Sustainable Fabrics Directory

Abaca is a natural fiber that originated in the Philippines from a Musa textilis plant. It is a hard fiber, where mature plants are processed and turned into fibers similar to flax and hemp. Abaca fabric is highly durable, versatile, and breathable. There are many different types and qualities of abaca fabrics. Textile producers often blend abaca fibers with other materials, natural or synthetic, to make various abaca fabrics.

Hypoallergenic, absorbent and fast-growing. Processing bamboo fibre uses less pesticides and fertilizers.

Banana fibre has a natural sheen, and the inner strands of the stalk are very fine. The fabric made by banana fibre is claimed to be nearly carbon neutral and its soft texture has been likened to hemp and bamboo.

Cashmere is a biodegradable and natural fibre that can come from a number of different goat breeds. Cashmere production is extremely dependent on environmental factors and fiber quality is impacted by things like temperatures and a goat’s diet. There are different types of cashmere and sustainable considerations on using cashmere include animal welfare, environmental impact and fabric composition (blended fibres, dyes… etc)

Cork fabric is a sustainable material made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It’s a vegan and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather, and is lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and has a unique texture.

Wool that is from sheep that have not been exposed to chemicals like pesticides and are kept in humane and good farming conditions.

Linen is the popular name of the textile that is derived from Flax. This natural fibre comes from a plant (from the stem) so it is composed mainly of cellulose. It has excellent strength and absorbs moisture quickly making it a good fibre for hot weather. However, it is prone to wrinkling.

Mushrooms can be used to create mycelium leather, a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather. Mycelium is grown into a fibrous network that can be shaped and dried to create a leather-like material. Mushroom leather is biodegradable and can be used to make clothing and accessories, with a unique texture and appearance.

Pineapple fiber, also known as piña cloth, is a natural textile material made from the leaves of the pineapple plant. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has a luxurious appearance.

Plant fibers are natural fibers obtained from various parts of plants, including the stem, leaves, and seeds. They are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers and are used to make a variety of products. Plant fibres include bast or stem fibres, leaf fibres, seed hair fibres (cotton), jute, hemp and bamboo.

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is a natural fiber that comes from the stem of the ramie plant, a member of the nettle family. It is one of the oldest fiber crops, and has been used for thousands of years in Asia for making textiles. Ramie fibers are known for their strength, durability, and ability to hold shape. The fibers are naturally lustrous, similar to silk, and have good absorbency, making them comfortable to wear in hot and humid climates.

A natural protein fibre produced by moths. Conventional methods can terminate the moth and cocoon in development; an alternative variation called ‘Ahimsa’ uses methods that do not harm the moth. Since it does not have the harsh dyes included in the conventional silk production method, it is also softer.

Soy fabrics are derived from the hulls of soybeans—a manufacturing byproduct. Soy fabrics can be blended or made entirely out of soy fibres. Soy clothing is largely biodegradable, so it has a minimal impact on environment and landfills. Although not as durable as cotton or hemp fabrics, soy clothing has a soft, elastic feel. Soy clothing is known as the vegetable cashmere for its light and silky sensation. Soy fabrics are also moisture absorbent, anti-bacterial, and UV resistant.

Natural fibre that comes from the fleece of sheep.

Less expensive wool fabric, made of short fibres, that are relatively dense and has soft, fuzzy surface.

Yak wool, also known as “khullu” is soft like cashmere but more sustainable, durable and warmer. It comes from Yaks that are indigenous to the Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, and the mountains of Central Asia.