Oh, organic cotton! If there’s one fabric that’s truly been a game-changer for me, it’s this one. I remember finding my first organic cotton tee at a tiny, independent boutique in Kensington Market years ago. It felt different – softer, yes, but also sturdier, with a subtle texture that just screamed "quality." What I love about it is that it’s grown without harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs, which is so much better for the soil, the water, and the farmers themselves. It’s breathable, comfortable, and incredibly versatile. My favorite everyday tank tops, my comfy sleepwear, and even some of my denim pieces are organic cotton. It ages beautifully, softens with every wash (especially when air-dried on my little balcony in the summer), and just feels inherently good to wear.
Linen is my summer love affair, hands down. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a breezy linen dress on a sweltering Toronto day, especially when you’re navigating the TTC or strolling through Trinity Bellwoods Park. Derived from the flax plant, linen requires minimal water and pesticides to grow. It’s incredibly strong, absorbent, and naturally antibacterial, which is a huge bonus for active city life. Yes, it wrinkles – gloriously so! – and that’s part of its charm. I have a couple of linen shirts and a pair of wide-leg trousers that I’ve practically lived in for years. They get softer and more beautiful with each passing season, truly becoming part of my story.
Now, these are some clever fibres! TENCEL? is a brand name for lyocell and modal fibres from the Austrian company Lenzing. They're derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, typically eucalyptus or beech, and produced using a "closed-loop" system. This means that up to 99% of the water and solvents used in processing are recovered and reused, dramatically reducing waste. The first time I felt a TENCEL? top, I was blown away. It has this incredible silky drape, feels super soft against the skin, and is incredibly breathable – perfect for those humid Toronto summers when you still want to look put-together. It’s a fantastic alternative to silk if you’re looking for something vegan and more sustainable. I have a few TENCEL? blouses that are absolute workhorses in my wardrobe.
Hemp often gets overlooked, but it's a true sustainability superstar. Similar to linen, it comes from the fast-growing hemp plant, which requires very little water, no pesticides, and even enriches the soil it grows in. It’s also incredibly durable and gets softer with wear, much like a good pair of jeans. I have a fantastic structured tote bag made from hemp canvas that I use for my trips to the St. Lawrence Market, and a couple of blend pieces (hemp and organic cotton) that are surprisingly comfortable. It’s not always the softest right off the bat, but give it time, and you'll be rewarded with a garment that will last you ages.
This is a bit of a nuanced one, but important. While virgin polyester and nylon are definitely on my "avoid" list due to their reliance on fossil fuels and microplastic shedding, recycled versions offer a much better alternative. They give new life to plastic waste (think old water bottles or fishing nets), diverting it from landfills and oceans. I'm a big fan of recycled polyester for activewear – my running leggings and some of my lighter jackets are made from it. The key here is to wash these items in a Guppyfriend washing bag to catch microplastics and to ensure they are high-quality pieces that will last. It's not perfect, but it's a significant step up from virgin synthetics.
While cotton itself is a natural fibre, conventional cotton farming is incredibly resource-intensive. It uses a staggering amount of water and relies heavily on pesticides, which can devastate ecosystems and harm farming communities. I used to buy conventional cotton without a second thought, but once I learned about the impact, it quickly became a fabric I try to avoid unless it's thrifted or vintage. The contrast with organic cotton's impact is stark.
Understanding sustainable fabrics has completely transformed how I shop. Now, I always check the label before buying anything. I look for natural, organic, or recycled materials, and I research brands to understand their production practices.
It's not about being perfect – I still own pieces made from less sustainable materials, and that's okay. It's about making more informed choices moving forward and gradually building a wardrobe that reflects my values.
If you're just starting to learn about sustainable fabrics, don't feel overwhelmed. Start by familiarizing yourself with a few key materials, and go from there. Every conscious choice counts.
What's your favorite sustainable fabric? I'd love to hear in the comments!
Choose wisely, wear proudly!
XOXO,
Emma Chen
This category can be a real head-scratcher because it's derived from wood pulp, which sounds natural, right? However, the conventional production process for viscose (and rayon, modal that isn't TENCEL™ branded, and bamboo viscose) often involves harsh chemicals like carbon disulfide. These chemicals are toxic to workers and pollute local ecosystems. While bamboo itself is a sustainable plant, if it's processed into "bamboo viscose" or "bamboo rayon," it often undergoes the same chemically intensive process as regular viscose. I'm cautious with these unless they're specifically TENCEL™ branded or from a brand that's transparent about using closed-loop, less harmful production methods.
These are the big ones to avoid when possible. Virgin polyester, nylon, and acrylic are all petroleum-based, meaning they're derived from fossil fuels. Their production is energy-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, when you wash synthetic garments, they shed microplastics – tiny plastic fibres that end up in our waterways and oceans, harming marine life and eventually entering our food chain. I used to own so many acrylic sweaters, and now I understand why they always felt a bit "off" and pilled so quickly. They're just not built to last, and their environmental cost is high.
So, how do you actually put this knowledge into practice? Here's my approach:
When I'm shopping, here's my mental checklist, in order of preference:
I want to be clear: I'm not perfect. My closet still has pieces made from less-than-ideal fabrics, and that's okay. Sustainable fashion isn't about achieving perfection overnight; it's about making more informed, conscious choices moving forward. Every time you choose a garment made from a better fabric, you're voting with your wallet for a more sustainable industry.
Start small. Maybe your next t-shirt is organic cotton instead of conventional. Maybe you choose a TENCEL™ dress over a polyester one. These small shifts add up, creating real change over time.
Understanding fabrics has been one of the most empowering parts of my sustainable fashion journey. It's given me the tools to make choices that align with my values, and I hope it does the same for you.
What's your favorite sustainable fabric? Have you discovered any amazing brands that prioritize ethical materials? I'd love to hear your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!
Here's to building wardrobes that feel good, look good, and do good.
With love and intention,
Emma 🌿