If you are trying to create a more sustainable wardrobe and become more conscious about your purchases, you may have heard someone say that biodegradable clothes are an important part of the push toward a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly fashion industry.
And for good reason. Biodegradable fabrics have a lot of environmental benefits compared to synthetic fabrics. But what does it mean for clothes to be biodegradable, how sustainable is it really, and what are some examples of biodegradable clothes? That is exactly what will dive into in this article. So let’s get to it!
What you’ll find in this article
Are Biodegradable Clothes sustainable?
Biodegradable clothing is made from materials that can break down and be absorbed back into the environment after they are no longer needed.
This can include natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool, as well as man-made materials like biodegradable polymers. The goal of biodegradable clothing is to reduce the environmental impact of fashion by creating garments that will not contribute to pollution or waste when they are no longer used.
One of the key benefits of biodegradable clothing is that it can reduce the amount of waste produced by the fashion industry. The production of traditional synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon generates a significant amount of pollution and waste, as these materials are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down.
By contrast, biodegradable clothing can be broken down and absorbed by the environment, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Biodegradable fabrics are not harmful to the environment or to human health. Natural fibers like cotton and wool are biocompatible because they are derived from plants and animals, and do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins.
Biodegradable clothes are then made from materials that can be broken down, decomposed, and returned to the environment by natural processes within a reasonable amount of time.
The use of biodegradable fabrics in clothing has numerous environmental benefits. For one, they reduce the amount of non-biodegradable waste that ends up in landfills. Conventional fabrics like polyester and nylon take hundreds of years to break down, and in the process, they release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Biodegradable fabrics, on the other hand, break down naturally, without releasing any harmful chemicals. This means that they are not only better for the environment but also safer for people to wear.
Ethical benefits of Biodegradable Clothing
Another benefit of biodegradable clothing is that it can potentially reduce the use of synthetic chemicals in the fashion industry depending on the production. Many traditional synthetic fabrics are made using harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and to the workers who produce them. Biodegradable clothing, on the other hand, is often made using natural materials that are less harmful to the environment and to people.
Biodegradable clothes are typically produced using sustainable farming practices. This means that they are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals, making them a more eco-friendly option than conventional fabrics.
What Are the Benefits of Biodegradable Clothes?
In addition to being sustainable, biodegradable clothes have many other benefits, including the fact that they are comfortable, durable, and versatile.
One of the great benefits of biodegradable clothes is that they are comfortable to wear. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen are soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin, making them ideal for clothing, bedding, and towels.
Clothes made from natural fibers are often softer and more breathable than synthetic materials, making them more comfortable to wear. They are also naturally hypoallergenic, making them a great option for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Biodegradable fabrics are also durable and long-lasting. Natural fibers like cotton and wool are strong and resilient and can withstand regular washing and wear without losing their shape or quality. Linen is also known for its strength. This biodegradable fabric is actually so strong that it was used for armament because of its strength and durability.
On top of being comfortable and durable, biodegradable fabrics are also versatile and can be used for a wide range of clothing and textile applications. Natural fibers like cotton and wool can be used for everything from t-shirts and jeans to dresses and suits.
Biodegradable fabrics have been very popular in the garment industry for a long time and I can almost guarantee that you already have some biodegradable clothes in your closet. If you don’t believe me go on and check!
Are there any downsides to biodegradable clothes?
Biodegradable clothes have a lot of environmental and ethical benefits, and natural fabrics are a great choice if you want to be more conscious when choosing the materials of your clothes.
However, it’s important to note that biodegradable clothing is not a panacea for the fashion industry’s sustainability issues. While biodegradable clothing can certainly be a more sustainable option, it’s not the only solution. It’s important to consider the entire lifecycle of a garment, from the materials used to produce it to how it’s disposed of when evaluating its sustainability.
Biodegradable clothes are not always the most environmentally friendly choice. For example, while cotton is a natural fiber that is biodegradable, its production can be resource-intensive and can contribute to water pollution.
Similarly, biodegradable polymers may not always be the most environmentally friendly option, as they may require energy-intensive processes to produce and may not break down as quickly as natural fibers.
Examples of Biodegradable fabrics
There are several different types of biodegradable fabrics available, each with its own unique characteristics and environmental benefits. Some of the most common types of biodegradable fabrics include:
1. Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that is often found in biodegradable clothes. It is also relatively easy to produce and is commonly used to make a wide range of clothing and other products. However, cotton production can be resource-intensive and may contribute to water pollution, so it’s important to consider the full lifecycle of cotton products when evaluating their sustainability.
2. Linen: Linen is another natural fiber that is biodegradable and renewable. It is made from the fibers of the flax plant and is often used to make clothing, bedding, and other household items. Linen is more durable than cotton and can be more environmentally friendly to produce, as it requires less water and pesticides.
3. Wool: Wool is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and renewable. It is made from the hair of animals such as sheep and is often used to make clothing and other textiles. Wool is a good insulator and can be more environmentally friendly to produce than some synthetic fabrics, as it requires less energy to manufacture.
4. Hemp: Hemp is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and renewable. It is made from the stems of the cannabis plant and is often used to make clothing, paper, and other products. Hemp is a strong and durable fiber and is more environmentally friendly to produce than some other natural fibers, as it requires less water and pesticides.
5. Bamboo: Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource that can be harvested without damaging the environment. It is also naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with allergies.
6. Ramie: Ramie is a plant-based material that is similar to flax or hemp. Ramie is known for its durability and resistance to shrinking and wrinkling, making it a great option for a wide range of clothing items.
Examples of Sustainable Brands Making Biodegradable Clothing
It is easy to find brands that make biodegradable clothes, however, not all of them are sustainable. So we’ve included a few brands that make clothes from biodegradable fabrics and also have sustainable and ethical production!
Here are a few examples of brands that are making biodegradable clothes:
Eileen Fisher
Location | The United States
Fabrics | Uses responsible wool & organic cotton
Why we love them
Eileen Fisher is a must-know sustainable clothing brand if you love minimalistic styles. Cause this brand is a true master of making beautiful, minimalistic designs that last!
Check out their website and browse through all their amazing biodegradable clothing styles. They even have a fabric guide you can check out if you want to learn more about their use of fabric.
Visit the site here
Vetta
Location | United States
Ethics | Uses eco-friendly materials, only produces a few styles to minimize waste, production is undertaken locally in the USA, and doesn’t use animal products.
Why we love them
Vetta is the queen of the capsule wardrobe. The brand is actually built on that very principle.
All styles are either available in capsule wardrobe packages or as single purchases. But no matter what they make a great fit for a classic and sustainable wardrobe.
Check out their website here
People Tree
Location | United Kingdom
Ethics | Fair Trade brand and only uses eco-friendly materials and natural dyes.
Why we love them
People Tree was actually the first clothing brand in the world to be certified as Fairtrade.
This brand takes sustainability dead seriously and that shows in the brand’s use of fabric, working conditions, and production.
They use organic, fairtrade certified cotton to make the softest items that are a must in every sustainable basic wardrobe.
Visit the website here
Biodegradable fabrics are an important part of the push toward a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly fashion industry. They are comfortable, durable, versatile, and biocompatible, making them a great choice for anyone who cares about the environment and their own health.
If you are looking to make a more eco-friendly fashion choice, consider purchasing biodegradable clothes. Not only are clothes made som biodegradable fabrics better for the environment, but they are also more comfortable and safer to wear than conventional materials.
If you want to learn more about the sustainability of fabrics check out our textile guides
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