a few items made from eco friendly materials. It may take some looking but they are there. It's a start.

# There is more interest from designers.
More designers than ever are working with the new eco friendly fabrics and they have a bigger showcase as green fashions play a bigger part of Fashion Week each year.

# A wider variety of prices makes eco fashion more accessible.
It seems most would agree that eco clothing is more expensive but growing organically, treating workers fairly or creating fabrics in the most environmentally sensitive way costs more. In fact, I am suspicious if I find cheap clothing with a tag that says it's green or organic. I suspect that upon closer look these clothes are not as green as they claim.

If eco friendly clothing is in your future the next step is to learn about the different fabrics both natural and manmade that are being used and how to make sure that what you are buying is really green.

Eco Friendly Clothing Fabric Choices

Natural Fibers
Natural fibers that have been grown and then processed in environmentally responsible ways have the added benefit of being biodegradeable while synthetic materials are not.

Organic cotton
This soft easy to care for fabric is the most used and most popular of all the eco fabrics. There are no limits to it's use. It's being made into clothing of all kinds from underwear to jeans and is a popular choice for infant wear.

Hemp
Hemp has suffered from a poor reputation but new ways of working with it has created some surprising results. It works well on it's own but also when blended with other fabric yarns. It offers quite a bit of versatility, making this fabric an eco friendly fashion choice worth considering.

Bamboo
This is a new environmentally friendly fabric and one of the softest. It is fast growing and needs little care so there is great interest in using it. For relaxed style you can't beat bamboo.

SoyAnother soft fabric that makes a good choice for baby clothes, yoga wear and pajamas.



Manmade Fibers
Tencel
This fiber is created by taking wood pulp and processing it to make fabric. Manufacturers are working on improvements in processing that are making this a good option for eco friendly clothing while giving us more flexibility to our clothing designs.

Eco Fi (originally called Eco Spun)
This fabric made from recycled plastic bottles is being used in clothing from fleece outerwear, sweaters, caps, totes and even t-shirts.


Recycled Fashion
Recycled Fashion When looking to build a greener wardrobe consider adding resale and recycled clothing. Both take advantage of materials and clothing that already exist but are given a new life while saving resources and energy over creating new. Resale is particularly fun. You can wear designer clothing yet pay so much less. It's also exciting to see what designers can do with factory remnants that were destined for the trash.

Being green.... wedding dress. Could be two separate subjects but then again maybe not. Women willing to part with their wedding dress once they have worn it provide a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to wear something beautiful, be green (something that already exists is the greenest choice) and enjoy some savings. Check out some great ideas for used wedding dresses from Carbon Footprint Defined.

 Eco-Friendly Clothing: More Than Green, It Is Fashionable

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards sustainability and eco-conscious living. This transformation has extended into the fashion industry, where consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally friendly clothing options. Eco-friendly clothing is no longer seen as a niche market; it has become a mainstream trend that combines style with sustainability. In this article, we will explore the world of eco-friendly fashion, discuss its importance, highlight the benefits, and address common questions about sustainable clothing.

Section 1: Understanding Eco-Friendly Clothing

1.1 What is Eco-Friendly Clothing?

Eco-friendly clothing, also known as sustainable or green clothing, is created with a strong commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. It focuses on using sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and eco-conscious design principles to reduce harm to the planet and its inhabitants.

1.2 Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly clothing relies on materials that are renewable, biodegradable, or produced with minimal environmental impact. Common sustainable materials include organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, bamboo, and recycled fabrics like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) from plastic bottles.

1.3 Ethical Manufacturing

Beyond materials, sustainable fashion prioritizes ethical manufacturing practices. This involves fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible labor practices throughout the supply chain. Brands committed to sustainability often support fair trade and ethical certifications.

Section 2: The Importance of Eco-Friendly Clothing

2.1 Reducing Environmental Impact

The fashion industry is known for its heavy environmental footprint, including water pollution, excessive waste, and carbon emissions. Eco-friendly clothing aims to mitigate these effects by using sustainable materials and reducing waste through recycling and upcycling.

2.2 Preserving Natural Resources

The fashion industry consumes vast amounts of water and resources. Sustainable fashion seeks to reduce the pressure on natural resources by promoting eco-conscious practices like organic farming and water-efficient dyeing techniques.

2.3 Ethical Considerations

Eco-friendly clothing addresses not only environmental concerns but also ethical ones. It raises awareness about fair labor practices, workers' rights, and the impact of exploitative labor in the fashion industry. By supporting ethical brands, consumers can contribute to positive change.

Section 3: Benefits of Eco-Friendly Clothing

3.1 Environmental Benefits

Reduced Pollution: Sustainable fashion reduces the release of harmful chemicals and dyes into waterways, minimizing water pollution.

Lower Carbon Footprint: Sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing processes lead to a lower carbon footprint.

Conservation of Resources: Eco-friendly clothing promotes responsible resource management and reduces overconsumption.

3.2 Health Benefits

Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Conventional clothing often contains chemical residues from pesticides and synthetic dyes. Eco-friendly clothing minimizes exposure to these chemicals.

Allergen Reduction: Natural, organic fibers used in sustainable clothing are less likely to cause skin irritations or allergies.

3.3 Ethical Benefits

Support for Fair Labor: Purchasing eco-friendly clothing supports brands that uphold fair labor practices and workers' rights.

Conscious Consumerism: Sustainable fashion encourages mindful consumption and aligns with ethical consumer choices.

Section 4: Common Questions About Eco-Friendly Clothing

4.1 Is eco-friendly clothing more expensive?

While eco-friendly clothing can sometimes come with a higher upfront cost, it's essential to consider the long-term benefits. Sustainable clothing is often of higher quality, more durable, and less likely to need frequent replacement, potentially saving money in the long run. Additionally, as demand for sustainable fashion grows, price differentials are narrowing.

4.2 How can I identify eco-friendly clothing brands?

Look for certifications and labels that indicate a brand's commitment to sustainability, such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, or B Corp certification. Also, research a brand's mission, transparency, and sustainability practices on its website and through customer reviews.

4.3 Are there eco-friendly options for all clothing types?

Yes, eco-friendly options are available for various clothing types, including casual wear, activewear, formal attire, and accessories. Sustainable brands offer a wide range of products, from everyday basics to high-end fashion.

4.4 What can I do to make my wardrobe more eco-friendly?

Start by evaluating your current wardrobe and identifying items you no longer need. Consider donating or selling clothing in good condition. When shopping, choose eco-friendly brands, buy secondhand, and prioritize quality over quantity. By making conscious choices, you can gradually transform your wardrobe into a more sustainable one.

4.5 Is eco-friendly clothing only for certain demographics?

No, eco-friendly clothing is inclusive and accessible to people of all demographics. Sustainable fashion brands offer a wide range of styles, sizes, and price points to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

Eco-friendly clothing is not just a passing trend; it is a movement that aligns fashion with environmental and ethical consciousness. By choosing sustainable clothing options, consumers can reduce their environmental footprint, support ethical labor practices, and contribute to a healthier, more responsible fashion industry. The shift towards eco-friendly fashion is a step towards a more sustainable future where style and ethics coexist harmoniously.