Image: Pact

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

The Best Organic Cotton Clothes

With warmer days on the way, it’s time for light layers and summer dresses again! If you’re searching for a new piece for your wardrobe, but you want to shop sustainably, it’s important to avoid certain materials that are bad for the planet.

One such material is cotton; while one of the most widely used textiles in the fashion industry, popular for its breathability and versatility, it’s also one of the most environmentally damaging.

Is Cotton Sustainable?

Cotton farming is incredibly water-intensive, taking 2,700L of water to make just one conventional cotton t-shirt – that’s about three years’ worth of drinking water! Cotton is also the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, using chemicals that pollute waterways and ecosystems and poison the farmers who grow the crops. 

Why You Should Choose Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a better alternative to cotton as it’s produced and certified to organic agricultural standards. Its production sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural processes rather than artificial inputs. Most importantly, organic cotton farming doesn’t allow the use of toxic chemicals or GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Switching to organic cotton can save up to 91% of the water needed to grow the crops, 46% fewer greenhouse gases, and gives farmers more control as they don’t rely on buying expensive genetically modified seeds from a handful of big companies. Currently, only around 1% of all cotton produced is organic, so we need more people to ditch traditional cotton and opt for the more sustainable option of organic cotton. To be sure that what you’re buying is actually organic, look out for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Organic Content Standard Certification (OCS).

Read more about Organic Cotton & GOTS Cotton.

We’ve looked at sustainable brands who use organic cotton and made a list of our favorite 16:

1. Pact

For: Men & Women

Pact is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. All their products are crafted using organic cotton and are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), ensuring high-quality and eco-friendly materials.

From stylish dresses, skirts, and comfortable sweatshirts to cozy hoodies, Pact offers a diverse range of clothing for women and men. What sets Pact apart is their dedication to Fair Trade certified factories, where their products are made. These factories prioritize safe working conditions and support local communities, highlighting Pact's commitment to ethical manufacturing.

In addition to their sustainable production practices, Pact is also mindful of affordability. Most of their products are priced under $100, making organic cotton clothing accessible without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, Pact goes the extra mile by offering customers the option to offset the carbon footprint of their shipments, enhancing the eco-friendly nature of their products. This demonstrates their commitment to reducing environmental impact at every stage of the production and delivery process.

---

2. Poppy Barley

For: Women

Poppy Barley is a Canadian brand and B-Corporation founded by two sisters in Edmonton, Alberta. The company is dedicated to rethinking every step of the product creation process to produce sustainably made, fairly-priced items that can be worn repeatedly.

We love their organic cotton beach house summer cardigans - made from 100% organic cotton!

Find it cherry stripe (pictured), black stripe and sea breeze stripe (light blue).

Poppy Barley factories where all their products are produced are re-certified every two years to ensure they continue to meet their ethical standards.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC-15 for 15% off

---

3. Crann Organic

For: Kids

Crann Organic is a brand committed to providing super soft sustainable basics for kids.

Their range includes a variety of items such as t-shirts, sweats, and boxer briefs, all designed with a focus on comfort and eco-friendliness.

What sets Crann Organic apart is their dedication to using eco-friendly and non-toxic fabrics, such as GOTS certified organic cotton, TENCEL, and hemp, ensuring that your little ones are not only comfortable but also safe from harmful chemicals.

One of the standout features of Crann Organic's products is their thoughtful design. Free from irritating tags and cuffs, these clothes are perfect for children with eczema or sensitive skin. In fact, the brand was inspired by the founders' son, whose eczema was aggravated by wearing polyester clothing. As a result, Crann Organic has crafted their clothes to provide a gentle and comforting experience for kids with skin sensitivities.

In addition to its commitment to sustainability and comfort, Crann Organic caters to a wide range of children, offering sizes from 2 to 12, ensuring that all kids can enjoy their thoughtfully crafted clothing. Furthermore, their collection features a vibrant array of colors, adding a touch of fun and style to their sustainable basics.

---

4. Organic Basics

For: Men & Women

Organic Basics is the go-to destination for all your essential clothing needs.

Their range includes underwear, tops, and leggings, all crafted from high-quality organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials.

In addition to the basics, they have expanded their line to include activewear, dresses, and a unique denim collection.

What sets Organic Basics apart is their commitment to sustainability and durability. Their circular design approach and avoidance of synthetic blends ensure that their products are long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The brand is synonymous with minimalism, offering simple yet elegant designs in monochrome color palettes.

Moreover, Organic Basics prioritizes ethical production practices. They exclusively collaborate with certified factories that provide fair wages and ensure a safe working environment for their employees. Workers also receive additional benefits such as free childcare and lunches, reflecting the brand's comprehensive approach to ethical and sustainable business practices.

---

5. MATE the LABEL

For: Women & Children

MATE is a socially responsible company that was founded by women to create "Clean Essentials" using sustainable practices in Los Angeles.

Their products are made from non-toxic, natural, and organic materials, such as various types of organic cotton such as thermal, terry, jersey, and stretch. This diverse range of materials allows them to produce a wide variety of items suitable for different activities and climates.

Their loungewear sets are not only comfortable but also perfect for those seeking a post-pandemic style, while their activewear range is so stylish that it could motivate anyone to work out!

What's more, MATE has localized its entire supply chain within a ten-mile radius, handling everything from cutting, sewing, dyeing, packaging, to shipping within their LA factory. This localized approach significantly reduces their carbon footprint, making MATE a great choice for those looking to support sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

---

6. Q for Quinn

For: Men, Women & Children

Q for Quinn is a brand dedicated to sustainability and safety, providing non-toxic and GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified clothing for babies, children and adults. T

he brand's commitment to creating gentle and safe basics extends to the planet and communities as well.

Their clothing line includes seamless socks and underwear designed for the utmost comfort, especially for sensitive little ones.

What sets Q for Quinn apart is their philanthropic initiative; with every item sold, the brand donates a school meal to some of the world's most disadvantaged children through the organization Mary's Meals. This dedication to social impact adds a meaningful dimension to the brand's mission of creating safe and sustainable clothing.

---

7. Colorful Standard

For: Men & Women

Looking for an eco-friendly and ethical alternative to American Apparel?

Colorful Standard offers a range of styles available in approximately 20 different colors, all dyed with Oeko-Tex® certified methods and approved by PETA.

This sustainable brand is one of Natalie’s, the founder of Sustainably Chic, favorites!

She particularly admires their Twill Shorts, sweatsuit sets, and the convenience of finding versatile wardrobe staples.

---

8. Conscious Step

For: Men, Women & Children

Conscious Step offers a wide range of socks designed to support causes that align with your values and passions.

When you visit their website, you have the opportunity to select from various causes, such as ocean conservation or children's education.

By purchasing their socks, you are not only receiving a high-quality product, but also contributing a percentage of the proceeds to a partner organization dedicated to advancing the cause you care about.

Additionally, Conscious Step has recently introduced a line of kids' socks, expanding their impact to younger generations. These Fair Trade socks are crafted from clean, organic cotton by empowered producers who work in safe and fair conditions.

They are an ideal gift for individuals who are deeply passionate about specific causes and value ethical and sustainable products.

---

9. Mightly

For: Children

This one’s for the kids, and was created by moms so we know it’s a good one! Mightly’s collection of tees, leggings, dresses, hoodies, and pajamas are Fair Trade certified in India and made out out of GOTS organic cotton and non-toxic, kid-safe dyes. They have super cute designs (many of which are gender neutral) that are created by Lili Arnold, an artist and designer based in Santa Cruz, California. What’s really unique about this organic children’s clothing brand is that you can shop by theme! So if your child loves rainbows or animals, there’s a category for that - and good news, they go from sizes 2T to 14!

---

10. Nudie Jeans

For: Men, Women & Children

If on the hunt for a pair of sustainable denim jeans, Nudie Jeans would be the best place to start!

Their jeans come in 4 different fits and a range of different colors, & since 2012, all Nudie Jeans denim have been made with 100% organic cotton. The organic cotton they use is certified by GOTS, OCS, or the US Department of Agriculture (USDA Organic), depending on the origin & supplier. Apart from jeans, they offer jackets, pants, dungarees, shorts & sweatshirts, for both women & men. 

---

11. Groceries Apparel

For: Women

This brand aims to redefine transparency and human responsibility by “supporting family farms, localized manufacturing, living wages, and Monsanto-free post-consumer ingredients”.

They use organic cotton in their collections, as well as eucalyptus, recycled plastic, hemp and recycled cotton, & have even used natural plant dyes in some of their collections.

From t-shirts, leggings and sweatshirts to underwear and activewear, they have everything to create easy-to-wear outfits.

They manufacture all their products in their own factory in Los Angeles to ensure their standards are fully executed and keep their supply chain as local as possible to reduce their carbon footprint. 

---

12. Beaumont Organic

For: Women

British-based company Beaumont Organic is pioneering the way for sustainable fashion by introducing only two collections a year, along with a range of accessories that encompass the brands’ clean look and contemporary styling.

Their casual luxury pieces include jumpsuits, dresses and jackets, made with GOTS certified organic cotton (& other sustainable fabrics).

They also only work with factories within the EU that pay fair wages & guarantee safe working conditions for garment workers. 

---

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 TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

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.

---

related reading you may also enjoy:

Image: Bearaby

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links; 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 world a better place!

Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts

If you’re in need of some positivity and joy to get you through the rest of January, it might be time to start thinking about, and looking forward to, Valentine’s Day! Now, maybe more than ever, it’s so important to celebrate the happy times of the year and surround ourselves with friends and family when we can. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to remind your loved ones how much you appreciate them, but also to treat yourself with self-love and kindness. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, dating someone new or just trying to show yourself some love, this is the perfect chance to express your feelings of love, gratitude and appreciation.

While it has been turned into an overly commercialized holiday, Valentine's Day does have deep historical roots. Also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through ongoing folk traditions, became a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love all over the world.

What makes Valentine’s Day unsustainable?

From the 20th Century, Valentine’s Day has become more about the ‘stuff’, and less about the sentiment. There is a big focus on the gifts, as well as cards, candy, flowers, and decorations. As the holiday grows bigger each year, so does the pressure on people to buy more for their Valentine! According to the National Retail Federation, Valentine’s Day 2021 saw $21.8B spent on gifts for partners, friends, and even pets in the U.S., with the average person spending $165.

From foil balloons that don’t biodegrade to the bunches of flowers thrown away days after purchasing, Valentine’s Day is riddled with unsustainable practices. For example, approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year in the U.S. It takes 1 tree to produce 3000 cards, meaning over 48,000 trees are cut down to make Valentine’s Day cards each year for the U.S. alone. Another reason that Valentine’s Day is so unsustainable is due to the fact that many products are created purely for this one day, often as a novelty item, so they hold very little relevance for the rest of the year. This leads to people throwing away gifts after receiving them and adding to the extreme waste issue, which, in turn, adds to the climate crisis.

Can you have a sustainable Valentine’s Day?

Living a sustainable life shouldn’t mean that you have to miss out on celebrations with your loved ones and fun holidays. Taking a more mindful approach to the day can help you avoid unsustainable traditions and come up with more meaningful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. 

If you ditch the one-day novelties, avoid buying too much, and really think about something your partner would love and treasure for a long time, you’re already on track for a much more sustainable Valentine’s Day! 

While gifts are a wonderful way to show your love to the special person in your life, there’s nothing stopping you from coming up with something different this year. You could plan a romantic day trip together, make a home cooked meal to have on the day, or get crafty and make your partner something homemade!

Our top picks for sustainable Valentine’s Day gifts

If you’re looking for something special that will show your affection to your loved one, as well as showing some love to the planet, we’ve put together a list of sustainable gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. These gifts are eco-friendly and ethically produced, ensuring you’ll have a clear conscience and a full heart on February 14th.

1. Heart Necklace

$125

Jewelry makes a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day, especially if it’s from an ethical, sustainable designer. The Laura Elizabeth Heart necklace is cast in 100% recycled brass, and can be either 14 karat gold or sterling silver plated, depending on your loved one’s preference. These necklaces are also ‘mama-friendly’ as the two-chain and double-looped design protects it from tugging toddlers! Plus, Laura actually makes each and every necklace by hand herself!

---

2. Fair Trade Chocolate

Today, the average African cacao farmer only makes around $0.50-$0.84 a day. According to the Cocoa Initiative, an estimated 30,000 children and adults were subjected to forced labor somewhere in the cocoa supply chain over the five year period between 2013-2017. 

Fortunately, we have a post dedicated to the sustainability of chocolate, so you know what you buy beforehand!

---

3. Weighted Blanket

$199+

A weighted blanket is perhaps not the traditional Valentine’s Day token, but is guaranteed to give your loved one what they most desire - a good night’s sleep! Bearaby have created these silky-soft blankets, naturally weighted to promote better, deeper sleep and describes them as “an all-over, calming cuddle”. Using only sustainable materials such as organic cotton and TENCEL, you and your partner can sleep soundly knowing your blanket is doing its part for the environment.

---

4. Reusable Water Bottle

$35+

How cute is this Klean Kanteen water bottle? This Limited Edition 20 oz insulated water bottle is made from 90% recycled stainless steel. It is leak-proof, dishwasher safe, and its Climate Lock™ keeps contents iced for up to 59 hours! Klean Kanteen is a Certified B Corp brand, Climate Neutral Certified, and Family and employee-owned. If you want a reusable cup, this is the brand to check out. They also have this adorable heart print coffee tumblr!

---

5. DIY ‘ Sand’ Candles

$36-281

Are you looking to create a romantic candle setup? Chameleon Sand Candles are the perfect way to bring that beautiful light ambiance to your evening in a non-toxic way. The sand-like mixture is plant-based and fragrance-free, allowing you to add your own essential oils to create a scent unique to your home. Another great thing about these candles is that you can use your own vessels repeatedly to avoid excess waste!

---

6. Houseplant Subscription

$50+

Why give someone a bunch of flowers that only lasts a few days when you can give them a plant to own forever! As most millennials and Gen-Z’s know, what’s better than just one houseplant? Several. The Sill offers a monthly houseplant subscription box to help you bring the outdoors in and elevate your mood and space. Choose from classic or pet friendly plans, pick your ceramic planter and enjoy your monthly surprise easy-care houseplant!

---

Read more about sustainability in flowers here!

7. Bouquet of Flowers

$35+

If flowers are more your partner's thing, you can opt for a sustainable alternative from Bouqs. They partner with sustainable farms that minimize waste, recycle water, and protect workers’ well-being. This also means their flowers stay fresher and last longer. Choose from roses, lilies, tulips, sunflowers, or even succulents to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day!

---

8. Fireside Favorites

$119

Are you a camping couple or love a beach BBQ? Spend Valentine’s Day doing what you do best with all the added perks this year. This gift set from Packed With Purpose has everything you need for cuddling up by the fire, including a polar fleece blanket made with 100% recycled materials, organic popcorn kernels, milk chocolate s’mores bar and gourmet hot chocolate mix!

---

9. Redwood Succulent Heart Kit

$59

Made in California, this succulent kit is perfect for DIYers and plant lovers. The kit features a heart-shaped frame crafted of reclaimed redwood and six succulents. Not only is it a gift that lives on through the years, but knowing it is eco-conscious and reusing reclaimed natural materials makes it even better!

---

10. A Getaway for Two

$100+ per night

Getaway’s cozy cabins provide restorative stays in nature where your loved ones can take a break from work, wifi, and routines.

This is the perfect gift for those people who prefer experiences to things, are hard to shop for, enjoy the outdoors, or just deserve a little retreat from their busy life.

---

11. Non-Toxic Nail Polish Gift Box

$53

It took Sundays a whole year to develop the perfect 10-free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free formula that could still deliver high-shine and long-lasting brilliant color.

Their gift boxes allow you to choose three colors, making it a great customizable gift for your partner!

---

set from Uye Surana

12. Ethical Lingerie

Unfortunately, the majority of lingerie sets on the market are made unethically, at the cost of the planet.

They fall apart after a few wears and you quickly need to repurchase new ones. 

The good news is that you can find undies & bras in line with your values.

Many brands are making fancy, more sustainable lingerie sets, produced with workers’ wellbeing in mind.

---

13. Reusable Bags for V-Day Treats

It’s no secret we love Stasher bags here at Sustainably Chic!

Stasher is one of the best alternatives for resealable plastic bags. They have tons of sizes for snacks, sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. They are microwave-safe, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe - plus, they make great for gift giving because who wouldn’t want to receive yummy treats in a colorful bag they can reuse?!

---

14. Gift Card to A Sustainable Online Marketplace

Not sure what to gift this year for Valentine’s Day? Gift Cards are always a great solution to this dilemma! We have a list of amazing online marketplaces focusing on sustainable goods only. If your partner is interested in living zero-waste - or a bit more eco-friendly - then this is a perfect start for them!

---

About the Author

Sarah King 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.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

---

Image: Bhava

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through & make a purchase. We only ever 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 Vegan Shoes That Are Also Sustainable

They’re the last thing we put on before heading out the door and yet they can make or break an outfit. Shoes are something that we put a lot of thought into before buying, and choosing the right brand to shop with is the first step in the process. 

We’re all trying to be more conscious about what we wear, and for some people, opting for vegan shoes instead of animal-based ones is the compassionate and environmentally friendly way of doing that. In this post we’ll take a look at what vegan shoes are made of, why they may be the more sustainable choice, and which brands are the ones to check out when you’re next shoe shopping!

Why should you shop vegan shoes?

The main reasons why people opt for vegan footwear are ethical and environmental. Animal welfare is a big issue in the fashion industry and choosing vegan alternatives is the best way to ensure you’re not contributing towards unnecessary cruelty towards animals. Cows, pigs, goats and sheep are commonly used to make leather shoes, and most of the leather produced today comes from countries with less or no animal welfare protections. 

The environmental impacts of using leather for fashion is also a key driver for people who are switching to animal-free alternatives. From the toxic chemicals used in tanning leather, to the high amounts of water and land use required to raise the animals, the damage caused to the planet by leather is no longer deniable. 

What types of materials are used for vegan shoes?

The main material used for footwear is leather, and so the vegan alternative to this would be any synthetic or natural-based leather that doesn’t include any animal ingredients. There are more vegan leathers coming into the fashion industry all the time, such as fruit waste leathers and bio-based materials, as well as some more traditional materials like cork, natural rubber and cotton. Even the glue used in footwear is sometimes made with animals, so vegan shoes will always use an alternative adhesive.

our top picks for sustainable vegan shoe brands

1. Nae Vegan Shoes

Materials: Piñatex, AppleSkin, Cork

Price: $39 - 248

Portuguese vegan footwear brand Nae Vegan Shoes (standing for No Animal Exploitation) was founded in 2008 and is well known for their beautiful animal-free footwear. Their sandals, sneakers, boots and heels, all with European-inspired designs, are made with Piñatex, AppleSkin, cork, rPET, and On Steam Bioeco, the first ecological microfiber obtained partially from corn and recycled polyester. 

---

2. Thousand Fell

Materials: Natural Rubber, Coconut Husk, Aloe Vera

Price: $125 - 135

Find your next pair of vegan sneakers with Thousand Fell. Created in different styles such as lace-up, slip-on, & court for both women and men, these shoes are known for their comfort as each sole is made from recycled yoga mats. Thousand Fell only sources materials that can either be biodegraded, recycled to make new shoes, or upcycled into materials for new projects. 

---

3. Matt & Nat

Materials: Recycled PU, AppleSkin, Canvas

Price: $18 - 250

Canadian-based vegan brand Matt & Nat has specialized in footwear, bags and accessories since it was founded in 1995. You can find every style of shoe here, from sandals and heels to sneakers and boots. Most of their styles are in black, cream or neutral tones, making it easy to pair them with nearly everything in your wardrobe.

---

4. Native

Materials: Bloom, Sugarlite

Price: $39 - 132

Native creates lightweight shoes and sandals in simple styles perfect for summer and boots that will keep you going through winter. Native uses innovative materials such as Bloom, made with algae and Sugarlite, a bio-based EVA made from sugarcane. You can even recycle your Native shoes and they’ll be turned into playground flooring!

---

5. Vivo Barefoot *

Materials: Bloom, rPET

Price: $120 - 230

Vivo make barefoot style shoes for both performance and lifestyle, including sneakers, hiking boots and even amphibian shoes - made for adventures along the shore! Vivo use animal-free materials in their vegan collection including Bloom (made from algae) and Vamp (made from rPET).  

*Vivo Barefoot has a vegan collection but is not wholly vegan

---

6. Stella McCartney

Materials: Alter Mat, VEGEA

Price: $550 - 1,895

Famously known for pioneering vegan fashion developments, British designer Stella McCartney has a huge range of vegan shoes if you’re looking for a touch of glamour. Check out their flats, sneakers, boots, wedges and heels in bold designs made with Alter Mat, a biobased vegan alternative to leather, and VEGEA, made from grape waste. 

---

7. Bhava

Materials: Italian Vegan Leather

Price: $95 - 289

Committed to protecting the victims of the fashion industry (the animals, the planet and the people), Bhava only uses animal-free leather for their boots, clogs, heels, sandals and flats. Their shoes are handmade in Portugal and each pair is tested for durability on the streets of New York. 

---

8. Rothy’s

Materials: Natural Rubber, Algae-Based Foam

Price: $119 - 189

Rothy’s creates shoes for women, men and children using various vegan materials, including natural rubber, algae-based foams, rPET, and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). Discover their flats, sandals, loafers, sneakers and mules in bright, colorful prints and versatile neutral tones.  

---

9. Will’s Vegan Store

Materials: Bio-based vegan leather

Price: $58 - 124

The online vegan department store that makes shopping vegan shoes as easy as anything! Find classic brogues and sleek loafers, perfect for office wear or special occasions. Will’s Vegan Store uses a vegan leather made from bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe in a carbon-neutral process.

---

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC10 for 10% off

10. Veerah

Materials: Apple Peel, Bamboo, rPET

Price: $100 - 498

Veerah uses sustainable vegan materials to create its shoes, including alternatives using apple peel, bamboo, and recycled plastic bottles. Shop their sandals, pumps, flats, mules, and boots in gorgeous prints, bright colors and unique styles. We adore the bridal collection they’ve put together to help you find the perfect pair for your special day!

---

11. Oka-B

Materials: Bio-based Material

Price: $38 - 78

For the cutest sandals and ballet flats, look no further than Oka-B. Originally made as a spa shoe, they feature arch support and massage beads to keep your feet pampered 24/7. All Oka-B shoes are made with a bio-based material that contains 45% soy by weight and is BPA, latex, rubber, and phthalate-free. Oka-B shoes are made in the USA & when you return your well-loved & worn shoes, they recycle them & send a 15% off coupon toward your next purchase. 

---

12. Etiko

Materials: Natural Rubber, Organic Cotton

Price: $20 - 95

Australian brand Etiko specializes in organic, vegan, feel-good fashion and has a range of footwear, including sneakers, flip-flops and flats. Using natural rubber and 100% organic cotton, they create Fairtrade footwear that you can feel good knowing your footprints are that much lighter on the planet!

---

13. Okabashi

Materials: Bio-based Material

Price: $24.99 - 35.99

Okabashi makes vegan flip-flops, sandals, and ballet flats designed with circularity principles so they can be recycled at the end of their life. The shoes are made in the USA and are molded from a proprietary, recyclable material that is 40% US-grown soy by weight. Comfort is key to Okabashi, and each shoe is designed to last a lifetime - unlike your usual flip-flop.

---

14. Thesus

Materials: rPET, cork

Price: $138 - 209

Thesus is a socially and environmentally progressive brand of outdoor footwear and accessories. Find weekend and rain boots, and stylish clogs in earth tones and bright yellows, greens and reds. Based in Canada, Thesus is BIPOC woman-owned and women-led, and they manufacture their footwear in Portugal, ensuring the workers are paid a living wage.

---

About the Author

Sarah King 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.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

---

What is polyester?

When I think about polyester, the images that come to mind are bright power-suits from the 80’s and cheap clothes from fast fashion brands. We know that it is an unsustainable fabric and should be avoided where possible, but what is it actually made from and what makes it so bad for the environment? It’s important to know the facts behind fabrics so we can make more informed choices when we shop, so let’s find out more about polyester!

The Science Behind the Fabric

Polyester is a chemical term which can be broken into poly (many), and ester (a basic organic chemical compound). The main ingredient used in the production of polyester is ethylene, which is derived from petroleum. In this process, ethylene is the polymer, the chemical building block of polyester, and the chemical process that produces the finished polyester is called “polymerization”.

A synthetic fiber derived from coal, air, water, and petroleum, polyester fibers are formed from a chemical reaction between an acid and alcohol. In this reaction, two or more molecules combine to make a large molecule whose structure repeats throughout its length. Polyester fibers can form very long molecules that are very stable and strong.

A brief history of polyester

Wallace Hume Carothers was an American chemist, inventor and the leader of organic chemistry at DuPont, an American chemical company. During the mid-1930s Carothers discovered that he could create fibers by mixing carboxylic acids and alcohols, and ‘stumbled’ upon Nylon, which is still a popular fabric used today. In 1939, two British scientists, W.K. Birtwhistle and C.G. Ritchie continued Carothers work and by 1941 the first polyester fiber was developed, called Terylene. DuPont bought the rights from the two scientists and later came up with their own polyester fiber called Dacron. 

Unlike natural fabrics like wool and cotton, polyester was created out of scientific research and was marketed accordingly. Announced to the American public in 1951, polyester’s main selling point was that it could be “worn for 68 days straight without ironing, and still look presentable”. This had a huge appeal to women, who at the time were the primary homemakers, leading to the soaring popularity of the fabric.

Polyester is now the most widely used fiber in the world, accounting for roughly half of the overall fiber market and around 80% of synthetics fiber, according to the Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Materials Report 2017. In 2016, polyester fiber production was estimated at 52 million metric tons.

Where do you find polyester?

Polyester is used in the manufacturing of many products, including clothing, home furnishings, industrial fabrics, and electrical insulation. Polyester is light, strong and easily dyed, can be woven or knitted and is easily blended with other fibres. In fashion polyester is an incredibly versatile fabric that can be used to make anything from activewear to bridalwear. 

Another form of polyester used in fashion is poly-blends. Originally, this referred to combining two or more different poly materials to make a separate material, but is now commonly used to refer to the blending of polyester fibres and natural ones. Poly-cotton, linen blends and terrycot (a blend of terylene and cotton) are common poly-blends used in fashion.

What makes polyester unsustainable?

While polyester is a synthetic fiber, its raw materials are technically natural. Most polyester is made out of petroleum, a non-renewable carbon-intensive resource. Petroleum, also known as crude oil and oil, is a naturally occurring, yellowish-black liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. We are currently using up petroleum much faster than it can be produced in nature, and some predictions suggest we will reach maximum extraction by 2030. According to A New Textiles Economy Report 2017, producing plastic-based fibers for textiles uses an estimated 342 million barrels of oil each year.

Polyester has often been considered more sustainable from a consumer care standpoint as polyester garments last a really long time and require less water, energy and heat for washing. But because the fabric is designed to last for so long, it takes more than 200 years to decompose. While this wouldn’t be as much of an issue if we could guarantee clothes are not thrown away, around 85% of all textiles thrown away in the U.S., roughly 13 million tonnes in 2017, are either dumped into landfills or burned.

During a polyester product’s lifecycle, there are environmental implications. For example, hundreds of thousands of microfibers are released into the wastewater when we wash synthetic and natural clothes. The jury is still out on how harmful the natural microfibers are, but we now know that plastic microfibers are being ingested by marine life, animals and even humans. Each cycle of a washing machine could release more than 700,000 microscopic plastic fibers into the environment. While the full extent and impact of these microplastics are not yet clear, it is clear that the problem is widespread (microplastics have been found all around the world) and could have detrimental impacts to plant, animal, and human health.

The limitations of recycling are another factor that makes polyester clothes unsustainable. Most polyester used in clothing currently is virgin polyester, and while there are recycling options for used clothing, less than 1% of collected textiles are recycled back into clothing or textile use. Most of the recycled polyester currently used by leading fashion brands comes from plastic bottles rather than old clothing. In addition, the majority of polyester produced is used in poly-blends rather than 100% polyester fabric, and it is even more difficult to recycle poly-blends. Even a t-shirt made up of 99% cotton and 1% polyester would not be saved from landfill. However, companies such as Swedish forestry cooperative, Södra, are developing processes of separating polyester from cotton.

Recycled Polyester Sweater from Patagonia

Sustainable alternatives to polyester

Now we know why polyester is so bad for the environment, we can start to look for alternatives when we shop. Luckily there are plenty to choose from!

Repreve

REPREVE is a series of recycled fibers made by UNIFI, which include resin, nylon 6, and polyester. REPREVE Polyester is the leading branded performance fiber made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles. Compared to making what's called ‘virgin fiber’, making REPREVE doesn’t require the use of new petroleum, as well as emitting fewer greenhouse gases and conserving water and energy in the process. Over 35 billion plastic bottles have been recycled so far to make REPREVE fabric.

Recycled polyester is a more environmentally sustainable fibre than virgin polyester, but it is not without its problems. Each time plastic is reheated for recycling it degrades, so it cannot be recycled indefinitely. There are also other elements of the process that can be environmentally damaging such as the re-dyeing, the amount of water needed, and the high-temperatures required which can release carcinogenic antimony compounds into the atmosphere. So when you buy recycled polyester clothes, just know that they likely cannot be recycled again.

Natural materials are always great alternatives to polyester. Here are a few examples of alternatives to look out for…

Linen

Linen is a strong fiber derived from the flax plant, which when grown in its natural geographical zones, produces zero waste when harvested and turned into fabric. The flax plant has many other uses and can be turned into paper, oil and other bio-materials. Flax farming requires less water and pesticides to grow than conventional cotton, and if left un-dyed (or eco-dyed) can be totally biodegradable! However, you won’t need to throw it away as linen is known to last for hundreds of wears, making it the perfect fabric to include in your wardrobe.

Hemp

Hemp has been around for thousands of years, is produced on almost every continent in the world, and is one of the most sustainable fabrics you can buy today. It returns up to 70% of the nutrients it takes from the soil during cultivation, which is so important for soil biodiversity. Hemp requires very little water and can produce up to twice as much fiber per hectare as cotton. It also grows organically extremely well, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Hemp is biodegradable, breathable, renewable, and feels similar to linen to wear.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is the more sustainable version of conventional cotton. Most organic cotton is grown in rain-fed areas; this means farmers rely on rain to water their cotton instead of having to extract water from the ground, which can put pressure on water supplies in local communities. Organic cotton emits up to 46% less greenhouse gas than non-organic and requires 62% less energy to produce than conventional cotton. Another benefit of using organic cotton instead of polyester is that it is free from toxic chemicals used in pesticides and fertilizers, making it better for the environment and your skin!

---

Avoiding polyester is getting easier but is still not always an option for everyone. If you buy clothes made from polyester, just be sure to look after them, make them last as long as possible, and make sure to either upcycle or donate them if you decide you no longer want them. You can also use washing bags like the Guppyfriend that will catch the microfibers when you wash them, reducing the number of microplastics going out into the ocean!

---

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 to find 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.

---

related reading you may also enjoy:

Image: Encircled

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

What is modal?

Over recent years, as we’ve become more aware and interested in the fabrics that make our clothes, you may have noticed a lot of new types of materials being talked about. Especially within the sustainable fashion world where materials are constantly battling to be named the most sustainable. One such fabric that you may have heard about is modal, but what do we actually know about it? 

You may have spotted modal in your favourite activewear brand’s new collection, or even in the sheets and pillowcases of a bedding brand, and it has rapidly increased in popularity within sustainable brands. Known for its silky-smooth texture and being incredibly lightweight, modal has the versatility brands crave, and a sustainable accreditation to go with it only makes it more desirable. But it’s worth having a more in-depth look at modal to determine what the true sustainability factors are, and what is simply greenwashing.

When we’re deciding if an item of clothing is sustainable or not, we need to know what fabric it’s made of, what goes into making that fabric, and whether it’s been produced ethically. Being informed on the facts behind our fabrics helps us make better decisions when we shop, so let’s get to know modal a bit better!

The science behind the fabric

Modal was first developed in Japan in 1951 but was then produced by an Austrian company called Lenzing Fibers (now Lenzing) in 1964. The fabric belongs to the “rayon” family and is considered an upgrade to the fabric “viscose”. Originally, modal was developed in order to refine viscose by imitating the properties of cotton. Modal is known as a semi-natural fiber, as the original source it is made from is beech trees, but the process of turning the wood pulp into yarn requires chemicals. Because of this combination, modal fibers are also called “regenerated cellulosic” fibers.

The process of creating modal requires the harvesting of beech trees, which are then turned into small chips and then purified to extract their cellulose content. This cellulose is formed into sheets and immersed in vats of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide before being broken down again and forced through a ‘spinneret’ to create fibers. These fibers are then woven together to make the modal fabric, which can be used on its own or in a textile blend with other materials like cotton. 

In 1977, Lenzing invented a process of bleaching the wood pulp in a more environmentally friendly way. Today, Lenzing’s modal is made of wood pulp sourced from beech trees which are harvested in sustainable forests under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC). 

Where do you find modal? 

To this day, the largest producer of modal fabric worldwide is still Lenzing, which is based in Europe but has factories all over the world, with some of their biggest modal fabric factories being in China. A variety of other companies also make modal rayon, and most of these companies are based in China, which is why China is now the world’s largest exporter of modal. 

Originally, the fabric was used to create scarves as it was thought of as the perfect alternative to silk. Now modal is mostly used in underwear, nightwear, sportswear, t-shirts, and even bedding. In clothing modal is often used as an alternative to cotton or silk, as it has the same lightweight and breathable feel. Many sustainable brands have opted to use modal in their products as it’s also an eco-friendly alternative to viscose, and it can be marketed as a ‘plant-based material’. 

In terms of the benefits of using modal as a fabric for clothes, the list is pretty long. Modal is stretchy, soft, breathable, water absorbent, durable, drapes well, doesn’t pill, color fast, shrink-resistant, doesn't crease, and is biodegradable. It’s no wonder that sustainable fashion designers were keen to start using this fabric in their collections! 

You’ll often see that modal is blended with other fibers like cotton and spandex for added strength. Modal is considered a luxurious textile due to both its soft feel and high cost, as it is more expensive than either cotton or viscose. For this reason it is often favoured by more high-end designers, adding to the luxury appeal of their brand. 

Sustainable brands across the world have also adopted the use of sustainably-produced modals within their collections, such as Amour Vert, TAMGA Designs, and Whimsy and Row.

What makes modal unsustainable?

There has been confusion over whether or not modal could be classed as a sustainable material. At a basic level, modal is made from trees which would suggest that, if sourced from sustainably-managed forests, it would be an eco-friendly material. However, the chemicals and processes involved to turn the wood chips into fibers have caused people to question it’s sustainability accreditations.

Forests

The main raw material for producing modal is wood from beech and softwood trees. However, due to the rise in popularity of modal, we’ve seen an increase in unregulated production, which has added to the global issue of deforestation. In a report by Canopy Planet, several producers of modal were sourcing trees from ancient or endangered forests. The Rainforest Action Network even ran a global campaign called ‘Out of Fashion’ to pressure fashion brands away from their use of unsustainable modal, rayon and viscose.

As with any material created from trees, there needs to be external audits carried out and certifications awarded to suppliers and brands who are following the appropriate guidelines to ensure sustainability. It can be incredibly difficult to trace back materials to their original source, so transparent supply chains are also crucial in sustainable modal production.

Chemicals 

Another common objection to modal is the use of several chemicals involved in processing the fiber. Modal requires many toxic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and carbon disulfide. The latter is a well-known neurotoxin that can enter the water or air through the processing of modal if it’s not manufactured in a closed-loop process. This then affects wildlife, aquatic life and humans, who can experience critical medical problems ranging from liver damage, blindness and even death. 

Image: Amour Vert

Can modal be sustainable?

While there are unsustainable fiber producers, not all modal is created equal. Lenzing currently produces the most sustainable modal called TENCEL Modal®. They operate under a global certification system and have developed environmental processes for their modal, which are not currently commercially available to others. Lenzing’s technologies are less-toxic and have a high rate of recovery for process ingredients, meaning fewer chemicals end up being wasted. They also source their trees from PEFC or FSC accredited forests which have sustainably managed beech tree plantations. The environmental footprint of TENCEL Modal® is carbon-neutral, requires much less land per tonne than cotton fibers, and requires 10-20 times less water than cotton does. 

To be clear, Tencel is a brand name that produces certain types of modal and lyocell. Check out our guide to Tencel and some of our favorite brands that use it!

Micromodal is a more recent version of modal that is even more lightweight and soft, rivaling even the highest quality of silk. In addition, it is considered to be more environmentally friendly than modal as it is highly homogenous, with only one company currently producing micromodal. Micromodal also requires far lesser concentrations of caustic soda during the processing of the fiber. 

Sustainable modal production should encompass, at minimum, these main aspects:

• Closed loop production. This means any chemical used once in the process is not discarded in the environment, and is instead reused. The only small amount that is discharged is also non-hazardous. Many rayon manufacturers have started to use “chemical scrubbers” or machines to trap the chemicals before they make their way into the ecosystem, further reducing harm. 

• Sustainably-sourced wood. Sustainable modal should be made of wood pulp sourced from beech trees which are harvested in sustainable forests.

• Low water consumption. Modal requires a surprisingly low consumption of water during its production. Compared to cotton, its water consumption is about 20 times less. This means the Modal’s carbon footprint is also much less than other fabrics. 

• Biodegradable status. Although semi-synthetic, modal fiber is completely biodegradable. The production chemicals that are used are also biodegradable.

Sustainable alternatives to modal

If you can’t find TENCEL Modal®, there are other sustainable alternatives to look out for if you’re after something with a similar weight or feel to modal. 

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a more sustainable alternative to modal as it is a completely organic form of rayon. It is made using an organic solution that replaces the sodium hydroxide used in modal production. 

According to the ‘Environmental Benchmark for Fibres’ from materials experts Made-By, there are several materials that are classed as more sustainable than modal. These include organic hemp, organic linen, recycled wool and recycled cotton. Depending on these fabrics' thread count, they could be perfect alternatives to modal. 

---

About the Author:

Sarah King 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.

---

related reading you may also enjoy: