In a world still dominated by fast fashion, choosing sustainable clothing is a true act of resistance, and above all, a commitment to the planet. But what makes a garment truly sustainable? Beyond design or local manufacturing, the material plays a crucial role. Here are the fibers to prioritize for a more responsible wardrobe.
1. Organic cotton
Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which significantly reduces its impact on the soil and the health of farmers. It also uses less water and promotes biodiversity. Furthermore, it remains soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear.
👉 Best suited for t-shirts, shirts, underwear or baby clothes.
2. Flax
Linen, an iconic natural fiber of Europe, is an eco-friendly material par excellence. It grows without artificial irrigation, without GMOs, and almost without pesticides.
Resistant and thermoregulating, it is perfect for warm seasons as well as for mid-season clothing.
👉 Bonus: choosing linen grown and woven in Europe supports a local and sustainable industry.
3. Hemp
Often overlooked, hemp is nevertheless one of the most environmentally friendly fibers. It grows quickly, without the need for water or chemicals, while regenerating the soil.
It is a strong, breathable and naturally antibacterial material.
👉 It is increasingly found in jeans, jackets and accessories.
4. Tencel (or Lyocell)
Derived from eucalyptus pulp, Tencel is an eco-friendly man-made fiber produced in a closed-loop system, meaning that the water and solvents are almost entirely reused. Very soft, fluid, and breathable, it offers an excellent alternative to conventional viscose, which is often polluting.
👉 Ideal for blouses, dresses or flowing garments.
5. Wool
Natural, warm and breathable, wool is a sustainable material par excellence: it regenerates naturally and gets dirty little, which reduces the frequency of washing.
However, it is essential to favour wool from farms that respect animal welfare, such as wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) .
👉 Perfect for sweaters, coats and scarves.
6. Merino wool
Finer and softer than traditional wool, merino wool offers excellent temperature regulation and is naturally odor-resistant. It comes from the merino sheep, primarily raised in Australia and New Zealand. However, be sure to choose brands that guarantee the absence of mulesing, a painful practice for the animals.
👉 Ideal for technical clothing, base layers and lightweight sweaters.
7. The alpaca
Native to South America, alpaca fiber is soft, warm, and more durable than traditional wool. Its production has a low environmental impact: alpacas cause little damage to the soil and consume little water.
👉 A luxurious, sustainable and ethical option for quality coats, scarves and knitwear.
8. Silk
A natural and biodegradable material, silk is known for its softness and strength. For a truly responsible option, choose organic silk or "peace silk" (or ahimsa silk), produced without killing silkworms.
👉 Ideal for elegant, durable and timeless clothing.
9. Recycled fibers
Finally, giving textiles a second life is another way to consume sustainably.
Recycled polyester (rPET) and recycled cotton reduce waste production and the consumption of virgin resources.
👉 Tip: Wash these clothes in cold water and use an anti-microplastic laundry bag to limit water pollution.
