Ethan Clarke
Plastic is prevalent in the clothing industry, with two common plastics, polyester and nylon, accounting for 69% of all materials used in clothing globally. Synthetic materials are favoured due to their low cost and consistent availability, independent of seasons or farms. However, this has led to unsustainable overproduction and waste generation, resulting in significant environmental concerns. To avoid contributing to this issue, consumers can opt for clothing made from natural materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie, kapok, jute, and wool. Tencel, lyocell, and modal are also safe choices as they are man-made fibres derived from vegetal sources. For those seeking plastic-free options, brands like No Nasties and Industry of All Nations (IOAN) offer stylish and sustainable alternatives that prioritise circularity and local production processes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabrics | Organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie (Chinese grass), kapok (fruit of the kapot tree), jute, Tencel, lyocell, modal, wild cotton, natural rubber, vegetable-tanned leather, farm-grown teak, wool, silk, leather, cotton |
| Other materials | Corozo nut, wood, metal, bamboo, algae, pineapple fibres |
| Avoid | Polyester, acrylic, lycra, nylon, spandex, polyester fleece, elastane, polyamide, polyethylene, rayon, sequins, zips |
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What You'll Learn
- Natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, ramie, kapok, jute, and hemp are plastic-free
- Tencel, Lyocell, and Modal are man-made fibres of vegetal origin, free of plastic
- Brands like No Nasties create stylish clothing using only organic cotton, with no plastic
- Industry of All Nations (IOAN) makes 100% plastic-free clothing, using materials like organic cotton, linen, and hemp
- Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane, which contain plastic and shed microplastics
Natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, ramie, kapok, jute, and hemp are plastic-free
Natural fibres are a great way to ensure your clothing is plastic-free. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, ramie, kapok, jute, and hemp are plastic-free. These fibres are also breathable, durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and feel great against the skin. They are also biodegradable and can be recycled.
Cotton is a versatile and widely available natural fibre. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and is often used in clothing to create a soft and comfortable fabric. Linen is another natural fibre that is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for warm weather. Wool is a natural insulator and is often used in clothing to provide warmth. It is also moisture-wicking and naturally breathable. Ramie, derived from Chinese grass, is a strong and durable fibre that is similar to linen. Kapok, obtained from the fruit of the kapok tree, is a lightweight and silky fibre that is often used as a filling for pillows and cushions. Jute is a sturdy and durable natural fibre commonly used for bags and rugs. Hemp is a versatile and sustainable fibre that is also naturally hypoallergenic.
In addition to these natural fibres, there are other innovative materials that are plastic-free. Piñatex, for example, is made from pineapple fibres and is used in the fashion industry for clothing accessories and upholstery. Algae have also emerged as a bio-based material that can replace plastics and textiles without the use of chemicals. It can be used for clothing accessories and details.
When shopping for plastic-free clothing, it is important to read the labels carefully. Look for clothing made with natural fibres and avoid synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex. Choosing clothing made from natural fibres is not only better for the environment but can also be a healthier and more comfortable choice for your skin.
There are also clothing brands that are committed to creating plastic-free clothing using natural fibres. For example, No Nasties creates stylish clothing using only organic cotton, while Industry of All Nations (IOAN) offers unique everyday wear made from organic cotton, linen, hemp, and other natural materials. By choosing clothing from these brands, you can support sustainability in fashion and reduce microplastics.
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Tencel, Lyocell, and Modal are man-made fibres of vegetal origin, free of plastic
Tencel, Lyocell, and Modal are man-made fibres derived from cellulose, a natural polymer that is the building block of wood. The wood used as a raw material for these fibres is sourced from controlled or certified origins, meeting FSC or PEFC standards and following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy.
Tencel is a brand name for Lyocell, which is a rayon made with a closed-loop process that recycles chemicals instead of dumping them. This process is less environmentally damaging than regular rayon production. The fibres are synthesised from cellulose, which is derived from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. Tencel is considered a semi-synthetic fabric since it is heavily processed and uses plants as its raw material.
Lyocell is a newer fibre with an improved production process compared to previous iterations of wood-pulp-based fabric fibres like modal. It uses less toxic bio-based solvents and an innovative closed-loop process that recovers and reuses solvents in future batches of Lyocell production. This makes Tencel-branded Lyocell more sustainable than traditional rayon/viscose.
Modal is considered "semi-synthetic" because the wood pulp used to make it is chemically altered in the production process. It is produced in a modified viscose process that uses resource-efficient technology with high recovery rates of chemicals. The eucalyptus and beech trees used to make Lyocell and Modal grow more quickly and require less water and pesticides than cotton, making them more sustainable choices.
Tencel, Lyocell, and Modal are all breathable and absorbent with a soft, comfortable texture. However, Lyocell is known for being stronger and more durable, resulting in fabric that holds its shape over time. These fibres offer healthier and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic, petroleum-based fabrics like polyester and spandex, which can shed harmful microplastics.
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Brands like No Nasties create stylish clothing using only organic cotton, with no plastic
With most clothing containing plastic, microplastic pollution is a significant issue for the industry. However, several clothing brands are committed to sustainability and creating stylish clothing without using any plastic. One such brand is No Nasties, which uses only organic cotton to create its clothing. Based in India, No Nasties has been a fair, environmentally friendly, and vegan brand since 2011. The clothing is produced in Goa, India, by Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills, a GOTS and Fairtrade certified factory that guarantees good working conditions and fair wages. In addition to using organic cotton, No Nasties employs an all-Indian supply chain, upcycles surplus materials, and uses zero-plastic packaging. The brand also encourages circularity by promoting the resale of its products through a dedicated platform.
Another brand that creates plastic-free clothing is Industry of All Nations (IOAN). IOAN's products are made from various materials, including organic Japanese cotton, linen, tree fill, recycled cashmere, recycled wool, peace silk, and hemp. Notably, IOAN does not work with any certification or regulation bodies as they believe their standards are higher since they work directly with producers. They also offer a unique repair service, allowing customers to send back their IOAN clothing for repair, regardless of the time of purchase.
Thinking Mu is another brand that uses minimal plastic in its clothing. While they do use a small amount of polyamide and elastane in their socks and recycled polyester in their activewear range, their other products are made from organic cotton, recycled/regenerated cotton, hemp, Tencel, REFIBRA, ECOVERO™, wool, corn leather, and SeaCell. Thinking Mu's clothing is known for its creativity, colourful designs, and sustainability.
When shopping for plastic-free clothing, it's important to check the materials used and be aware that plastic can be found in unexpected places, such as sequins. Look for clothing made from natural materials like organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie (Chinese grass), kapok (fruit of the kapok tree), jute, Tencel, lyocell, and modal. These fibres are naturally free of microplastics. Additionally, innovative materials like Piñatex, made from pineapple cultivation byproducts, and algae-based textiles offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics in clothing accessories and details. By choosing brands like No Nasties, IOAN, and Thinking Mu, and being mindful of the materials used in clothing, consumers can make more sustainable choices and reduce their impact on the environment.
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Industry of All Nations (IOAN) makes 100% plastic-free clothing, using materials like organic cotton, linen, and hemp
It can be challenging to find clothing that does not contain plastic, as most clothing contains plastic microfibres. Polyester, acrylic, lycra, nylon, spandex, polyester fleece, elastane, and polyamide are all indicators of plastic in clothing. Even shoes often contain plastic in the soles and the upper part.
Industry of All Nations (IOAN) is one of the few clothing brands that make 100% plastic-free clothing. IOAN uses materials like organic Japanese cotton, linen, tree fill, recycled cashmere, recycled wool, peace silk, hemp, alpaca fibres, wild cotton, natural rubber, vegetable-tanned leather, and farm-grown teak. IOAN's products are divided into sections, including undyed & unbleached, natural dyes, recycled fibres, and organic cotton.
IOAN stands out not only for its commitment to plastic-free clothing but also for its unique production model. Unlike most clothing brands, IOAN manufactures and finishes its products in the same villages, towns, and countries where their raw materials are grown or bred. By working directly with producers and cutting out middlemen, IOAN believes it can uphold higher standards than those imposed by certification or regulation bodies.
IOAN's clothing is high-end, unique everyday wear. The brand is based in the USA and ships internationally, with a store in California. IOAN's price range is typically between £75 and £590, although prices can vary depending on the specific product.
In addition to IOAN, other brands that offer plastic-free clothing include No Nasties, Alex Crane, Olderbrother, Mate the Label, kowtow, Thought, Palava, Colorful Standard, and Thinking Mu. These brands use materials such as organic cotton, alpaca wool, sheep's wool, natural rubber, leather, linen, and hemp.
When shopping for plastic-free clothing, it's important to read the labels carefully. Look for garments made from natural materials like organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie (Chinese grass), kapok (fruit of the kapuk tree), jute, Tencel, lyocell, and modal. Avoid clothing with sequins, as these are usually made of plastic and contribute to microplastic pollution when washed.
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Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane, which contain plastic and shed microplastics
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and elastane contain plastic and shed microplastics, polluting the environment and potentially impacting human health. To avoid contributing to this issue, it is important to be mindful when purchasing clothing and to choose natural fabrics instead.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the impact of synthetic fabrics on the environment. When synthetic materials are washed, they release microscopic plastic fibres, known as microplastics, which pollute the land and water. According to research, synthetic clothing has released approximately 5.6 million tonnes of microfibres into the environment since 1950. These microplastics have been found in the ocean and even in human blood, placenta, and baby faeces.
Secondly, it is important to recognise the prevalence of synthetic fabrics in the fashion industry. Polyester and nylon alone account for 69% of all materials used in clothing globally, and this number is expected to increase to 75% by 2030. This heavy reliance on synthetic materials is driven by their low cost and consistent availability, as their production is not dependent on seasons or agricultural factors like rainfall.
To avoid synthetic fabrics, consumers should be vigilant when purchasing clothing. Synthetic fabrics are often disguised in clothing, such as the elastic inside a waistband on a pair of organic cotton shorts or the lining of a garment. When shopping, look out for fabrics such as polyester, nylon, elastane, acrylic, lycra, spandex, polyester fleece, and polyamide, which all contain plastic. Instead, opt for natural fabrics like organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie (Chinese grass), kapok (fruit of the kapok tree), jute, wool, and silk. These natural fabrics are free from plastic and do not shed microplastics.
Additionally, be cautious with certain types of viscose or rayon, as they may be derived from unsustainable forestry practices. While these fabrics are praised for their water-saving properties, the raw material is sometimes not bamboo, and heavy chemical processes are used to soften the fibres. When it comes to insulation, puffer jackets are now mostly insulated with polyester synthetic fill, so consider alternative options.
Finally, when it comes to accessories, be mindful of plastic use in zippers and buttons. Zippers are often set in plastic fabric, so avoid garments with zips where possible. Buttons, on the other hand, can be made from natural materials like corozo nut or wood, offering a more sustainable choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural materials such as organic cotton, linen, wool, ramie (Chinese grass), kapok (fruit of the kapot tree), jute, and hemp do not contain plastic. Tencel, lyocell, and modal are also safe options, as they are man-made fibres of vegetal origin.
Industry of All Nations (IOAN) makes 100% plastic-free clothing. No Nasties is another brand that does not use any material other than organic cotton. Thinking Mu is a brand that uses plastic only in its swimwear.
Linen, silk, and wool can be expensive to buy new, so it is worth looking for these materials when buying second-hand.
Look for natural buttons made from corozo nut or wood, and for hook and eyes made from metal. It is rare to find a zip that is not set in plastic fabric, so it is best to avoid garments with zips where possible.
