WHY YOU NEED BIODEGRADABLE FABRICS IN YOUR WARDROBE RIGHT NOW
Have you ever thought about what happens to your clothes once you’re done with them? Many people plan to resell or donate their clothes, but eventually, even those items can end up in landfills.
It might surprise you to learn that a single synthetic shirt, made from materials like polyester or nylon, can take up to 200 years to decompose. That’s two centuries of releasing harmful microplastics into our environment.
At Serenity West, we believe there’s a better way. We’re committed to keeping clothing out of landfills by using only biodegradable materials. These natural fabrics break down at the end of their life cycle, leaving no trace behind.
But what exactly are biodegradable fabrics, how do you identify them and will they keep you stylish and comfortable?
Let’s find out.
What Are Biodegradable Fabrics?
Biodegradable fabrics are made from natural fibres that decompose over time, breaking down into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide.
Unlike synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon, which leave behind harmful microplastics, biodegradable fabrics ensure our clothes don’t contribute to pollution.
Our Favourites:
Linen: Made from flax, linen is light, breathable, and becomes softer with each wash. Every part of the plant is used in the harvest and production process. It’s ideal for summer clothes and those who love a natural, textured look.
Organic Cotton: Soft, breathable, and grown without harmful chemicals, organic cotton is perfect for all kinds of clothing, from casual to formal.
Wool: Our ethically sourced wool is warm, durable, and fully biodegradable. It’s perfect for winter garments and is a sustainable choice to keep you cozy.
Hemp: Known for its strength and durability, hemp needs little water and no pesticides to grow. It’s a great choice for long-lasting, sturdy clothing.
Silk: Luxurious and smooth, silk is not only biodegradable but also hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. It’s perfect for elegant pieces that feel as good as they look.
Why Does This Matter to You?
1. Better Quality and Comfort
Biodegradable fabrics are not only good for the environment but also feel great on your skin. They often get softer over time, are breathable and moisture-wicking. There’s a reason linen has been around since the Egyptians!
2. Timeless Elegance
The natural look and feel of these materials age gracefully, ensuring your clothes stay stylish for years. Linen’s drape and wool’s warmth fit perfectly into any wardrobe, now and in the future.
3. Healthier You
Choosing biodegradable fabrics means picking materials that are often hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals. For example, organic cotton is grown without pesticides, making it safer for your skin. This way, you can enjoy wearing your clothes without worrying about skin irritations or health issues. Not to mention a higher quality of life for those in the production process.
4. Support Sustainability
Every time you choose a biodegradable fabric, you’re supporting a more sustainable world. These fabrics have a more sustainable lifecycle from plant to worn out clothing that can return to the Earth.
How to Identify Biodegradable Fabrics
The easiest way to determine if a fabric is biodegradable is by checking the label.
Every piece of clothing must have a content label. This is also where you’ll find certifications and care instructions. Note, it’s not the same as the clothing tag, this label will be sewn into the garment, usually tucked away on an inside seam.
If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to ask! And be conscience of blends - content labels have to say the exact percentage of fabrics in the garment.
Certain certifications can help confirm that the fabrics you’re choosing are sustainable and biodegradable:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures the organic status of textiles, from harvesting raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Certifies that the fabric is free from harmful chemicals and safe for human use.
Fair Trade Certified: Ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers and workers.
Natural, biodegradable fabrics often have distinctive textures. These will often draw you in as you walk through a store. If you don’t like the feel of a fabric, it’s probably not natural.
Linen: Has a slightly coarse texture that softens with each wash.
Organic Cotton: Soft and breathable, with a more natural feel than conventional cotton.
Wool: Warm and slightly scratchy unless it’s a fine wool like merino.
Hemp: Strong and durable with a texture similar to linen, but often with a slight nubby texture.
Silk: Smooth, flowy and luxurious.
By paying attention to labels, certifications, and the texture of the fabrics, you can make informed choices that support a sustainable wardrobe. Opting for biodegradable fabrics not only benefits the environment but also enhances your personal style with high-quality, comfortable materials.
The Problem with Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are made from petroleum-based products and take hundreds of years to decompose. During this time, they release microplastics into the environment, harming marine life and potentially impacting human health.
The production of synthetic fabrics also uses a lot of energy and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change. Even conventional cotton, while natural, often requires a lot of pesticides and water, leading to soil damage and water shortages.
By not choosing biodegradable fabrics, we miss the chance to support better practices. Biodegradable fabrics often come from crops that need fewer pesticides and water, helping local communities and the environment.
We Want More Than Beautiful Clothes
We want our pieces to be good for you and the planet. Our timeless designs, made with biodegradable fabrics, ensure you look good and feel good, knowing your choices are making a positive impact.
Every piece you buy from us is a step toward a more sustainable wardrobe and a healthier planet.
So, next time you shop with us, know that you’re choosing style, comfort, and a conscious way of living.
