What sustainable fabric labels mean

The fashion industry is full of buzzwords: sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical, conscious. But what do these terms actually mean, and how do you know if a brand is walking the talk?

Start with the fabric. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which is better for the soil and the farmers. Look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification to ensure it is the real thing.

Tencel (also known as lyocell) is made from wood pulp in a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents. It is soft, breathable, and biodegradable — a genuinely sustainable option.

Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles, diverting waste from landfills. It is not perfect (it still sheds microplastics), but it is a step in the right direction.

Linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics out there — it requires minimal water and pesticides, and the flax plant it comes from is incredibly resilient. Plus, it gets softer with every wash.

The most sustainable garment is the one you already own. Before you buy something new, ask yourself if you truly need it, if you will wear it often, if it will last. That is the real work of sustainable fashion.

The most sustainable garment is the one you already own. Before you buy, ask if you truly need it, if you will wear it often, if it will last.