Plant-Based Fabrics
Plant-Based Fabrics
The most precious parts of your body deserve to be covered in clean, safe, and soft materials.
For years and years clothing has been made using synthetic fibers like acrylic, polyester, and nylon, which are treated with thousands of chemicals during the production process. Something we might forget to consider when shopping for clothes is that our skin is the largest area on our bodies for absorption. Meaning, we must treat it with care and be sure we’re wearing fibers that are gentle on the skin. Thankfully, we know more than we use to when it comes to fabric and discovered a safe alternative to toxic materials: plant-based fabric!
What is Plant-Based Fabric?
Plant-based fabric means that the fibers are derived from something that grows rather than being synthetically produced. For reference, polyester is a synthetic fiber and is created from coal, air, water, and petroleum.
As you might have guessed, plant-based fabrics have a much smaller impact on the environment. Anything that can be made from something grown is already a sustainable alternative to something that has to be chemically produced. Plant-based fabrics use far less non-renewable resources and are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle.
Not to mention, plant-based fabrics have the softest, most luxurious feel, which makes them perfect for comfy clothing. Since they’re natural fibers, the fabric won’t irritate your skin or cause any allergic reaction. If clothing should ever irritate your skin, it’s never a good idea to keep wearing it since our skin will absorb everything we put on it. So, the answer is yes, it’s possible to create soft and durable clothing without any toxic chemicals, pollutants, or dyes! Let’s get into some of our personal favourite plant-based fabrics.
Modal Fabric
Lenzing modal, one of the most sustainable options, is made from the natural resource of beech wood. Basically, the wood from beech trees gets turned into pulp so that fibers can be extracted. From there, the natural fibers are spun into fabric, and the garment process begins. Unlike synthetic fibers, the loop eventually closes because lenzing modal is compostable and biodegradable! The environmental footprint is very low compared to other fabrics because lenzing modal is carbon neutral and requires minimal amounts of water and land.
Since this fabric naturally has a soft and silky feel, it’s perfect for underwear, pajamas and lounge clothes. The fibers in modal allow the skin to breathe while absorbing sweat, which could cause bacterial growth and irritation. For this reason, modal is recommended for those suffering from itchy skin, eczema, or sensitive skin, in general, to make sure that the clothes you put on your body aren’t making matters any worse.
Organic Cotton Fabric
Another plant-based fabric that you’re most likely familiar with, organic cotton, is near and dear to our heart! The reasons we love organic cotton are endless. For one, it has the same quality as conventional cotton, but without the intense environmental impact. Grown from non-GMO seeds, these fibers don’t require the use of pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers. An eco-friendly approach to cotton makes sustainable enthusiasts, like us, so excited because of its natural strength and softness.
Like lenzing modal, organic cotton is hypoallergenic and safe to wear on the most intimate parts of your body. Whether it’s your bra, underwear, or socks, this fabric will ensure the utmost comfort while whisking away any moisture that could irritate the skin!
For the sustainable fashion world, the future looks bright because plant-based fabrics are becoming more and more normalized. Not only is this excellent news for our planet, but this is also great news for our health. As consumers, it can be a nuisance to keep checking which fabrics are non-toxic and eco-friendly. With plant-based materials becoming the fashion industry’s future, you’ll be able to wear almost anything with peace of mind that you’re not sacrificing your well-being or the planet for your style. After all, this is how it should be because you deserve the perfect layer for your most precious parts!
-The Woron Team