The fashion industry is responsible for a significant portion of humanity’s carbon emissions and causes environmental damage, including pollution and water scarcity. One of the main issues in the industry is fast fashion, which generates a huge amount of textile waste. As a result, sustainable fashion designers are increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly and ethical practices, including using natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo, and less toxic chemicals in processes. Certification such as Blue sign and OEKO-TEX indicates that sustainable clothing underwent post-production chemical testing, ensuring no toxic residue remains.
Specialty fibres such as Lotus, Banana, and Bamboo are also becoming popular sustainable fabric alternatives. Lotus fabric is known for its high dimensional stability, resistance to pilling, and similar absorption rate to regenerated bamboo fabric. Banana fabric has a soft and silky texture similar to bamboo and is known for being durable and moisture-wicking. Bamboo fabric, while subject to extensive processing, is still a luxurious and sustainable option for garments. It is soft, absorbent, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals, making it a popular choice for bedding and sleepwear.
Indian handcrafted textiles are another sustainable and trendy fabric alternative. Indian fashion designers are increasingly using traditional crafts and techniques to create sustainable clothing, prioritizing weaving, block printing, vegetable dyeing, recycling, and upcycling. The Indian fashion and textile sector have been a socio-economic booster for developing countries in the last two decades, and Indian fashion designers have always showcased Indian heritage through their textiles and crafts. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, sustainable fabric alternatives are sure to play an increasingly important role in reducing its negative environmental impact.
