10 Sustainable Men’s Pajama Brands For The Best Night’s Sleep

Image: Coyuchi
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Men’s Sustainable Pajamas

Sustainable fashion isn’t just for women, there are a growing number of brands who offer ethically made and stylish clothes for men, including pajamas!

What we wear at night is so important for a good night’s sleep and can even make the difference between a good day and a really bad day. That’s why it’s so crucial to pick pajamas that you’ll be happy with and feel good about buying.

What to look for when shopping sustainable men’s pajamas

If you’re on the hunt for some sustainable men’s pajamas, (you’ve come to the right place!) there are a few things you may want to keep in mind.

Firstly, look for pajamas made from more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, bamboo, and linen. Try to avoid materials like polyester, acrylic and fleece (a synthetic version of wool). It’s best to check what the brand has to say about the material they use, for example is it certified in any way to ensure it’s traceable and sustainably produced, and do they source from one country or multiple countries? You’ll notice that the sustainable brands are very transparent about where they get their material from and who’s involved in the supply chain. If a brand isn’t making noise about this, it’s a bit of a red flag.

It’s also important to ensure your pajamas have been ethically made by garment workers who have been given the same rights and working conditions that you would expect for yourself. This can include safe working conditions, fair wages, access to childcare and medical support, and a host of other aspects that would allow them to be happy and healthy at work.

our top picks for sustainable men’s pajamas:

If it’s time to refresh your nightwear look, these brands offer the best sustainable and stylish options for any man. Whether you like to keep it simple with a tee and shorts, or you like to go full out with matching sets and robes, you’re sure to find something here to suit your style.

1. Pact

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $44-78

If you get overwhelmed by too many choices, head to Pact for the ‘cool-stretch sleep pant’ for the ultimate men’s nightwear solution. Designed in a lightweight organic cotton fabric with plenty of stretch, these pants offer the perfect setup for a good night’s sleep. They feature a waistband with a flat front and elastic in the back so you can find your ideal fit. In addition, Pact claims these pants save 20 gallons of water compared to non-organic cotton!

Shop Pact

2. Coyuchi

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $38-78

The pajama range at Coyuchi includes the French terry jogger, the crinkled pajama pants and the short sleeve tee - all made with GOTS certified organic cotton and produced ethically in India in a factory that recycles 90% of its wastewater.

With neutral tones and minimalist designs, these pajamas are ideal for the no-fuss look for bedtime.

Shop Coyuchi

3. Cozy Earth

Materials: Bamboo

Price: $50-105

A small but essential range of men’s pajamas from Cozy Earth offers a pajama pant, shorts and long sleeve top all made with stretch-knit bamboo. The breathable and moisture-wicking fabric feels cooler than cotton and the machine washable enhanced weave makes these PJs made to last and won’t pill. Both the top and bottoms are available in S - XXXL and come in navy, black, charcoal or heather grey. All you have to do is pick your style for a good night’s rest.

Shop Cozy Earth

4. Boody

Materials: Bamboo

Price: $45-145

Boody sells sustainably produced, comfy clothing essentials, all made with bamboo. The bamboo Boody uses is produced without fertilizers, pesticides, or artificial irrigation, and it comes from FSC-certified forests. It is grown using rainwater, which is recycled and reused. The fabric also has thermo-regulating properties, and it is soft, breathable, and odor-resistant, which is great for sleeping!

Shop Boody

5. Organic Basics

Materials: Organic Cotton, Tencel

Price: $61-206

If you’re a simple sleeper and just need sweatpants, tees, and boxers, then Organic Basics have you covered. The men’s ‘save with packs’ section is a great place to pick up everything you might need for your version of sleepwear, whether that’s a tee and sweatpants or even just boxer shorts. The Tencel tees, tanks and boxers are very breathable and great for regulating your body's temperature throughout the night, helping you get a higher quality of sleep.

Shop Organic Basics

6. Harvest & Mill

Materials: Regenerative Cotton

Price: $46-118

This awesome brand was born out of a need for locally sewn and USA grown organic clothing. They knew there was a better way to make clothing, and they wanted to support USA organic cotton farmers, American heritage mills, and their local sewing community. Harvest & Mill actually uses regenerative cotton, which is the most sustainable for the planet because it directly fights climate change by pushing carbon back into the ground. We absolutely love it!

Shop Harvest and Mill

7. Made Trade

Materials: Eucalyptus Lyocell, Organic Cotton

Price: $46-78

Made Trade has a good range of pajamas from brands such as Sijo, Coyuchi and Harvest & Mill. Check out the jersey shorts made with organic cotton, or the jogger pants made with Eucalyptus Lyocell. On Made Trade, you can shop with confidence knowing every product is rigorously assessed and verified for both sustainability and equity and adheres to at least two of Made Trade's eight core values.

Shop Made Trade

8. Ably

Materials: Filium® activated cotton

Price: $45-145

If PJ pants are all you need for your nightwear, then the Ollie flannel lounge pants from Ably might be just what you’re looking for.

Made with Filium® activated cotton, the fabric repels liquids, stains, and odors so they don’t require washing as frequently. Perfectly paired with any t-shirt or on its own in warmer climates, the Ollie pants are a great wardrobe staple for any man.

Shop Ably

9. Komodo

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $53-105

Komodo has perfected the sustainable pajama with their Jim Jam design. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton that helps keep you warm during the colder months, the double-brushed fabric makes these pyjamas perfect for cozy winter nights.

Available as a set or just the bottoms, you can choose between navy or maroon plaid and enjoy a guilt-free night’s sleep.

Shop Komodo

10. Lüks Linen

Materials: Linen, GOTS Cotton

Price: $102-188

For something a bit different, why not upgrade your nightwear wardrobe to include a robe? These ones from Lüks Linen are made for lounging inside and outdoors in warmer weather, and add that touch of luxury to your mornings and evenings. The 100% Turkish cotton fabric is first hand woven on traditional wooden shuttle looms by master weavers and then individually cut and sewn by a local tailor. The linen and cotton used are GOTS & Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® certified.

Shop Lüks Linen

About the Author

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Wedding Tips

Planning a wedding is an exciting but overwhelming time in your life. While it is a joyous time celebrating with all your closest friends and family, it can be hard to make sustainable choices for a crowd. Did you know the typical wedding creates about 400 pounds of garbage?* Yes, as a result of one single day and with approximately 2.5 million weddings occurring in the United States each year, that is a lot of waste going into landfills.

So how do you plan for the special day you’ve always envisioned while also respecting the planet and not losing your sanity with all the details?

Most waste typically occurs from wedding decor for the venue and from food waste. To limit the amount of waste from decorations, look for a venue that fits your vision without needing a ton of styling. Whether inside or outside, it can be worth it to find a space that matches the aesthetic of your day, without requiring lots of decorations. If you do need additional decor, try using rental services instead of buying decor to limit the amount of waste created. This will cut down on things you need to purchase and single-use items. If rental services don’t have what you’re looking for, check your local thrift shops or resale websites. Brides are often trying to offload leftover and reusable decor, which will be more Earth-friendly than buying it brand new.

To help minimize food waste, be sure you provide guests ample time to rsvp so you can provide an accurate guest count to your caterer. Additionally, selecting a caterer that specializes in local and seasonal menu offerings can help ensure a smaller carbon footprint and support your local communities. You can also contact your local food banks to find out how your leftover food can be put to good use. Most only accept non-perishable donations, but depending on your food and local organizations, it could be a good way to help those in need.

Natalie, the founder of Sustainably Chic, rescheduled their wedding 3 times during the pandemic. They used Minted’s recycled paper for their change of dates. Their final date ended up being 4.22.22.

Sustainable Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations may seem like they can be wasteful as it’s likely more paper waste will be thrown out. However, many brides are opting to make their invitations virtual to be more efficient and reduce waste and cost, but if you don’t want to forego traditional invitations altogether, don’t worry because there are still options! You can find invitations that use sustainable materials and inks that are eco-conscious. Check out the following companies for sustainable wedding invitations!

Minted

Minted has gorgeous premade designs or you can work with an independent designer for your unique style. Most invitations are available on sustainable 100% post-consumer waste, FSC-certified paper and manufactured using a carbon-neutral process with wind power. Minted also has other select wedding paper goods so you can cross off more items on your to-do list in one stop.

2. Artifact Uprising

A company best known for its photo albums and printing, Artifact Uprising also offers 100% post-consumer waste cards and stationery. While Artifact Uprising doesn’t currently offer full invitation suites, there are save the dates, thank you cards, and beautiful photo album options that utilize sustainable paper.

3. The Knot

A common resource for brides, The Knot, offers many of its invitation styles on 100% post-consumer waste paper. So if you are already working with The Knot or it is more convenient for your wedding planning, you still have easy access to a sustainable option.

4. Botanical Paperworks

Specializing in seed paper, Botanical Paperworks creates biodegradable paper products of all kinds for weddings and events. Seed paper is made from post-consumer materials and wildflower, herb, or vegetable seeds that can be planted in a pot or into the ground. From wedding invitations and place cards to confetti, seed paper is approved to be planted in many countries and does not contain any invasive species. You can also order seed paper by the sheet if you plan to print your invitations locally.

5. Paper Culture

All Paper Culture products are created from sustainable materials like 100% post-consumer recycled paper or bamboo. Paper Culture actively offsets the carbon footprint with carbon credits and plants a tree with every order to help restore areas needing reforestation. Paper Culture offers free designer assistance or if you have a creative eye, you can upload your own design to print on one of the sustainable materials offered.

6. Greenvelope

If you are looking for a virtual invitation, Greenvelope is known for saving couples time, money and trees! Each invitation opens with a sleek animation and provides guests all the details with clickable links to make their experience easy and excited for your day. Greenvelope also makes it easy to track RSVPs, collect addresses, and includes dozens of templates and personalization options.

Sustainable Wedding Jewelry

Picking out your wedding jewelry can be a major expense for your wallet and the planet. It is becoming more well known that traditional diamond mining can be unsafe for workers and is very destructive to the environment. The easiest way to make your wedding jewelry more sustainable is to select lab-grown gemstones or diamonds from reputable sustainable jewelry companies. Lab-created stones offer the same beauty as conventional stones but are instead created in a lab using cutting-edge technology replicating the natural process. With a shorter supply and production chain, jewelry made with lab-created stones are also less expensive. It’s a win-win for everyone! Check out these sustainable wedding jewelry companies specializing in ethical engagement and wedding rings!

Clean Origin

Clean Origin ensures their hand-picked selections are ethical and gorgeous. Available in a variety of shapes and colors, Clean Origin specializes in lab-created diamonds and only sells stones that are independently verified and graded for quality using the same scientific standards applied to mined diamonds. In addition, clean Origin offers free resizing, lifetime protection, and financing options. With dozens of jewelry styles and designs available, the Clean Origin mission is to provide diamonds without compromise.

2. VRAI

VRAI creates diamonds that require zero mining and zero carbon emissions, as the company is Carbon Neutral Certified. VRAI allows you also to design your own engagement ring, and all pieces are made with recycled solid gold. VRAI diamonds are graded by GIA Certified Gemologists and are backed by a full lifetime warranty. Additionally, all packaging is made from 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable materials. Aside from rings, VRAI carries a variety of jewelry like necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

3. Aurate New York

Aurate is based in New York and strives to change the jewelry industry. Aurate uses only sustainably sourced materials, all gold is 100% recycled, and pearls and precious gems are sourced from family-run establishments supporting local communities. You can choose between lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds, depending on your preference. Since there are no import taxes, no unnecessary middlemen, and pieces are made-to-order, Aurate jewelry is much more affordable than conventional jewelry.

4) Miadonna

This is actually the brand Natalie & Travis went with for their wedding bands. Natalie fell in love with the Paris Vintage Stackable Band. It went perfectly with her vintage Pearl engagement ring! Travis went for the Canyon Men’s Wedding Band but in an 8mm Satin Hammer Yellow Gold. They both turned out absolutely beautiful, and they couldn’t be happier. MiaDonna uses only lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals to create all of their collections. They even have an in-home try-on service if you are undecided!

for your wedding gown, visit this post - here - & also find more engagement ring options - here -

Wedding Registry Tips

When putting together your wedding registry, think twice before scanning just any kitchen gadget or knick-knack you don’t have. Once you make a list of items, you and your partner actually need, look for companies that make these items in a sustainable way. This is a great way to expose others to more sustainable options and fill your home with items you genuinely love. If you already have the items you need, consider a honeymoon fund instead, where your guests can contribute to making your first trip as newlyweds memorable! Check out the list below for some sustainable registry resources!

Made Trade Registry

For ethical and sustainable goods, Made Trade is your one-stop shop! Shopping with Made Trade guarantees you will support artisans and small businesses instead of corporate chains. Made Trade has everything from furniture to home goods and operates just like a standard gift registry at a big box store.

2. Everlastly

Everlastly is a conscious registry service for couples. They use what they call their Evergrade system and break down the sustainability for each item. While not all items on their website are fully sustainable, it does provide you with the information to decide accordingly. Everlastly also offers cash registries so you can start a home or honeymoon fund to go with your itemized registry.

3. HoneyFund

If you and your partner already have the items you need for your home, allow guests to make a donation toward your honeymoon using HoneyFund. This lets friends and family give the gift of an experience you’ll never forget. Spend some time looking up activities, restaurants, or hotels in your destination that you both want to try and create a customized list of experiences that guests can choose from. This helps them feel part of your celebration and learn more about your exciting adventure ahead.

4. The Good Beginning

If you’d prefer guests to donate to a charity in your honor instead, The Good Beginning allows you to set up a charity registry for guests to make their donations. This still provides guests with a registry experience while supporting your wishes.

Sustainably Chic Founder, Natalie & Her Beautiful Bridesmaids

Wedding Party Gift Ideas

When thinking of thank you gifts for your wedding party, consider covering the cost of hair or makeup services, tuxedo rental, tailoring costs, or other expenses that come up when being a part of the wedding. If you want to provide them with a physical gift as a token to remember the day, look for companies that fully support your sustainability mission. Here are some ideas for sustainable wedding party gifts!

Prosperity Candle

Prosperity Candles are made with all-natural soy and coconut waxes with pure cotton and wood wicks. The fragrances are made with essential oils without dyes. Prosperity Candle is B Corp Certified, and all ingredients are made in the United States. All packaging can be repurposed or recycled, and once your candle is complete, you can reuse the jar.

2. Ana Luisa

If you’d like to gift jewelry to your wedding party, Ana Luisa makes ethical jewelry your bridesmaids can wear on your wedding day and every day after. They offer engraving if you’d like to personalize a piece and have a variety of styles, so you will be able to find something to match everyone’s personality. Ana Luisa is Climate Neutral Certified, Carbon Neutral Certified, and only works with certified partners that also maintain strict ethical work environments.

3. cozy earth

If you want to gift your girls cute sleep or loungewear, Cozy Earth has several options made from soft, bamboo. It’s the classic ‘get ready’ look for the morning of the wedding. Plus, they pride themselves on the responsible production of all their products!

We recommend using Wrappr (use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 20% off) instead of buying disposable wrapping paper. This brand has been inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, which is over 1200 years old. Their organic cotton gift wraps come in many different prints (& sizes) anyone would be excited to receive a gift in! Since the recipient will get to use the fabric again, it’s like giving two gifts at once.

“I gifted my bridesmaids candles from Prosperity Candle wrapped by reusable fabric from Wrappr, along with vintage tea cups and toiletries (for the wedding weekend) placed in old jars. I also let them pick whatever dress they wanted to wear in hopes they could use it again in the future. I truly have the best friends in the world & they looked absolutely stunning.” - Natalie, founder of Sustainably Chic

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Tips

There are many parts of a traditional wedding day that you can choose to skip like favors, expensive florals or confetti send-offs. However, if you don’t want to miss out on certain traditions, there are still sustainable ways to celebrate!

In lieu of traditional wedding favors, opt for an edible gift like personalized cookies, popcorn for a late night snack after dancing or something plantable like a seed packet that your local pollinators love. You could also provide guests with the recipe to the specialty wedding cocktail you served with a sweet note from you and your partner. In lieu of favors completely, some couples use this money to make a charity donation to their favorite cause, usually in honor of a loved one who has passed and unable to attend.

Wedding flowers are expensive no matter what season you get married, although it does help to select varieties native to your area and in bloom during your wedding season.

After your event, don’t let your flowers go to waste. You can donate arrangements to a local senior center or hospital. This will be sure to bring more people joy, don’t forget to call ahead and find out any specific protocols for drop off and arrange ahead of time.If you don’t have time to deliver, consider gifting your flower arrangements to the venue staff or guests so they can continue to be enjoyed after your special day.

Instead of fresh flower arrangements, look into some alternative options like wood, faux or dried flower arrangements. These arrangements will last a long time and can be kept as a keepsake for you, your wedding party or any one else you want to gift them to after your event.

Finally, avoid plastic or foil confetti, rice, or other earth contaminants if you are planning a formal exit. Using biodegradable materials will prevent any littering and ensure animals don’t mistakenly eat something harmful. There is plantable paper and biodegradable confetti available or create your own from paper scraps. An alternative option would be to use strips of upcycled fabrics tied to wooden dowels for guests to wave as you make your exit as newlyweds. These look great in photos and you can reuse them at another event or let guests keep them.

Tips from the Founder of Sustainably Chic, Natalie Kay Costello

“Since we just had our wedding 4.22.22 (after it was rescheduled 3 times), I wanted to share some of the sustainable wins we had planning this 125+ person wedding! I will write a more in-depth post on our wedding, but I wanted to include a few of my favorite things here.

More Candles, Less Flowers

We did have flowers at our wedding, but it was minimal for the space. Instead, I wanted things to be more romantic, so we used many candles on the tables. Since I was a young girl, I’ve loved the Phantom of the Opera and found the perfect candelabras at a local antique store which instantly reminded me of the musical. We have been lugging them around to 3 different homes since having canceled our original wedding date 4.18.20. I can not believe how beautiful they were with a mixture of dried and fresh florals.

ReUse Before Buying New

From my wardrobe to our cake knife, we tried to use what we had - not just from a budget standpoint, but because we knew this event only happened once; why buy something new if we can avoid it? Our cake knife was from my parent’s wedding, my getting ready outfit was a vintage Victoria Secret robe and my great grandmother’s slip, my ceremony dress was a sample dress off the rack, my reception dress was made from my mother’s wedding gown (which she also made herself), and we went with a wedding planner who stocks up on decor to be reused at multiple weddings. My niece even used the basket I had used as a flower girl when I was a little!

Glassware & Buffet Style

We had every intention of staying plastic-free, but we ran out of glasses towards the end of the wedding and had to switch to plastic. We were also unaware we had to let the caterer know we wanted to keep all the food leftover at the buffet, so only part of it was packed for us at the end. So learn from my mistakes - over OVER order on glassware (because we did over-order) and let them know you want to keep ALL the leftover food.

Of course, not everything was sustainable about our wedding, and I would never tell anyone to stress it. It’s one of the best days of your life, and if there is something that will add significant value to your day, then you should do it <3”

About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Browse Our Sustainable Brand Directory

Is Nylon Sustainable?

Nylon is a synthetic fabric that was discovered only several decades ago. Since then, it has been widely used in many industries and it has had numerous commercial applications.

This fabric is commonly found in clothing because of its specific characteristics. However, this all comes with a very high environmental impact that we cannot ignore anymore.

Fortunately, some companies have been developing more sustainable alternatives to nylon. This is a big step in the right direction!

Here is an extensive guide on what nylon is, why it is detrimental to our environment, and what alternatives exist to replace it.

What is nylon?

Nylon (or polyamide) is a synthetic polymer, a type of plastic that was invented in 1935 by Wallace Carothers, an American chemist working at the chemical manufacturing DuPont company.

The first commercial use of nylon was the nylon-bristled toothbrush created in 1938. However, the main invention that made nylon’s success was women’s stockings, back in 1940.

These quickly became a staple in women’s wardrobes and were considered a great replacement for silk in hosiery.

During World War II, nylon production was diverted to produce parachutes, fuel tanks, ropes, and other military equipment.

Nylon is now widely used in the fashion industry to make swimsuits, raincoats, tights, socks, and activewear. It represents around 12% of all synthetic fibers produced worldwide.

This material is also used in other industrial sectors such as automotive and aeronautics, as well as in the production of packaging and various household items.

How is nylon produced?

There are different types of nylons. But the most common one is called nylon 6,6 (because each of the two starting molecules has 6 carbon atoms).

To produce nylon 6,6, we need to combine two molecules we can find in petroleum: adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.

These molecules are heated and once they reach a certain temperature and pressure, they fuse releasing water and creating a big polymer molecule. This process is called condensation polymerization.

The final polymer is nylon 6,6. Other types of nylon can be produced if we combine different starting molecules, but the process remains the same.

In the end, we are left with a long ribbon of nylon, which is then cut into small bits. Those nylon bits can later be molded into whatever item or clothing piece we want to produce.

For instance, to make clothes, the small nylon bits are melted, drawn through a spinneret, and loaded onto a spool. This creates nylon fibers that, after being stretched, are spun into a yarn we can use to create nylon clothes.

Why is nylon so popular?

Nylon has been widely popular in the production of a variety of household and clothing items for decades now. There are different reasons for that.

One of the main benefits of nylon is that it is strong and durable, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear.

Thanks to their low absorbency, nylon clothes dry faster than natural fabrics like cotton, and it doesn’t need ironing. It is also waterproof, which makes it suitable to produce raincoats or umbrellas.

Nylon is stretchy and elastic, so it's a great candidate material to create activewear.

This material also takes dye well, which is a bonus for the fashion industry.

All those characteristics of nylon offer a large spectrum of possibilities when it comes to its commercial applications. That’s why it is widely used these days!

Why you should not buy nylon

Despite these advantages, there are drawbacks to this material that we cannot ignore.

Nylon is very durable, so we might think that we should be able to wear nylon clothes for years without needing to discard them.

However, in the last decades, fashion manufacturers have been focusing more on profits and less on quality. This means that nylon clothes are often very cheaply made.

For instance, it is frequent to buy nylon tights and get runs in them after only one use. This contributes to the global waste problem we have on our planet.

The main issue with that is that this material is not biodegradable: it cannot be naturally broken down by microorganisms and in a way that is not harmful to the environment.

Scientists estimate that nylon takes between 30 and 40 years to decompose. During that time, wildlife risks eating nylon bits or getting trapped in nylon fishing nets, one of the biggest sources of ocean pollution.

We also have to mention the millions of microplastics shed by nylon clothing when washed in our washing machines, which end up in the oceans.

In total, nylon accounts for 10% of the debris in the oceans!

Another problem is that nylon is derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable energy. Creating things out of nylon thus contributes to the depletion of Earth’s natural resources. Not to mention, the oil industry is one of the most destructive and polluting ones for our planet!

In addition to being a lot more energy-intensive than cotton production, producing nylon emits high carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide levels. The latter is a greenhouse gas that is 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide, contributing even more to global warming.

Nylon clothing is also heavily treated with harmful chemicals, synthetic dyes, and bleaching agents. They contribute to water pollution as they’re often released in water streams. These toxic chemicals are also linked to increased risks of skin allergies, immune system issues, and cancer.

To top it all, clothes made of nylon aren’t breathable. So wearing them, especially during a workout, creates a breeding ground for bacteria to grow as sweat is trapped against the skin. This is not ideal in terms of hygiene and could lead to skin issues!

How to reduce nylon’s negative impact

We saw why nylon clothes, as any item made of nylon, are detrimental to the environment. However, if you already own things in this material, the most eco-friendly thing you can do is to extend their life as much as possible.

It is important to take care of your nylon clothing so that it doesn’t end up in a landfill too soon, or worse, in the ocean, when it could have been avoided.

Always wash your nylon clothing at low temperatures with a gentle cycle. And remember to put them in a bag that will prevent microplastics from being released into the water. A Guppy Bag is great for that; I highly recommend it!

After you wash your nylon clothes, consider air-drying them if you can. Doing so will help them keep their best shape in the long run!

I also don’t think that it is necessary to iron nylon clothing. They don’t wrinkle easily, and the fabric risks melting with the heat.

sustainable alternatives to nylon

If you’re on the lookout for a new piece of clothing, think twice about picking something made of nylon. The fabric has some positive characteristics, but I find that its footprint on the environment far outweighs them.

The best thing you can do is to choose a natural fabric, like linen or hemp. But at times, synthetic materials are more suitable for what we’re looking for. For instance, you might find activewear or swimsuits to be more practical when made of synthetic fiber.

When that is the case, consider picking a more eco-friendly version of nylon.

1. Recycled Nylon

A great alternative to nylon is recycled nylon!

Since we are reusing used nylon and turning it into new material, we are reducing our demand for new nylon to be produced. This reduces our need for more oil to be extracted from the Earth.

As it is often created from old fishing nets that are abandoned in the ocean, choosing recycled nylon also means that we are diverting existing nylon from going to the ocean or landfills. It reduces the overall footprint of the “new” item.

The main downside, however, is that recycled nylon is still plastic, so it’s not biodegradable. This means that microplastics are still being released in water streams, ending in our oceans. That’s why you need to take proper care of recycled nylon and use a Guppy Bag when washing it.

There are several types of recycled nylon, depending on how they are made, including the following two.

Econyl

Econyl is a 100% recycled and recyclable fiber and is the most common type of recycled nylon we can find. It is made from pre-consumer (fabric scraps) and post-consumer waste (fishing nets, old carpets...). Econyl received certification from Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It guarantees that the material does not contain any harmful products to our health.

Many sustainable brands use Econyl to create recycled nylon clothing, including Patagonia & Peony (pictured here).

Ecorib

EcoRib is a stretch-ribbed fabric made from nylon fiber scraps.

It is lightweight and breathable.

The brand Vitamin A creates a variety of swimsuits in EcoRib as well as in EcoLux material, another type of recycled nylon.

Since most swimsuits are made from synthetic materials, EcoRib is a more sustainable option to try next time you need new swimwear!

Also, when thinking of the word nylon, stockings may first come to mind. There are two great brands making tights out of recycled nylon: Swedish Stockings & Organic Basics

2. Biodegradable Nylon

Another more sustainable alternative to nylon is biodegradable nylon.

The main benefit of biodegradable nylon is that, unlike recycled nylon, it decomposes naturally under certain environmental conditions. So it doesn’t stay in nature for decades or hundreds of years.

There are two types of biodegradable nylon: bio-nylon and biodegradable synthetic nylon.

Bio-nylon

Bio-nylon is the most common one.

It is a material that is made from plant-based renewable ingredients, such as sugarcane or cornstarch.

As bio-nylon is made from plants, there is no plastic in the final product. So there is no risk to shed microplastics in water streams.

Producing bio-nylon also doesn’t contribute to increasing the demand for crude oil. And as mentioned above, it’s biodegradable under the right environmental conditions.

A great example of a bio-nylon is EVO by the company Fulgar. This fabric is derived from castor oil, a renewable resource that isn’t very water-intensive.

EVO fabric is lighter than most synthetic materials and has a high elasticity. It also dries twice as quickly as conventional nylon and is thermo-insulated.

Another plant-based nylon is BioSculpt fabric. It is produced with plant-based fiber created from castor beans. Again, the brand Vitamin A (pictured above) creates some of its swimsuits in BioSculpt material.

image from Bold Swimwear at Made Trade — Image: Bold Swimwear at Made Trade

Biodegradable synthetic nylon: Amni Soul Eco

Amni Soul Eco fabric is a polyamide, a synthetic material like nylon. But the surprising thing is that it’s biodegradable!

This fabric biodegrades in 5 years when disposed of in a landfill, which is about 10 times quicker than most other synthetic materials. It is breathable, recyclable and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.

However, a big downside to the Amni Soul Eco fabric is that, since it is polyamide, it is made from crude oil. And the problem of shedding microplastics in water streams while washing it remains, so it can be a threat to the environment.

But it’s still a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional nylon!

Conclusion

While nylon has certain characteristics that make it more suitable for specific purposes, we cannot ignore the negative impacts its widespread use has on the Earth and ecosystems.

It is important to choose more sustainable materials and create a demand for alternative fabrics to help save our planet.

Supporting businesses and brands that are paving the way towards a more sustainable fashion industry is key in making a difference!

Meet the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle.

She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Browse Our Sustainable Brand Directory

The Best Eco-Friendly, Sustainable & Organic Beach Towels

It’s about that time when we start thinking about sunny beach trips and packing our bags for some much-needed ocean time. While I’ve always been one to grab a towel out of our bathroom, it is nice to have a designated beach towel you can lay out comfortably on. This list has brands committed to better materials and ethical production - and make super cute beach towels that dry quickly and pack easy!

Why Choose an Organic Cotton Beach Towel

Whenever you are venturing out into nature, it’s always important to take care of your surroundings, so why not think about the things you purchase for your outdoor lifestyle?

Besides organic cotton being ultra-absorbent and cozy for Long Beach days, it is also grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Organic cotton crops can be sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) natural proteins to protect them from insect infestation and crop destruction, but not with the cocktail of toxic chemicals often sprayed over conventional cotton crops. This not only helps to protect farmers, but the environment, too. Eutrophication occurs when water is overly enriched with nutrients, often due to fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, which can result in dead-zones in water, where life struggles to persist.

However, not all organic cotton is created equal - while still a better choice than conventional - you can learn more about the issues regarding the fabric here. Also, make sure to look out for GOTS Certified or OEKO-TEX® certified when shopping organic cotton products.

Other Sustainable Fabrics for Beach Towels

If you are looking for more of a performance beach towel - particularly one that can shake off sand easily - then towels made from recycled plastic would be better suited for you and your needs. We have two brands listed in this post that offer microfiber towels, which are very absorbent and do not attract sticking sand. However, microplastics are always an issue with microfiber fabrics, so make sure to use a Guppy Bag when washing them to avoid microplastics from entering our waterways.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Beach Towels:

1) Coyuchi

Price | $98-108

Material | Organic Cotton

An excellent choice for a Turkish towel, Coyuchi’s flatweave Mediterranean set features a beach towel size in five different colors.

They are woven from yarn-dyed organic cotton and come with the signature hand-knotted fringe.

The cotton is grown and woven in the Aegean region of Turkey, and it is GOTS (a great certification) + Made Safe Certified.

Shop Coyuchi

2) West Elm

Price | $35-80

Material | Organic Cotton

I am loving the Pool Scene beach towel pictured here. Too cute! West Elm always has something fun to add to these lists, and their prices can (sometimes) be a bit more affordable.

Their organic cotton is GOTS certified, and they have Turkish-style towels as well as Terry depending on your preference. While I love supporting smaller brands more, this is still a good option.

Shop West Elm

3) Minna

Price | $98

Material | Cotton

I’ve always thought this brand made such beautiful textiles! MINNA uses traditional craft techniques to produce ethical goods with a contemporary aesthetic.

For example, their new colorful beach towels are handwoven in partnership with weavers in Nahualá, Guatemala - and the cotton used in their products is colored with natural dyes or toxin-free synthetic dyes!

Shop Minna

4) Pottery Barn

Price | $30-50

Material | Organic Cotton

Another popular organic cotton beach towel, Pottery Barn is known for its classic stripes and customizable options. The awning-stripe design lets you choose your color, and the monogram option offers a personal touch. It’s that perfect timeless, preppy poolside vibe!

Their organic cotton is also OEKO-TEX & GOTS Certified. We also linked up their ‘sustainably sourced’ towels for easy shopping.

Shop Pottery Barn

5) Hilana

Price | $40-55

Material | Upcycled Cotton

This is a unique towel because it uses 50% of its threads with regenerated cotton making it a more low-waste product. They are traditional flat-woven Turkish peshtemal and crafted by artisans in Turkey. Hilana is a B Corp Certified company creating sustainably made towels, throws, shawls, tablecloths & bathrobes that are soft & absorbent.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+ at madetrade.com

Shop Hilana

6) Sunrise Bliss

Price |$28-38

Material | Organic Cotton

The perfect hair towel…

Each towel is made from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton with low impact dyes and washes very well. It's a very soft, t-shirt-type fabric with excellent stretch retention. Plus, they are made right in the US (New York) and come in various cute colors and prints! I've used these towels for my hair for years - always right after I wash it or after swimming in the ocean or pool. They are a must-have for my long, wet hair!!

Shop Sunrise Bliss

7) QuiQuattro

Price | $40-$85

Material | Authentic Turkish Cotton

All of the towels from this Ohio-based, woman-owned business are made be women artisans in Turkey (right where the cotton is grown and harvested!). I love how these lightweight towels can actually double as a beach or bath towel… or even a picnic blanket! They’re available in a variety of different colors, patterns, and designs—whether you’re looking for something fun and colorful or something more neutral and timeless. This is an especially great option for travel, since these towels won’t take up a ton of space in your suitcase!

Shop Quiquattro

8) Affina

Price | $59.95

Material | Organic Cotton

Inspired by our coral reefs, Affina's Seaweaves™ colorful beach towel collection is woven from natural brain coral and sea fan patterns.

These luxuriously oversized towels are made from 100% organic cotton using low-impact, fiber-reactive dyes and are Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® and GOTS certified.

Shop Affina

9) Weezie

Price | $78+

Material | Organic Cotton

These luxurious, oversized beach towels are plush, and the cotton is cut close to avoid picking up extra sand when sitting at the beach.

They are made in Portugal with 100% organic long-staple cotton, and are hypoallergenic, low linting and OEKO-TEX® certified.

You can also monogram or have a personalized embroidery on these towels!

Shop Weezie

10) Finisterre

Price | $75+

Material | Organic Cotton

A little different than your classic beach towel, Finisterre offers a range of toweling changing robes, perfect for drying off after your adventure.

Their Vean Changing Robe is made from super-soft GOTS Certified organic cotton toweling fabric. This robe is perfect for any beach-goer, swimmer, and surfer who doesn’t want a towel malfunctioning and can instantly throw this on over their swimsuit and change.

Shop Finisterre

11) Delilah Home

Price | $40

Material | Organic Cotton

These soft beach and pool towels are European-crafted and made of 100% GOTS-certified organic Turkish cotton. The extra-long loops make the towels highly absorbent, soft, and up to 50% thicker than most other towels.

Plus, they’re responsibly made in a family-run factory in Portugal using state-of-the-art machinery and higher than Fair Trade wages.

Shop Delilah Home

12) Sand Cloud

Price | $48-70

Material | Organic Cotton

If you are looking for some extra-large beach towels, this is your place!

Sand Cloud creates sand-resistant towels that dry 3xs faster than a conventional cotton beach towel. They have lots of fun prints and colors, too.

When you purchase one of their towels, you help preserve our marine life, with 10% of their profits going towards marine conservation.

Shop Sand Cloud

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

Sustainable Fashion & Trends

Trends have been around for as long as fashion has, and every period had its must-haves. So much so that with enough fashion history knowledge, one can date an item of clothing or even a portrait.

Before the French revolution, wealthy French fashionistas wore the robe à l'anglaise rather than the outdated robe à la française, just like the decade's fashion icon, Queen Marie Antoinette.

Unlike it once was, though, nowadays, fashion is mass-produced and has a massive impact on the environment.

According to the charity Wrap, worldwide, clothing production has about doubled between 2000 and 2015. As clothing production numbers went up, clothing utilization numbers went down. The average number of times a garment is worn before its product lifetime ends has decreased worldwide by 36% compared to the early 2000s.

The rapid-fire trend cycle and countless micro-trends are some of the symptoms of the unsustainable nature of fast fashion. On the other end, though, experimenting with trends can be fun and a way to figure out ourselves and our style.

But is it possible to engage with them sustainably? With a mindful attitude, we think it is.

What are micro-trends, and how do you identify them?

First, how can you understand if trends are behind your sudden liking for a cut, style, pattern, or garment? Let's take a step back and talk about micro-trends.

These are fashion trends often born from social media platforms like TikTok, and despite their sudden popularity, they tend to have a pretty short shelf-life. They may go from being all over your feed one season to being completely forgotten about the next one. For example, take the cottagecore trend of spring 2020 or the post-Bridgerton corset craze of spring 2021. These micro-trends were everywhere back then, but they had faded away or arguably paved the way for new and similar micro-trends by the following season.

You aren't wrong if you think that micro-trends sound somewhat antithetical to mindful consumption. The increase in the trend cycle's speed is deeply connected to the rise of fast fashion.

Yet, while on their own, individuals can't change the pace and policies of the entire fashion industry, we can decide how we want to engage with it to at least a certain level.

So now, here is our guide on how to engage with trends sustainably

Asking yourself the right questions is key to finding your personal style and shopping more sustainably. Planning is a great tool to avoid unsuccessful purchases and still enjoy fashion while living mindfully.

So before you decide to purchase something new and trendy, ask yourself these questions and see what your answers are. Then, let's find out whether or not you and that trendy piece you have been eyeing are a match made in heaven!

Does this trend go well with the items you already have?

Your personal style is that mix of aesthetics and fashion categories that perfectly suits your lifestyle and personality.

For some, finding theirs is a lifelong journey, and for others, it just emerged organically. But, whether you found yours or not, the clothes that are already in your closet are the best clues you have on hand to figure out if a specific piece suits you and your life.

Look at your clothes' fabric, style, and colors; how many pieces could you pair with this potential new item? For a more precise overview, you can even start planning some outfits assembled using the item you want to purchase and the ones you already own. It's a fun, creative activity that will save you lots of time when getting ready in the morning (which is always a plus) and a great indicator, too: if you get excited about the prospect of wearing those outfits, it's a great sign that you are about to make a smart purchase!

Also, don't forget to compare these trendy pieces you have been eyeing with your most-worn clothing items. Like most people's wardrobes, yours most likely follows a pattern. Even if you don't think your style has a distinctive aesthetic, there are probably certain elements and items you tend to gravitate towards for an array of possible reasons.

But let's get practical! If you are an athleisure fan who consistently gets the most use of your joggers and sports bra, dipping your toes in balletcore won't be a bad idea. Based on what we have seen on the runways, skirt suits and three-piece suits seem to be some of the biggest upcoming trends for Fall 2022: if you have a formal office job or enjoy suiting up in your spare time, this trend definitely suits (pun intended) your lifestyle.

Can you get these trendy pieces ethically and sustainably?

Fast-fashion retailers offer tons of readily available trendy pieces, but that doesn't mean you can't get fun, contemporary clothes the slow and sustainable way. Of course, the best destination for you depends on your budget, location, and level of expertise with the sewing machine.

Depending on those factors, you can purchase your new trendy clothes from ethical and sustainable companies, specialized artisans locally or online, or vintage shops or thrift stores. If you are familiar with sewing, you can even alter your old clothes to make them trendier. You can find plenty of upcycling inspiration and tutorials on social media to do so. Plus, it's a beautiful way to give a second life to the old clothes you no longer wear.

If you take the thrifting route, be mindful of not falling prey to the siren of overconsumption. It may be tempting to buy loads of pieces when they are cheap, but let's remember that lower-end thrift stores offer clothes to low-income communities and individuals that may not be able to afford to shop for clothes elsewhere. If you have a bigger budget, be mindful of the amount of thrifted garments you buy, or take this as an opportunity to give your business to higher-end thrift stores or vintage shops.

Also, when it comes to buying clothes and accessories (or anything else), support BIPOC-owned businesses whenever possible.

Will you wear these items when they are no longer on-trend?

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but one has to consider that not all trends are particularly wearable or that timeless either. If they genuinely suit you, your personal style, and your lifestyle, you'll love them regardless of whether they are trending or not. Still, if you give in and buy a trendy piece just because you see it all over social media and fashion magazines, it may feel outdated too soon.

Of course, above all, fashion should be fun and make us feel like ourselves, so by no means do you have to strictly choose timeless pieces if you naturally gravitate towards the more eclectic, bold styles that tend to get in and out of fashion quickly. From a sustainability perspective, though, it's good to think ahead and genuinely ask yourself if you think you'll wear that piece in one or more years. Clothes that make us feel like ourselves tend to stay in our closets for longer and get much more love and care than those of people from back in the day.

An excellent way to tell if you actually like a trendy piece or not is to wait. After all, if Rome wasn't built in a day, your wardrobe doesn't have to be either. Save the item you'd like to buy on a wishlist and forget about it for a month or more. Thinking twice before purchasing anything new may be second nature to many, but waiting may seem counterintuitive if you have been on a fast fashion diet for years or tend to shop to boost your mood.

But, as unfashionable as it may sound, patience and intentionality are essential to sustainably building a wardrobe that works for you. By taking your sweet time, you'll avoid impulse buying and give yourself the time to see if you think that piece still looks lovely even when it's out of fashion. If that's the case, you and that piece are most likely a fantastic match!

Can you participate in this trend without buying anything new?

Fashion is cyclical and no style, cut, or color will forever be either in or out of fashion. That's why you may find trendy pieces in your closet or your loved ones'. This way of participating in a trend may be a great occasion to fall back in love with older pieces from your wardrobe and to re-wear clothes that you haven't sported in a long time.

This is not only a budget-friendly way of engaging with a fashion trend but also a sustainable one. After all, the most sustainable clothing items are the ones you already own.

Conclusion

Having fun with fashion and trends while still trying to make environmentally and socially sound choices doesn't have to be a conundrum. With enough patience and planning, you can, by all means, have the cake and eat it too.

About the Author:

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.