A Guide To Eco-Friendly Clothing Materials

Almost 60% of a garment’s impact happens during fiber and fabric manufacturing. The decisions you make when choosing your clothing materials can make a huge impact on the natural world.

One of the best ways to be an eco-conscious consumer and reduce your carbon footprint is by better understanding where your clothes come from. But in a world full of greenwashing it can be difficult to discern which materials and fabrics, and therefore clothing, are truly eco-friendly.

To spotlight sustainable clothing materials, we’re breaking down some of our favorite earth-friendly fibers and fabrics.

organic cotton

Cotton is a soft and lightweight material that has been used to make clothing for centuries, and is one of the most natural fabrics that exist today. While cotton garments are a staple in most wardrobes, one of the biggest criticisms is how much water is used in production.

This doesn't mean cotton can’t be sustainable. One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of cotton clothing is to choose organic cotton. Grown without the use of toxins and pesticides, organic cotton is carefully produced in a way that minimizes the use of water and energy.

Shop organic cotton in our collection of cozy and sustainable sweaters.

TENCEL™

Did you know that some of your favorite sustainable styles are made from beechwood tree fiber? TENCEL™ modal fabric is made from natural wood chip fiber.

For unmatched comfort and softness, try Amour Vert’s Modal and Dream Rib Fabrics. Made in the USA from sustainable TENCEL™ modal fabric, the Dream Collection will soon become your everyday standard. Every Modal and Dream Rib piece is machine washable and looks absolutely beautiful on.

Feeling French-girl chic? Paris Rib is another zero-waste and eco-friendly material favorite. Say bonjour to your new FSC-certified closet staples!

sustainable leather

Leather is incredibly durable, making these goods easy to upcycle and re-love—over and over again.

For the most eco-conscious shopper, choose 100% recycled leather. Amour Vert offers a selection of Deadwood Studios sustainable leather styles. Every piece from Deadwood is crafted using rescued deadstock leather, repurposed vintage clothing, and upcycled post-production waste. 

Looking for a vegan alternative to leather? There are better options than “pleather.” While the plastic-like leather is technically vegan, it’s often made with non-recyclable plastics and toxins. Deadwood’s cactus leather, DESSERTO® is a fantastic plant-based alternative to leather. This leather-like material is durable and made with organically-grown cactus fiber.

ethical silk

From clothing to decor, silk has been a shining star fabric for thousands of years. Sustainable silk is one of the most luxurious materials you can choose. It’s oh-so-soft and can feature a wide variety of patterns and styles.

Silk fiber is produced by silkworms, either naturally or in domesticated environments. The eco-friendly clothing material is completely natural and it’s completely compostable. While overall, silk is a conscious choice, there are some drawbacks. Namely, silkworms can be harmed in the process of creating the silk and many manufacturers offer less than desirable conditions for workers. This is one of the reasons Amour Vert partners directly with mills—to ensure ethical and fair working conditions throughout the entire business practice.

In order to minimize the environmental impact, we’ve created Amour Vert’s signature Washable Silk. This fully-traceable and eco-friendly silk fabric feels and looks amazing—and it’s completely washable. Skip the dry cleaner and enjoy everyday luxury with much-needed ease!

cupro

Cupro is a plant-based alternative to silk. Much like the feeling of silk, cupro is perfectly drapey and satiny-soft; a beautiful material that feels luxe to the touch.

Made from the part of the cotton plant that is traditionally discarded, cupro is both washable and naturally biodegradable!.

Amour Vert’s signature Cottonseed Cupro is made from repurposed cottonseed fiber. You can shop it in a whole host of styles including the dreamy Monroe Pajama sets. Treating yourself to a night out? These sustainable cupro dresses will make you feel like the belle of the ball.

linen

Plant-based linen is a popular warm-weather material because it’s breathable and unbelievably light. Linen is also incredibly durable, making it a perfect fabric for everything from clothing to sheets. It lasts a long time and holds its shape extremely well. From flowy linen pants to delicate tops, the versatility of linen is unmatched.

Derived from the flax plant, linen and can take a long time to produce. However, the manufacturing process is exceptionally clean and has very little environmental impact—making linen a top contender as an eco-friendly clothing material.

Find linen in AV's signature Femme Fête fabric, a beautiful blend of organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and linen. This blend is sustainable, reliable, and perfect for everyday wear. The lightweight softness and durability will have you wearing your pieces for years to come.

ethical wool

Natural wool fiber is another classic. It offers unbelievable warmth and sets the standard for high-quality sweaters. Wool can come from a variety of different animals, including sheep (the most common), goats, and even alpacas. 

Wool requires very little chemicals and processing to manufacture, making it a great eco-friendly option. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing brands that offer ethical treatment of animals and use production methods that minimize pollution.

Ethical manufacturing is a top priority at Amour Vert. We only use harm-free, non-mulesed wool from the happiest sheep on earth. Enjoy sweater weather with peace of mind, knowing every wool piece you choose in our collection of sustainable sweaters is fully traceable and ethical.

making eco-friendly choices 

As the fashion industry continues to shift towards prioritizing sustainability, it’s important to understand what materials are truly-green. As you continue to add new pieces to your wardrobe, consider choosing garments that incorporate some of these fabrics. You’ll feel amazing knowing your clothing choices are making a positive impact on the world.

And don’t fret, a full shift to sustainable fashion isn't going to happen overnight. You don’t need to throw out the clothing you already have and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives. By continuing to love your existing wardrobe for as long as possible, you’ll keep more clothing out of landfills and make an equally large impact. As long as you continue to make sustainable clothing choices going forward, we promise that you’ll feel golden (and greener!) in no time.

Shop Amour Vert’s collection of eco-friendly clothing materials today.