How to Shop by Fabric Content: A Guide to Better, More Sustainable Clothing Choices
 

I’ve been sharing sustainable brands for over a decade, and one of the first things I always check before recommending a piece is the fiber content. Because while aesthetics matter (yes, we want cute clothes!), what your clothes are made of really does matter...for your skin, your comfort, the planet, and the garment's longevity.

If you’re trying to shop more mindfully or slowly build a wardrobe that’s better for the environment and easier on your body, knowing your fabrics is key. This guide will walk you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make sense of all those little tags inside your clothes.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

Why Fiber Content Matters

Every fabric tells a story...some more sustainable than others.

  • Natural fibers tend to be breathable, biodegradable, and renewable.

  • Synthetics (like polyester and nylon) are made from fossil fuels and can shed microplastics into our waterways every time you wash.

  • Fabric blends can be tricky to recycle and often reduce the garment’s ability to break down naturally.

If you want your clothing to align with your values, checking the fiber content is a great first step.

How to Read the Label

Peek inside any garment and you’ll usually find a fabric composition label. It'll look something like:

Here’s what to look for:

  • Natural fibers first. If cotton, linen, hemp, or wool are listed as the first ingredient, that’s a good sign.

  • Watch for blends. Some blends are okay (especially if they help with fit or stretch), but others are mixed just to cut costs or increase durability at the expense of sustainability.

  • Greenwashing alert: Just because it says “bamboo” doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly as most bamboo fabric is chemically processed into rayon unless it’s labeled as mechanically processed or bamboo linen.

Better Fabrics to Look For

These are your go-to natural fibers:

  • Organic Cotton – softer, less pesticide-heavy, and easier on your skin.

  • Linen – made from flax, super breathable, and gets better with age.

  • Hemp – one of the most eco-friendly fibers out there (and way more comfortable than you might think!).

  • TENCEL™ Lyocell – made in a closed-loop process, silky-soft, and biodegradable.

  • Wool (including Alpaca) – warm and naturally odor-resistant (just check how the animals are treated).

  • Silk – if you’re okay with animal-derived materials, silk is natural and long-lasting.

Fabrics to Limit (or Avoid When Possible)

  • Polyester, Acrylic, Nylon – all derived from oil, non-biodegradable, and major microplastic shedders.

  • Conventional Rayon – unless it’s certified (like Lenzing), it’s often made with toxic chemicals.

  • Cheap Blends – if it’s a 50/50 poly-cotton blend, think twice. These are hard to recycle and don’t break down well.

Note: Recycled synthetics can have a place, especially in swimwear or activewear, but they’re still not perfect.

What About Fabric Blends?

I get it, stretchy jeans exist for a reason. And sometimes a touch of elastane makes a piece more wearable. The key is balance:

  • Aim for 80–95% natural fiber content when possible.

  • Know that the more mixed a fabric is, the harder it is to recycle or compost.

  • Choose brands that are transparent about why they use blends.

Quick Questions to Ask Before Buying

Ask these while you’re browsing or checking out:

  • Is the fabric mostly natural?

  • Does it need special care I’m not willing to give?

  • Will this shed plastic fibers in the wash?

  • Will it last over time?

A Few Sustainable Brands We Love Using Natural Fibers

  • MATE the Label: Known for their clean essentials, MATE uses natural, non-toxic materials like organic cotton for everything from tees to loungewear.

  • Transcend: Committed to plant-based fashion, Transcend creates flowy, elevated staples using only natural and biodegradable fibers like organic cotton and linen.

    • use code CHIC30 for 30% off

  • Poppy Barley: While best known for responsibly made footwear, Poppy Barley also has a small clothing line made from organic cotton.

    • use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC-15 for 15% off 

  • LA Relaxed: Lovely effortless basics, LA Relaxed uses sustainable fibers like TENCEL™ and organic cotton to craft soft, breathable pieces in small batches.

    • code sustainablychic for 10% off your purchase

  • Organsk: This denim brand is rooted in transparency and quality, using only certified organic cotton to create their jean collection.

    • use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off

  • Tripulse: This activewear brand skips toxic synthetics & embraces natural, skin-friendly fibers like TENCEL™ & Roica® to create performance wear with less plastic.

  • SeamsFriendly: This India-based brand creates beautiful, custom-size clothing using handwoven & natural fabrics like cotton and linen, all stitched with care by skilled artisans.

    • use code SF-SUSTAINABLYCHIC-GY15 for 15% off

  • Rujuta Sheth: This brand blends timeless silhouettes with breathable, natural fibers like handwoven cotton and silk, ethically crafted by artisans.

  • Carve Designs: Perfect for outdoor & active lifestyles, Carve Designs uses natural fibers like organic cotton and TENCEL™.

  • BONUS: While not a clothing brand, Laura Elizabeth Jewelry is the perfect complement to your natural fiber wardrobe. Her pieces are ethically handcrafted in the U.S. using 100% recycled brass and sterling silver, proving accessories can be as sustainable as your outfit!

    • code sustainablychic for 10% off your purchase

Final Thoughts

Fabric content is one of the easiest places to start if you’re trying to shop smarter and more sustainably. Once you learn what to look for (and what to avoid), it becomes second nature.

So next time you’re tempted by a cute new top or dress, just flip it inside out and check the tag...your skin, closet, and the planet will thank you!

 
10 Non-Toxic, Plastic-Free Swaps for Everyday Essentials (That Are Surprisingly Easy to Make)
plastic-free swaps for your everyday life

Making the switch to non-toxic and plastic-free products doesn’t need to feel like a huge chore. Trust me, I’ve tried out a ton of sustainable options over the years, including plastic-free swaps, and I’ve found a few that I genuinely love and rely on in my daily life. Whether it’s for personal care or cleaning around the house, these brands focus on clean ingredients and plastic-free packaging. It just goes to show that you can take care of yourself and the planet without sacrificing quality or convenience!


1. Shampoo & Conditioner, Plaine Products

Plaine Products offers a truly closed-loop haircare system. Their shampoo and conditioner are not only free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, they also come in reusable aluminum bottles you send back for refills. It's clean haircare without the plastic waste. (the pumps are made from plastic but you hold on to them to use them in future aluminum bottles!)

use code sustainablychic20 for 20% off your purchase


2. Deodorant – Wild Refillables

I’ve been using Wild’s natural deodorant as a plastic-free swap, and I have to say, I really love it! It comes in this sleek, reusable aluminum case - with my name on it :D The best part? They offer compostable refills, so we don't add to plastic-waste. I really appreciate that it’s made without any of those harsh chemicals or aluminum salts. It keeps me feeling fresh all day long! The synthetic-free scents are really nice and all plant-based. Overall, it’s a win-win for me when it comes to non-toxic deodorants!

use code chic20 for 20% off


3. Laundry & Dishwasher Detergent – Dropps

Dropps offers convenient detergent pods for your laundry and dishes. Instead of bulky plastic jugs/film, they use biodegradable film for their pods, which are shipped in recyclable cardboard boxes. I've been using their products for a couple years and think they work really well. It’s a simple change that helps your dishes and clothing clean without negatively impacting the planet!


4. Makeup – River Organics

River Organics combines skincare and makeup with clean, vegan ingredients and zero-waste packaging. Their lip balms, concealers, and blushes come in compostable paper tubes and are ideal for anyone looking to detox their makeup bag. Plus, I love the fact everything is made in North Carolina!

use code SustainablyChic for 15% off your purchase


5. Face Wash & Moisturizer – Plaine Products

Another favorite from Plaine Products is their face wash and moisturizer. Both are gentle, nourishing, unscented, and great for sensitive skin. They come packaged in the same refillable aluminum bottles as their haircare products. This is clean beauty at its best.

use code: sustainablychic20 for 20% off your purchase


6. Hand Soap – Wild Refillables

Wild has recently expanded into hand soap, which is just as thoughtful as their deodorant. It is refillable, plastic-free, and gentle on the skin; this swap brings sustainability to your sink.

use code chic20 for 20% off


7. Activewear – Tripulse

Tripulse creates activewear using natural, plastic-free materials such as TENCEL™ and Roica® (a biodegradable elastane). Their garments are breathable, antimicrobial, and extremely comfortable, making them ideal for movement without microplastics.


8. Everyday Clothing – Natural Fibers Only

One of the biggest swaps I’ve made? Choosing clothing made from 100% natural fibers. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics and often contain toxic chemicals. Instead, I choose brands that prioritize materials like organic cotton, hemp, and linen. Not only are they better for your body and the planet, they are lasting, too!


9. Sun Protection – ATTITUDE Sunly™ Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30

ATTITUDE’s Sunly collection offers a 100% plastic-free, EWG Verified® mineral sunscreen in biodegradable tubes. Available in retractable sticks for face and body (scented or unscented), it features non-nano zinc oxide for UVA/UVB protection and is free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. Lightweight, vegan, and easy to apply, these sticks have been praised by many as the best plastic-free option - & we love them!


10. Plastic-Free Hair Ties – Kooshoo

These hair ties have a cotton cover and natural rubber center, making them compostable, though rubber takes months to degrade. Kooshoo ties are 2-3 times stronger than standard ones and won’t damage thick or curly hair. Made with sustainably sourced cotton, they are Fair Rubber certified and produced ethically in Japan or India, using OEKO-Tex low-impact dyes and vegan materials.


Looking for a wooden hairbrush or eco-friendly cleaning supplies? Check out Grove for more amazing plastic-free and sustainable beauty and home products!

We also have these zero-waste / plastic-free posts to help further your journey:

Beautiful Sustainable Dresses by 10 Woman-Owned Brands in 2025
woman wearing a sustainable dress from a women-owned brand

Fashion is all about making choices that reflect our values, and when it comes to sustainability and empowerment, those choices become even more meaningful. By choosing ethically made clothing, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also uplift amazing women who are leading the charge in innovative fashion. If you’re on the lookout for beautiful, eco-friendly dresses that match your values, you’re in the perfect spot!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us! Cover Image: Transcend

In this post, we’re excited to introduce you to 10 gorgeous woman-owned brands that are changing the face of sustainable fashion in 2025. From comfy organic cotton basics to stunning artisan-crafted pieces, these brands showcase that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand. Whether you need a chic everyday dress, an effortlessly elegant occasion piece, or a breezy summer staple, you’ll find something truly special here.

Let’s take a closer look and celebrate these inspiring women-led businesses together!

Why Choose Woman-Owned Sustainable Fashion?

Choosing to support woman-owned brands means more than just looking good. It’s a powerful step towards empowerment, ethics, and sustainability. Many women-led businesses place a strong emphasis on people and the planet, focusing on fair labor practices, sustainable materials, and inclusive design. These brands often set out to challenge the harmful practices of the fashion industry, like exploitative labor and excessive waste. Instead, they promote transparency, fair wages, and eco-friendly production methods. When you shop from woman-owned sustainable brands, you’re not just finding beautiful, eco-conscious fashion; you’re also uplifting female entrepreneurs who are transforming an industry long dominated by fast fashion giants.

What Makes a Dress Truly Sustainable?

With so many brands claiming to be “eco-friendly,” it’s essential to recognize what true sustainability looks like in fashion. Here are some key features of sustainable dresses:

Ethical Production: Look for dresses made in factories or artisan workshops that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and uphold labor rights.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Materials like organic cotton, linen, hemp, TENCEL™, and deadstock fabric help reduce water usage and avoid harmful pesticides.

Low-Impact Dyes & Processes: Many traditional dyes include toxic chemicals. Opt for brands that use natural dyes or certified non-toxic alternatives.

Circular Fashion Principles: Sustainable brands design with longevity in mind, creating durable pieces that are easy to repair, recycle, or compost.

Carbon-Conscious Practices: Some brands focus on minimizing carbon emissions by using local production, renewable energy, or offsetting their carbon footprint through practices like reforestation.

Our Favorite Sustainable Dresses from Woman-Owned Brands:

1. Transcend

Price: $250-350

use code CHIC30 for 30% off

This brand isn’t just about clothing; it’s about making a difference. Each dress they create not only looks beautiful but also supports social and environmental causes, empowering women and encouraging us to shop mindfully.Their latest collection, Empower, features ethically made clothing produced at a factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, using natural materials like cotton and linen.

2. Passion Lilie

Price: $60-118

use code sustainablychic15 for 15% off

Every dress feels like a unique piece of art, lovingly made by artisans in India who are committed to fair trade. At Passion Lilie, you’ll find beautiful block-printed designs that not only showcase traditional craftsmanship but also help provide sustainable livelihoods for the talented individuals behind them.

3. Agaati

Price: $350-1,425

use code AGAATI15SC on ready-to-ship styles to their elegant Bespoke / On-Demand pieces

Agaati’s sustainable dress collection is all about celebrating the incredible craftsmanship of women artisans in India and Nepal. Each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted using natural and repurposed fabrics, and many are made-to-order to cut down on waste. The collection features gorgeous silhouettes, from elegant midi dresses to stunning evening gowns.

4. Cleobella

Price: $64-318

If you're a fan of boho-chic styles, you'll love what Cleobella has to offer! They work closely with artisans from around the globe to craft beautiful dresses that are not only intricately designed but also made using traditional techniques. Plus, by choosing Cleobella, you’re supporting fair wages and ethical production.

5. Rujuta Sheth

Price: $80-248

Rujuta Sheth’s sustainable dresses are truly special. They’re crafted in collaboration with artisans in India, using eco-friendly, handwoven cotton and linen. Each piece, whether it’s a breezy midi or a chic check-patterned “chex” design, combines bright colors with a classic vibe. Best of all, these dresses are designed and made in New York with a commitment to zero waste and ethical production

6. Daughters of India

Price: $185-365

These dresses are everything you could want...flowy, feminine, and made with a purpose. They celebrate the rich craftsmanship of traditional Indian textiles, and the brand collaborates closely with artisan communities to keep these amazing techniques alive.

7. No Nasties

Price: $26-76

An Indian-based brand that goes all-in on sustainability. Their organic, fair-trade dresses are made from 100% vegan materials and ensure ethical practices at every stage of production. We also love their price points!

8. ReCreate

Price: $50-290

ReCreate Clothing's dress collection is all about blending style with a conscience. Based in New Zealand, they use 100% GOTS-certified organic fabrics, like super soft cotton jersey and crisp poplin. What’s also really special is their workshop in Cambodia, where every garment is produced with care...supporting fair wages, training, and empowering the local community!

9. Whimsy + Row

Price: $62-248

Whimsy + Row exclusively uses locally sourced and eco-friendly materials and recycles every scrap of deadstock fabric to create new garments or accessories. Additionally, their designs are made using recycled water and low-impact dyes, and the brand is carbon-neutral. It's a great place to shop for everyday dresses and formal events, offering extended sizing and a pre-loved section where you can purchase their items secondhand!

10. Omnes

Price: $67-242

This UK-based brand offers affordable, stylish, and responsibly made dresses. Their range of dresses combines fashion-forward designs with eco-friendly materials like deadstock fabrics and organic cotton. Whether you need a casual brunch dress or something elegant for a night out, they've got versatile options for every occasion - all produced in ethical factories.


When we support women-owned brands that champion fair wages, ethical sourcing, and sustainable fabrics, we help create a fashion industry that uplifts rather than exploits. These brands prove that fashion can be a force for good (one dress at a time) 💛

5 Ways to Keep Your Clothing Donations Out of the Landfill

When you're cleaning out your closet, it might feel good to donate your clothes, thinking you're helping out. But here's the reality: a lot of that donated clothing ends up being burned, tossed in the trash, or shipped to other countries, where it can create problems for those communities. It's important to find ways to keep clothing donations out of landfills and ensure they are truly reused.

Our waste is contributing to public health crises in other parts of the world. You can find more information on this pressing issue here.

So how do we make sure our good intentions actually do good? It starts before we even buy the clothes, and continues with how we pass them on. A conscious effort to keep clothing donations out of landfill can begin with deliberate purchasing and donation methods.

Here are five thoughtful ways to make sure your donations don’t end up in the landfill:

1. Buy Less in the First Place

The most sustainable garment is the one that never needed to be produced. Buying fewer, better-quality pieces reduces the need to constantly clean out your closet and donate. When you’re intentional with your purchases, you’ll naturally have fewer items to offload, and those you do donate will likely be in better shape for someone else to use and help keep clothing donations out of landfill.

2. Only Donate Clean, Wearable Items

Before donating, ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend? If it’s stained, ripped, stretched out, or smells weird, most donation centers can’t sell it. Always wash and fold clothes before donating. If an item is beyond repair, textile recycling is a better option (see below).

3. Research Where You Donate

Not all donation centers operate the same. Some only sell a fraction of what they receive and send the rest abroad or to textile recyclers, many of which still discard large amounts. Prioritize local organizations that support your community directly, like:

  • Homeless shelters or women’s shelters
  • Refugee resettlement groups
  • Church donation drives
  • Community closets or free stores

Call ahead to ask what they accept and how donations are used.

4. Sell Your Clothes Yourself

Give your pre-loved pieces a second chance by selling them directly to people who want them. This ensures your clothes stay in use and reduces the risk of them being tossed since many thrift stores are overwhelmed.
Here are a few great platforms to try:

  • Poshmark – Best for fashion lovers and name brands
  • Depop – Great for vintage, trendy, or Y2K styles
  • thredUP – A clean-out service with optional payout or donation

Click here for a list of our 12 favorite secondhand clothing apps for you to buy and sell!

This route takes a bit more time, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your clothes in circulation, and you may even make some money along the way.

5. Recycle Responsibly

For clothes that are no longer wearable (holey socks, stretched-out tees, underwear, etc.), look for textile recycling programs. Brands like TrashieTerracycle, and some local governments offer recycling options that turn worn-out items into insulation, industrial rags, or even new textiles, keeping them far from the landfill.

Click here to find stores who take your old clothes in return for store credit.

How are Lawmakers Around the World Tackling Fast Fashion?
 
European Union discussing laws on fast fashion

Fast fashion is a complex issue, and tackling it requires multi-layered solutions, including fast fashion laws. Dedicated policies and citizens' awareness are necessary to solve problems stemming from systemic injustice. So, to make fashion fair by default, regulators must make decisions that effectively hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and the quality of life they give their employees. 

With increasing awareness amongst the public about the exploitative conditions and environmental issues at the basis of fast fashion and thanks to the work of activists, NGOs, and trade unions, regulators worldwide are taking some steps to change the fashion industry for the better. 

European Union Lawmakers & Fast Fashion

The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles 

Textiles have a sizable environmental impact in the EU. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), in 2020, textile consumption put the third highest pressure on water and land use in the Union. This textile-industry-specific strategy aims to put the commitments of the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the European industrial strategy into practice by improving the environmental performance of this resource-intensive sector. To do so, it addresses issues throughout the textiles' life cycle through specific regulations and directives.   

In terms of design, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set new design requirements for textiles, intending to make them more durable and easier to maintain and repair. Entered into force on 18 July this year, it also set 'ecodesign requirements' to increase the recycled content and better the availability of information on goods sustainability. It also introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digitally accessible product ID that will store info related to products sustainability and circularity performance and their legal compliance.

The Waste Framework Directive tackles the end-of-life aspect of textiles. It will require EU member states to ensure a separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025. It also presented extended producer responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy mechanism that requires producers to take responsibility for the waste management of their products. 

United States Fast Fashion Laws

The NY Fashion Act

The New York State Fashion Act is a state bill that would apply to fashion companies doing business in New York with a global revenue of $100 million. If passed, it would mandate fashion sellers to be accountable for their environmental and social standards and bring about a shift in the fashion world by harnessing the economic power of New York in this sector and beyond. 

Introduced in the 2022 New York legislative session by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, it would set a legal framework to enforce standardized due diligence requirements across apparel and footwear supply chains. The action mandated by this bill would include "identifying, preventing, mitigating, accounting for, and taking remedial action to address actual and potential adverse impacts to the environment.". In addition, the apparel companies covered by the Fashion Act would have to collaborate with their suppliers to manage their chemical use throughout production.    

This bill focuses on accountability. Through Mandatory Due Diligence, this state bill would demand the achievement of Science Based Targets (SBTs) in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and map and disclose their supply chain. Under this act, the Attorney General would be able to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance. Non-compliant brands who do not remedy within a three-month notice time-frame may be fined up to 2% of their annual revenue. This money would be invested in environmental projects and to the benefit of directly injured workers and communities. 

The Responsible Textile Recovery Act

On the other side of America, in California, lawmakers are also working on tackling the burden fashion overproduction and overconsumption put on communities and the environment. In the Golden State, Senator Newman, along with Senators Skinner and Wiener, introduced Senate Bill 707 last year. 

Passed by the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee last summer, apparel and textile articles would have to form and join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. In addition, this bill would establish a statewide extended producer responsibility program for fashion goods if it becomes law. 

This EPR would facilitate rearing and reusing, improve fashion's environmental and social impact, and reduce hazardous waste production. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act would cover manufacturers who are domiciled in California and those who operate there and establish the Textile Stewardship Recovery Fund in the State Treasury. This bill ould be a move towards sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry in California, where 1.2 million tons of textiles were disposed of in 2021.

Why we Need Fast Fashion Laws

The fast fashion industry poses significant environmental and ethical challenges that cannot be addressed by consumer choices alone. Implementing robust legislation is essential to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and labor practices. By enacting laws that enforce transparency, promote sustainable production, and protect workers' rights, we can drive systemic change towards a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.


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.


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