If you want a more sustainable closet, what your clothes are made of is more important than you might think. Some fabrics require a lot of water, energy, and chemicals to produce, and some take hundreds of years to break down after they are discarded.
A lot of clothes today are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. These come from fossil fuels and release tiny plastic fibers into the water when washed. That’s why more people are searching for clothes made from sustainable fabrics and natural fibers, since they are typically better for the planet.
No fabric is perfect, but some are much better for the environment because of how they’re made and what happens to them after you’re finished wearing them. In this guide, we’ll look at the most common sustainable fabrics used in clothing today, plus some materials you might want to skip.
The Most Sustainable Fabrics for Clothing
One of the easiest ways to start building a more sustainable wardrobe is by paying attention to what fabrics your clothing is made from. The materials used to create garments can have a huge impact on water use, pollution, soil health, and even microplastic pollution.
In general, sustainable fabrics tend to come from natural, renewable, or responsibly processed fibers that are designed to last longer and biodegrade at the end of their life. Many sustainable fashion brands prioritize these materials because they are breathable, durable, and often produced with fewer harmful chemicals.
Below are some of the most commonly used sustainable fabrics in clothing, along with why they are considered better alternatives to conventional materials.
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a popular sustainable fabric used in clothing today. Unlike regular cotton, it is grown without synthetic pesticides, toxic fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds. While conventional cotton farming often relies on chemicals, organic methods aim for healthier soil and natural growing practices.
As a natural fiber, organic cotton is breathable, biodegradable, and versatile. It is often used for everyday items like t-shirts, underwear, denim, and loungewear. Many sustainable clothing brands pick organic cotton because it is comfortable and helps lower the environmental impact of traditional cotton.
Read my full guide to organic cotton clothing brands.
2. Linen
Linen comes from the flax plant and is known as one of the most eco-friendly fabrics out there. Flax uses way less water than regular cotton and doesn’t need much fertilizer or pesticides. In lots of places, it just grows with rainwater instead of needing extra watering.
The fabric you get from flax is light, lets your skin breathe, and is super durable. Linen clothes can last for years and even get softer the more you wear them. Since linen is made from plants, it breaks down easily when you’re done with it, so it’s a great pick if you want more natural clothing in your closet.
Explore my guide to linen clothing brands.
3. Hemp
Hemp is a strong and eco-friendly fiber often used in clothing. The plant grows fast, needs little water, and usually does not require synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Hemp can also improve soil health, making it a good choice for regenerative farming.
Hemp fabric is durable, breathable, and long-lasting. Many brands mix hemp with organic cotton or other fibers to make the fabric softer but still keep its strength.
Learn more about hemp clothing brands.
4. Wool
Wool is a natural fiber from sheep and other animals. When sourced responsibly, it’s both renewable and biodegradable. Sheep regrow their fleece every year, so with ethical farming, wool remains a sustainable resource.
Wool is appreciated for its durability, insulation, and ability to manage moisture. With proper care, quality wool garments can last for years. Some farms use sheep grazing as part of regenerative practices that support soil health and biodiversity. When choosing wool products, look for certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which signal strong animal welfare and land management practices.
Read more about ethical wool and responsible sourcing.
5. TENCEL™ / Lyocell
Lyocell fabrics, often found in the form of TENCEL™, are made from wood pulp, usually from trees like eucalyptus or beech. What sets Lyocell apart is how it’s made; manufacturers typically use a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents rather than letting them go to waste.
The fabric is especially soft, breathable, and light, making it a popular choice for dresses, blouses, underwear, and activewear. When sourced responsibly, lyocell is often seen as a better option for the environment than most petroleum-based synthetic fabrics.
Learn more about TENCEL™ and lyocell clothing.
Fabrics to Avoid (or at least, limit)
Some fabrics are easier on the environment, while others can cause more pollution, use more chemicals, and create long-lasting waste. You don’t have to stop wearing them all at once, but knowing the facts can help you make better choices when you shop for new clothes.
1. Polyester
Polyester is everywhere in the fashion world because it’s cheap and quick to make. But since it’s made from petroleum, polyester is basically a type of plastic. A big issue with polyester is microplastic pollution. Every time you wash polyester clothes, they can release tiny plastic fibers into the water, which can end up in rivers, oceans, and marine life. Another problem is that polyester doesn’t break down, so clothes made from it can sit in landfills for hundreds of years. Some brands use recycled polyester (which we have our own issues surrounding its ‘eco-friendly’ marketing), but it still sheds microplastics. We believe synthetics have their place in fashion, but wish there were better (more plant-based) alternatives.
Learm more about polyester in this post here.
2. Acrylic
Acrylic is another synthetic fiber made from fossil fuels, and you’ll often find it in sweaters as a cheaper stand-in for wool. It can look and feel like natural fibers, but it’s much harder on the environment. Studies show that acrylic clothing can shed more microplastic fibers during washing than polyester. These fibers are difficult to remove in water treatment plants and can accumulate in nature. Like most synthetic fabrics, acrylic won’t break down, so old clothes made from it can stick around in the environment for decades.
3. Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric you’ll find in lots of clothing, especially activewear, swimwear, and outdoor gear. Like polyester, it’s made from petroleum and takes a lot of energy to produce.
Manufacturing nylon can also emit nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide. Plus, nylon sheds microplastics when washed and doesn’t break down in the environment. Some brands use recycled nylon to cut down on new fossil fuels, but it still adds to microplastic pollution over time.
Learn more about Nylon and find better alternatives here.
4. Viscose (Including Bamboo Viscose)
Viscose is often sold as a natural or eco-friendly fabric since it’s made from natural materials like wood pulp or bamboo. But turning these plants into fabric uses a harsh chemical process.
The standard way to make viscose uses chemicals such as carbon disulfide to break down plant fibers, which can be risky for workers and the environment if not handled carefully. Manufacturing viscose has also led to deforestation when wood pulp is sourced irresponsibly.
On the bright side, newer types of viscose (such as lyocell and TENCEL™) are made in closed-loop systems that reuse water and chemicals. This makes them a more responsible choice.
Learn why we tend to avoid Bamboo Viscose in this post here.
We discuss how viscose is used as a form of greenwashing here.
5. Conventional Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber and can be a good choice when grown sustainably. The problem is that most conventional cotton farming uses a lot of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can harm local water and ecosystems. Cotton also needs a lot of water, especially in areas that rely on irrigation. That’s why many sustainable brands are switching to organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic chemicals and with more eco-friendly farming methods. If you want to lower your impact, choosing organic cotton or other natural fibers like linen and hemp can help.
Read more about the difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton here.
Natural vs Semi-Synthetic vs Synthetic Fabrics (and Blends)
When learning about sustainable fashion, it’s helpful to understand the different categories of fibers used in clothing. Most garments today are made from one of four types of materials: natural fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, fully synthetic fibers, or blends (which can be a combination of these). Each category has different environmental impacts, durability, and end-of-life considerations.
Understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices when building a wardrobe and evaluating the sustainability claims made by clothing brands.
Here is a quick chart for reference:
| Natural Fibers | Semi-Synthetic Fibers | Synthetic Fibers |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Viscose / Rayon | Polyester |
| Linen (Flax) | Lyocell (TENCEL™) | Nylon |
| Hemp | Modal | Acrylic |
| Wool | Bamboo Viscose | Spandex / Elastane |
| Alpaca | Cupro | Polypropylene |
| Silk | Acetate | Microfiber |
1. Natural Fibers
Natural fibers come directly from plants or animals and have been used in clothing for centuries. Some of the most common examples include cotton, linen, wool, and hemp.
Plant-based fibers such as cotton, flax (linen), and hemp are grown as agricultural crops, while animal fibers like wool come from renewable sources such as sheep. When responsibly produced (through organic or regenerative farming practices) these materials can be a more environmentally friendly option than many synthetic fabrics.
Natural fibers are typically breathable, durable, and biodegradable when untreated. Because they come from natural sources, they do not release plastic microfibers during washing, which is one of the major environmental concerns associated with synthetic clothing.
2. Semi-Synthetic Fibers
Semi-synthetic fabrics are made from natural raw materials that are chemically processed into fibers. Most commonly, these materials start with plant-based cellulose derived from wood pulp.
Examples include viscose, rayon, modal, and lyocell (TENCEL™). Because their raw material originates from plants, they are sometimes marketed as more sustainable alternatives to synthetic fabrics. However, the sustainability of these fibers can vary depending on how the wood pulp is sourced and how the fiber is processed.
Some production methods can involve significant chemical use and energy consumption. Newer technologies (such as the closed-loop system used to produce lyocell) aim to reduce these impacts by recycling water and solvents during manufacturing.
3. Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fibers are fully man-made materials created from petrochemicals, typically derived from fossil fuels. These fabrics were developed during the 20th century to create inexpensive, durable materials that could be produced at scale.
The most common synthetic fabrics used in clothing include polyester, nylon, and acrylic. While these materials can be strong and wrinkle-resistant, they come with several environmental concerns.
Because they are essentially forms of plastic, synthetic fibers do not biodegrade easily and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They also shed microplastic fibers during washing, which can enter waterways and accumulate in oceans and ecosystems.
4. Fabric Blends
Many garments today are made from fiber blends, which combine two or more materials in a single fabric. For example, a shirt might be made from a cotton-polyester blend, or a sweater might combine wool with acrylic.
Blends are often used to improve performance characteristics such as stretch, durability, wrinkle resistance, or cost. However, blended fabrics can create sustainability challenges because they are often difficult to recycle or separate at the end of their life.
For example, a garment made from both cotton and polyester cannot easily be processed into new fibers without specialized technology. Because of this, we encourage choosing single-fiber garments when possible, which are easier to recycle and biodegrade – although, we know this can be difficult in today’s world of blended fabrics.
Why Fabric Dyes and Treatments Matter
The type of fiber in your clothes matters, but it’s just part of the picture. The way fabric is dyed, finished, and treated also plays a big role in its impact on the environment and your health.
Dyeing and finishing fabric is one of the most polluting parts of making clothes. Traditional methods use a lot of water and chemical dyes, which can end up polluting rivers if the wastewater isn’t treated right. In some areas with lots of textile factories, dye runoff has turned rivers into a big environmental problem.
A lot of clothes are treated with extra chemicals to make them look better or perform differently, like resisting wrinkles, stains, or water, or keeping their color. Some of these treatments use substances that can be harmful, such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, or PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”).
So even if your shirt is made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, how it was processed and dyed still matters for sustainability. Most fast fashion brands do not disclose their dyeing and finishing processes, so its best to avoid their natural fiber clothing, if possible.
Many sustainable fashion brands try to lower these impacts by using:
- Low-impact or fiber-reactive dyes
- Closed-loop water systems
- Natural or plant-based dyes
- Non-toxic chemical processing
These methods help cut down on pollution, save water, and make factories safer for workers.
Certifications to Look for in Sustainable Clothing
Since it’s hard to know exactly how clothes are made, third-party certifications can help bring more transparency. No certification is perfect, but these labels can give you helpful guidance about a brand’s environmental and social practices.
1. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS is one of the best-known certifications for organic textiles. It checks that fibers are grown organically and sets strict standards for chemicals, dyeing, wastewater treatment, and worker rights along the whole supply chain.
Learn more about the GOTS Certification in this post here.
2. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 focuses on chemical safety in textiles. It tests fabrics and finished clothes to make sure they don’t contain harmful levels of chemicals, including certain dyes and heavy metals, that could affect your health.
Learn more about the OEKO-TEX® certifications in this post here.
3. bluesign®
The bluesign certification looks at the whole production process, including chemicals, water use, and worker safety. Brands that make technical or performance clothing often use it.
4. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
For animal fibers like wool, certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard help make sure animals are treated well and land is managed responsibly.
5. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
For semi-synthetic fibers made from wood pulp, like viscose or lyocell, FSC certification means the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
How to Choose More Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Choosing more sustainable clothing doesn’t have to be difficult. No fabric is perfect, but there are a few easy tips that can help you make better choices when you’re shopping. We also have a guide on how to read a clothing label and how to shop by fabric content.
1. Choose natural fibers when possible.
Fabrics made from natural materials (like cotton, linen, hemp, and wool) are usually a better pick than synthetics made from petroleum. These fibers are generally breathable, last longer, and break down naturally when you’re done with them. If you can, choose more responsibly made options like organic cotton or regenerative fibers. If you’re on a budget and want to support more natural brands, check out this post here.
2. Buy fewer clothes.
One of the best things you can do is just buy less overall. The fashion industry turns out a massive number of clothes each year, and many barely get worn – or worn at all. Picking a few pieces you really love and wear often can shrink your environmental footprint.
3. Look for durability and quality.
Clothes that last longer mean you don’t have to replace them as often. Check the fabric, stitching, and overall quality when you shop. Durable fabrics like linen, hemp, and good-quality wool can stay in your closet for years if you take care of them. Check out our guide on how to spot high-quality clothing here.
4. Look for credible certifications.
Third-party certifications can give you a better idea of how something was made. Labels like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, bluesign®, and Responsible Wool Standard show that stricter environmental and safety rules were followed.
By combining these small habits (choosing better materials, buying less, and focusing on quality), you’ll build a wardrobe that aligns with sustainable fashion values over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most sustainable fabric?
There isn’t one fabric that everyone agrees is the “most sustainable.” The impact really depends on how it’s grown, processed, and made. Still, many people who care about sustainability opt for natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, and hemp, especially when they’re produced responsibly. These materials come from renewable sources and usually break down naturally at the end of their life. Linen and hemp get extra points because they often need less water and fewer chemicals than regular cotton.
Are natural fabrics always better?
Natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, and hemp are usually better for the environment than synthetics, but how they’re made still counts. For example, regular cotton farming often uses a lot of pesticides and water. So just because a fabric is natural doesn’t mean it’s always sustainable. Things like certifications, farming methods, dyes and finishes, and knowing where your clothes come from all help show the real impact.
Is recycled polyester sustainable?
Recycled polyester is often promoted as a greener choice than brand-new polyester because it uses recycled plastic bottles or old textiles. But recycled polyester still sheds microplastics during washing (even more so than virgin polyester) and doesn’t break down naturally. That’s why some experts see recycled polyester as a decent short-term fix, but not a long-term solution for sustainable clothing.
What fabrics are biodegradable?
Many natural fibers will break down on their own if they haven’t been heavily treated with chemicals. Fabrics like cotton, linen, hemp, wool, silk, and alpaca naturally biodegrade over time when conditions are right. Synthetic fibers (like polyester, acrylic, and nylon) are essentially plastics and can last for hundreds of years. Picking clothes made from natural fibers can help reduce long-term landfill waste.
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About the Author
Natalie Kay Costello is the founder of Sustainably Chic and has been writing about sustainable fashion for over a decade. Her work focuses on ethical brands, natural fabrics, and helping consumers navigate greenwashing in the fashion industry.
