As someone who has almost always focused on saving money and buying the cheapest options when shopping, I’ll have to admit that shopping for clean and green clothing was never really something that crossed my mind. In fact, in my 20’s and early 30’s, I was drawn mostly to fast fashion brands like Forever 21, H&M, Papaya, and Shein. Those brands just always seemed to have so many trendy options that were so easy on the pocketbook!
However, something gradually changed when I became a mom to my first child. I started paying a little bit more attention to textiles and materials that had contact with my baby’s skin, especially since he suffered from really bad eczema. And after having my second baby, something completely flipped. It could have been timing. After all, more and more people are becoming aware of the issues related to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and non-toxic living today than they were before. As consumers grow increasingly conscious of the human, environmental, and health impacts of their choices, the demand for clean and green clothing has really skyrocketed in recent years.
If you were anything like me back when I frequented fast fashion brands, you may be just starting out on your ethical fashion journey. In any case, I’m here to help with your transition to buying clean and green clothing.
When you are shopping for non-toxic, sustainable clothing, understanding the materials in your clothing is key. If you want to learn more about how to make your closet wardrobe pieces more eco-friendly and less toxic, you are in the right place! I put together this guide to help you choose materials that are not only healthier for your body but also for the planet.
Clean and Green Clothing: What Makes Clothing Healthier and More Sustainable?
Before I jump into actual materials, let’s first discuss what it means for clothing to be non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Clean and green clothing refers to garments made from materials that are safe, sustainable, and as non-toxic as they can reasonably be. These materials:
- Avoid harmful chemicals
- Require less energy and water during production, and
- Are biodegradable or recyclable.
When choosing clean and green clothing, I generally try to opt for materials that follow these basic guidelines.
Toxic Clothing Materials to Avoid
Before I start this section, I wanted mention that sometimes you can’t avoid using certain materials if you’re needing a certain effect. For example, if you want a raincoat that is actually waterproof, you’ll likely need to opt for a material that is not as eco-friendly or sustainable. However, if the material is high-quality and lasts a long time, know that this is better than something cheaply made that will fall apart and be thrown out in less than a year. Buying second-hand is also a great way to limit the circulation of materials that aren’t as good for living things and the environment.
That being said, I find that most clothing I shop for doesn’t need any special capabilities like this that can’t be achieved with natural materials. My material recommendations are more so in response to materials that can easily be swapped with non-toxic or less toxic alternatives. When deciding what materials to buy, you’ll want to consider two factors:
- The actual material (toxic vs. non-toxic, biodegradability, ability to be recycled)
- How the material is produced (sustainability)
If possible, I try to purchase clothing that is both non-toxic and sustainably produced.
Now that we have these basics covered, let’s continue on with a list of toxic clothing materials to avoid.
1. Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, etc.
Synthetic fibers are probably the most common material used to make clothing. They include fabrics such as a polyester, nylon, acrylic, PVC, and vinyl. Derived from fossil fuels, these fabrics shed microplastics during washing. These microplastics, in turn, contribute to pollution of waterways. Synthetic fabrics also release harmful toxins during production and degradation.
This is the number one material type I aim to avoid when shopping for clean and green clothing.
2. Conventional Cotton
When I first realized that not all cotton was created equal, I was honestly pretty frustrated. Conventional cotton is sadly sprayed with a lot of pesticides. While fundamentally natural, conventional, non-organic cotton is consequently heavily laden with pesticides. Needless to say, these pesticides are not good for our bodies and our environment.
3. Rayon/Viscose (Non-Sustainable Production)
As much as I love a good plant-based material, traditional rayon production unfortunately involves toxic chemicals like carbon disulfide in the manufacturing process.
Although I am more likely to purchase rayon and viscose clothing than synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, I try to avoid choosing clothing made with rayon and viscose if possible.
4. Clothing with Toxic Dyes and Finishes
Another thing you want to be mindful of are dyes and toxic finishes. You will want to avoid garments labeled as “wrinkle-resistant,” “stain-resistant,” or “flame-retardant,” as these often contain harmful chemicals.
Look for natural or low-impact dyes certified by Oeko-Tex or GOTS. Or opt for undyed options if you can.
Non-Toxic Clothing Materials to Buy
Now that we’ve discussed the materials to avoid, let’s get to the good part—better materials to look for!
When shopping for clean and green clothing, you will want to try to find the following non-toxic materials.
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton stands out from conventional cotton because it is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. As a result, it is safer and gentler on sensitive skin and the production process doesn’t contribute to pollution. Organic cotton is also biodegradable.
2. Linen
Another material that is great to look for is linen. A lot of times you’ll see European linen listed in the materials list for linen clothing items. Linen is made from the flax plant. Not only is it a durable, lightweight, and breathable fabric, but it is also biodegradable and produced with minimal energy and chemical inputs.
3. Tencel (Lyocell)
Tencel, which I’ve been seeing more and more of, is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp. I love the feel of it since it is very soft and breathable. Personally, I’ve noticed that tencel is becoming easier to find. One of my favorite pairs of Levi’s jeans is actually a cotton Lyocell blend, and one of my favorite dresses from Quince is made of tencel.
Tencel is produced in a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents, so in addition to being non-toxic, it is very much sustainable.
4. Wool (Ethically Sourced)
Wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material that is a great option for clean and green clothing. One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is responsible sourcing. Try to opt for wool sourced from responsible farms. It helps to look for certifications like Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
5. Hemp
Hemp is a durable, renewable material that requires minimal water to grow. It is also naturally resistant to pests, which reduces the need for pesticides.
One final note I wanted to mention is that less desirable materials like polyester and nylon can still be recycled and made from post-consumer waste such as recycled polyester and plastic bottles. This is not my favorite option, because I still find the toxicity issue questionable. What are the effects of having recycled plastic bottle materials on our skin all day? I couldn’t tell you for sure, but it just doesn’t seem like the best option overall. I personally own a lot of Rothy’s shoes because I love the fit, but I have always wondered about recycled plastic bottle materials being on our feet all day. In any case, I think the use of recycled materials is worth mentioning, especially for items such as a waterproof pieces, since recycling fabrics reduces the need for virgin materials and keeps more waste out of landfills.
Tips for Shopping for Clean and Green Wardrobe Items
If you are planning to go shopping for clothes, here are some quick tips to guide you while you shop!
- Read Labels: Look for certifications like MADE SAFE®, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, and Oeko-Tex.
- Support Ethical Brands: Choose brands committed to sustainable practices and transparency.
- Buy Less, Buy Better: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that last longer to reduce waste.
- Opt for Secondhand: Thrift stores and resale platforms are great for finding unique, eco-friendly clothing options.
Why Shopping for Clean & Green Clothing Matters
Because more people are talking about switching to non-toxic, eco-friendly products, it may seem like a bit of a trend. However, it really is more than this—it’s about making a commitment to your health and the planet’s well-being. By embracing clean and green clothing, you’re not only actively taking part in reducing environmental pollution and toxins, but also supporting sustainable farming practices and promoting safer working conditions for garment workers.
All of that being said, don’t rush out and dump all your polyester pieces just yet! If you love some of your clothing made from synthetic fabrics, there is no harm in keeping them until they wear out. In fact, using them longer keeps the items out of the landfill longer anyway. Plus, there’s simply a balance between considering health benefits alongside other benefits (such as fashion preferences). Although I am slowly transitioning to mostly eco-friendly and less- or non-toxic materials, I am planning to keep a handful of my absolute favorite pieces made from synthetic materials.
However, if you are planning to shop for some new pieces soon, keeping the tips outlined in this article will help you choose clothing items that are less toxic for the environment and better for people and the planet!
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