A Guide to Sustainable Fabrics: Eco-Friendly Clothing Choices
Key Takeaways:
-
Sustainable fabrics are produced with lower water use, fewer chemicals, and more responsible labor practices.
-
Choosing eco-friendly fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, and TENCEL™ helps reduce long-term environmental impact.
-
Looking for clear fiber content, credible certifications, and transparent manufacturing is the easiest way to spot low-impact clothing.
At tasc Performance, we’ve always believed comfort and sustainability should go hand in hand. When fabrics are renewable, responsibly produced, and built to last, you end up with clothing that performs better in daily life and leaves a lighter footprint.
Read on to learn about the most trusted sustainable fabrics, how they’re made, and what makes them worth choosing.
What Makes a Fabric Sustainable?
A fabric earns the “sustainable” label when it comes from renewable resources, is produced with minimal environmental impact, and supports ethical labor practices.
It’s a simple definition with massive implications, especially when you consider that the fashion industry contributes 10% of global carbon emissions each year. Choosing eco-friendly fibers isn’t just a preference anymore; it’s one of the most effective ways consumers can encourage the industry to adopt lower waste, cleaner water, and improved working conditions.
Sustainable fabrics typically check a handful of boxes: they’re renewable, require fewer chemicals, conserve water, avoid toxic processing, hold up over time, and break down more responsibly at the end of their lifecycle.
What Are the Main Types of Sustainable Fabrics?
Eco-friendly fabrics come in many forms, each offering its own environmental upside and comfort advantage. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sustainable materials and what makes each one stand out:
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton skips synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, relying on farming methods that preserve soil health and support biodiversity. It uses 91% less water than conventional cotton, and organic farms show 80% more butterflies and bees in surrounding ecosystems.
For everyday shirts and active basics, organic cotton also wins on skin comfort. It’s soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Bamboo Viscose and Bamboo Linen
Bamboo is a fast-renewing resource that grows without pesticides or fertilizers and regenerates quickly after harvesting.
Bamboo viscose is created from bamboo pulp and is known for being soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally antibacterial. Bamboo linen takes it a step further with mechanical (not chemical) processing, making it an even more sustainable option when available.
|
|
|
Stadium French Terry Hoodie |
TENCEL™, Lyocell, and Micromodal
TENCEL™/Lyocell is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (typically eucalyptus) using a closed-loop process that recycles over 99% of solvents. The fibers are biodegradable, compostable, and have a silky feel, with excellent moisture management properties. We also use micromodal, which is sourced from beechwood trees and offers a soft, plush feel.
For consumers who want comfort and planet-friendly production in the same garment, TENCEL™ checks every box.
Recycled Polyester and Recycled Nylon
These fibers give plastic waste a second life by transforming bottles, fishing nets, and other discarded materials into durable fabric. Producing recycled polyester uses 59% less energy than virgin polyester, and both recycled nylon and polyester reduce landfill waste.
The caution: synthetic microfibers still contribute to ocean pollution, and up to 35% of primary microplastics come from synthetic textiles. Pairing recycled synthetics with natural fibers strikes a balance between performance and sustainability.
|
|
|
Sculptive Rib Set- Black |
Linen
Linen, made from flax, has been used for thousands of years because it thrives in low-quality soil, requires minimal water, and needs no pesticides. It’s naturally breathable, durable, and ideal for warm-weather apparel. It’s one of the most low-impact fibers you can choose.
What Are the Benefits of Sustainable Fabrics?
Choosing natural and recycled fibers can:
-
Reduce water waste and chemical pollution
-
Lower carbon emissions across the supply chain
-
Support healthier soil and biodiversity
-
Increase comfort with breathable, skin-friendly fibers
-
Extend garment lifespan with higher-quality materials
Many of these fibers also reduce the chemical runoff that harms waterways worldwide.
Sustainability at tasc
At tasc Performance, our signature bamboo blend (52% organic cotton, 43% bamboo viscose, 5% elastane) delivers softness, breathability, stretch, and reduced ecological impact.
However, what sets us apart is how the fabric is made: our manufacturing partners reuse 99% of wastewater and rely on sun and wind power to reduce fossil fuel use and water pollution. Plus, 100% of the power required to run our sewing facility is generated from wind and solar, and 95% of the water used in fabric dyeing is recovered, treated, and reused. The remaining 5% naturally evaporates.
Our products are even shipped in biodegradable, 100% recycled polybags, so when you choose tasc, you’re choosing comfort and eco-consciousness.
FAQs
What are the most popular sustainable fabrics?
Common sustainable fabrics include organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and TENCEL™/lyocell, all valued for their lower environmental impact and natural comfort.
How do sustainable fabrics benefit the environment?
Sustainable fabrics use fewer resources, reduce chemical pollution, and biodegrade more easily than many synthetics, helping conserve water and lower overall carbon emissions.
What certifications indicate a fabric is sustainable?
Look for certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, and Fair Trade, which verify responsible sourcing, reduced chemical use, and ethical production standards.
Is bamboo fabric truly eco-friendly?
Bamboo can be eco-friendly when it’s mechanically processed or produced through responsible closed-loop systems that limit water use and chemical waste.
How should I care for sustainable clothing?
Wash in cold water, air dry, avoid harsh detergents and softeners, and reduce wash frequency to preserve fabric quality and minimize environmental impact.
Sources:
UN Helps Fashion Industry Shift to Low Carbon | UNFCCC
Material Guide: What Is TENCEL Lyocell? And Is It Sustainable? | Good On You