Do You Know What Your Clothes Are Made From?

How each material feels, functions, and impacts the world is important to your relationship with clothes. Explore the full index to connect with the material foundation of your clothing.

Material literacy is our knowledge of where materials originate, how they’re assembled, and what their impact is throughout their use and life. Seetal Solanki thinks of materials as the “seemingly mundane fragments and blobs of metal, plastic, ceramic, and glass, [and] other stuff from which our whole civilization is constructed.” A cotton t-shirt, for example, is made from raw cotton. Garment workers produce cotton yarn, which is treated and dyed, and sew the t-shirt. The t-shirt’s impact throughout its use and life depends on how much water was used to grow the cotton, for example, and if it is recycled or sent to landfill. While they’re all around us, most of us probably don’t think about materials in our day-to-day lives.

Knowing what things are made of, where they come from, and the impacts they have is a kind of literacy that takes some time and research. When it comes to your closet, it begins with an essential line of questioning. You might pull out some pieces you wear consistently and begin to ask: What are these leggings made from? How long does linen typically last? Does nylon wear in or wear out? What happens to my jeans when they’re no longer wearable? While the labels on our clothes only provide a sliver of information, forming an idea of what your clothes are made of is a powerful place to start. After you have a picture of the materials that make up your closet, you can start investigating where they came from and what their impact is. 

As you research the materials in your clothes, it can feel confusing, like no matter what you buy, there’s some kind of drawback or trade-off. But it’s not about making the perfect decision, it’s about making an informed one. And in addition to helping us be healthier and more sustainable consumers, being materially literate also helps us dress better. It helps us understand which sweater will pill quickly or which jacket will get softer and more beautiful with each wear. Opting for materials we know will last helps us curate a closet that can stand the test of time and avoid spending money on garments that wear poorly and are destined to be tossed. Ultimately, when you understand where materials come from and where they go after their use, as well as the health and environmental impacts during your use of them, you can shop much more confidently. But beyond this, you begin to know your clothes more intimately and deeply.

Aligning your values and enriching your relationship with your clothes, strengthening it and making it more meaningful. 

Material Index

Natural Fibres

Natural fibres come directly from plants or animals, making them some of the oldest materials used in clothing. They’re breathable, biodegradable, and often feel familiar against the skin – think crisp cotton sheets, soft wool sweaters, or breezy linen shirts. These fibres connect us back to nature, reminding us that what we wear was once grown or raised on the land.

  • A plant-based fibre grown globally, mainly used for everyday clothing like t-shirts and jeans; high water and pesticide use unless organic; machine washable; moderate lifespan depending on quality and care.

    Qualities: Breathable, soft, versatile, but wrinkles easily.

    Care: Machine washable; longevity depends on fibre quality and wash habits.

    Environmental footprint: High water and pesticide use (unless organic).

  • Traditionally made from cotton twill woven with indigo dye, originating as durable workwear fabric; mainly used for jeans, jackets, and skirts; high water and pesticide use in conventional cotton plus significant water pollution from dyeing unless sustainably produced; machine washable but fading occurs over time; lifespan is long, often lasting decades and improving with wear.

    Qualities: Strong, structured, moulds to the body with wear; fades over time.

    Care: Wash infrequently in cold water to preserve shape and colour; line dry.

    Environmental footprint: Denim dyeing and finishing processes can be water- and chemical-intensive; look for recycled or organic cotton options.

  • Made from flax plants, used for summer shirts, dresses, and home textiles; lower water use than cotton but labour-intensive; best hand-washed or gentle cycle; becomes softer over time and lasts decades.

    Qualities: Lightweight, breathable, naturally textured; softens over time.

    Care: Cold wash, air dry, and avoid over-ironing; expect natural creasing.

    Environmental footprint: Generally low - flax requires little water or chemicals. Often biodegradable when undyed.

  • Comes from the hemp plant stalk, used for durable shirts, trousers, and workwear; minimal water and chemical use, highly sustainable; machine washable; softens with wear and is extremely long-lasting.

    Qualities: Durable, breathable, slightly coarse (but softens with wear).

    Care: Cold wash; hang dry; becomes softer over time.

    Environmental footprint: Grows quickly with minimal water and no pesticides; regenerates soil and is biodegradable.

  • A bast fibre from the Chinese nettle plant, used in blends for lightweight summer fabrics; low environmental impact but energy-intensive processing; hand wash recommended; very strong with a long lifespan.

    Origin: From the stalks of the ramie plant, native to Asia.

    Qualities: Lustrous, strong, resistant to mildew, holds shape well.

    Care: Gentle wash; air dry; may wrinkle easily.

    Environmental footprint: Requires chemical processing; low water needs but limited large-scale sustainable infrastructure.

  • Derived from jute plant stems, mostly used for bags, ropes, and hessian; low environmental impact as it grows quickly with little input; spot clean; lifespan is long in dry conditions but weakens when wet.

    Qualities: Coarse texture, strong, breathable, with a rustic look.

    Care: Spot clean when possible; prone to fraying and shrinking.

    Environmental footprint: Low - requires little water or pesticides and is highly biodegradable.

  • Sourced from bamboo pulp processed mechanically (rare) or chemically (common as viscose), used for soft knits and underwear; mechanical bamboo is sustainable, chemical bamboo (bamboo rayon) has chemical waste issues; gentle wash; lifespan similar to cotton.

    Qualities: When processed chemically into rayon/viscose, it's soft, breathable, and drapey.

    Care: Cold gentle wash; line dry; avoid heat.

    Environmental footprint: While the plant is low-impact, the transformation into fabric often involves harmful chemicals - look for mechanically processed “bamboo linen” or certified closed-loop bamboo.

  • Animal fibre shorn from sheep, widely used for sweaters, coats, and suits; renewable but can have high methane emissions; hand wash or dry clean; naturally long-lasting if cared for well.

    Qualities: Warm, breathable, naturally insulating and odour-resistant.

    Care: Often hand wash or dry clean; cold water, gentle detergent, avoid agitation.

    Environmental footprint: Renewable, but concerns include methane emissions, land use, and animal welfare.

  • Fine wool from Merino sheep, popular for base layers and knitwear; same environmental considerations as wool but softer and more versatile; gentle wool wash; resists odour and lasts many years.

    Qualities: Soft, breathable, regulates temperature, naturally odour-resistant.

    Care: Often machine-washable; cold wash and flat dry prolongs life.

    Environmental footprint: Renewable and long-lasting, but animal welfare and land use are key concerns - opt for mulesing-free or certified sources.

  • Comes from cashmere goat undercoats, used for luxurious knits and scarves; environmental concerns due to overgrazing and land degradation; dry clean or gentle hand wash; delicate but can last decades with care.

    Qualities: Exceptionally soft, warm, and lightweight.

    Care: Hand wash in cold water or dry clean; pill-resistant varieties last longer.

    Environmental footprint: High - overgrazing and land degradation are major concerns; choose recycled or certified sources.

  • Fibre from Angora goats, used in fluffy knitwear and suiting blends; farming has moderate environmental impact; hand wash or dry clean; durable and resists creasing.

    Qualities: Lightweight, warm, slightly fuzzy with a lustrous halo.

    Care: Hand wash or dry clean; avoid agitation to reduce shedding.

    Environmental footprint: Natural and biodegradable, but ethical concerns exist around farming practices - seek transparent sources.

  • Shorn from alpacas, used for warm, soft knitwear; lower environmental impact than sheep wool; hand wash or dry clean; strong, warm, and lasts many years.

    Qualities: Silky, lightweight warmth; hypoallergenic and naturally insulating.

    Care: Cold hand wash or dry clean; air dry flat.

    Environmental footprint: Gentle grazers, lower methane impact than sheep; fibre is biodegradable.

  • Harvested from Angora rabbits, used in very soft knitwear; animal welfare concerns in production; hand wash only; delicate, prone to shedding, and lifespan varies.

    Qualities: Exceptionally soft, fluffy, and warm - almost weightless.

    Care: Delicate - best hand washed or dry cleaned; sheds easily.

    Environmental footprint: Natural fibre, but strong concerns over animal welfare - look for certified humane or recycled options.

  • Produced by silkworms spinning cocoons, used for dresses, blouses, and luxury lingerie; moderate environmental impact with animal ethics considerations; dry clean or cold hand wash; delicate but strong and ages beautifully.

    Qualities: Lightweight, smooth, strong with natural sheen.

    Care: Gentle hand wash or dry clean; store away from sunlight and moisture.

    Environmental footprint: Biodegradable and low water use, but raises ethical concerns around animal use and intensive labour.

Semi-Synthetic (Regenerated Cellulose)

These fabrics start with natural materials like wood pulp but are transformed through chemical processes into soft, drapey fabrics. Viscose, modal, and lyocell feel smooth and luxurious, often used as an alternative to silk or cotton. They sit somewhere between natural and synthetic, blending comfort with modern manufacturing.

  • Made from chemically processed wood pulp (often bamboo, eucalyptus, or pine), used for soft, drapey dresses, linings, and blouses; production involves toxic chemicals and can cause deforestation if not responsibly sourced; gentle machine wash or hand wash; lifespan is moderate, prone to shrinking and weakening when wet.

    Qualities: Drapey, smooth, breathable - can feel like silk or cotton.

    Care: Prone to shrinking and wrinkling; cold gentle wash and line dry.

    Environmental footprint: Often resource-heavy and polluting in conventional production - look for certified or closed-loop options.

  • Also made from beech tree pulp processed similarly to viscose but with a closed-loop system, used for underwear, activewear, and soft jersey fabrics; more sustainable than standard viscose due to reduced chemical waste; machine washable; durable, holds shape well, and stays soft after repeated washing.

    Qualities: Soft, strong, and smooth with excellent drape and moisture-wicking.

    Care: Machine washable; retains shape better than regular viscose.

    Environmental footprint: Lower impact when made in closed-loop systems; check for certifications like Lenzing™ Modal.

  • Produced from sustainably harvested eucalyptus or other woods in a closed-loop solvent process, used for shirts, dresses, denim blends, and bedding; considered one of the more eco-friendly cellulose fabrics with low water and chemical impact; machine washable on gentle cycle; strong, breathable, and long-lasting with good moisture management.

    Qualities: Silky, breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle on skin.

    Care: Easy care - machine wash cold and line dry.

    Environmental footprint: Low - uses non-toxic solvents and recycles water and chemicals in production; look for TENCEL™ branding for assurance.

  • Made from cotton linter (tiny fibres around cotton seeds) dissolved in copper ammonia, used for silky linings, dresses, and blouses; production uses toxic chemicals but reuses cotton waste, often produced in Japan under strict regulations; dry clean recommended; feels like silk with a moderate lifespan, prone to wrinkling.

    Qualities: Smooth, breathable, and drapes well - often used in linings or flowy garments.

    Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash recommended; can be delicate.

    Environmental footprint: Often produced in closed-loop systems in Japan or Europe; better than viscose, but less widely certified.

  • Derived from wood pulp processed with acetic acid, used for linings, eveningwear, and sometimes faux silk fabrics; production involves chemicals and is less sustainable, though biodegradable; dry clean recommended as it is heat sensitive; lifespan is short to moderate, prone to shrinkage and wrinkling.

    Qualities: Glossy, lightweight, and drapey - resembles silk in appearance.

    Care: Sensitive to heat and moisture; dry clean or very gentle hand wash.

    Environmental footprint: Produced with harsh chemicals and not biodegradable; often blended with synthetics.

  • Similar to acetate but with a higher acetate content making it more wrinkle resistant, used for pleated garments, blouses, and linings; same chemical processing concerns as acetate; generally dry clean; retains pleats and shape well with a moderate to long lifespan depending on garment construction.

    Qualities: Wrinkle-resistant, holds pleats well, and resists shrinking.

    Care: More resilient than acetate; usually machine washable, but check labels.

    Environmental footprint: Similar concerns to acetate - chemical-intensive, not biodegradable, but less frequently used.

Synthetic Fibres (Petrochemical-based)

Synthetic fibres are made entirely from chemicals derived from oil, designed to be strong, stretchy, and durable. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are in almost everything today, from gym tights to winter coats. While they’re practical and often affordable, they’re essentially plastic, which means they don’t break down easily in nature.

  • Made from petrochemicals (mainly crude oil), used widely in everything from t-shirts to outerwear and linings; high environmental impact due to fossil fuel origin, energy-intensive production, and microplastic pollution; machine washable and quick drying; very durable with a long lifespan but non-biodegradable.

    Qualities: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying — but not breathable.

    Care: Easy to wash, but sheds microplastics with each cycle.

    Environmental footprint: Energy-intensive to produce, non-biodegradable, and contributes to microplastic pollution.

  • First created as a silk alternative from petrochemicals, used for hosiery, activewear, swimwear, and outerwear; production is energy-intensive with significant greenhouse gas emissions; machine washable but avoid high heat; very strong, stretchy, and long-lasting.

    Qualities: Strong, stretchy, and abrasion-resistant.

    Care: Machine washable, dries quickly - but also sheds microfibres.

    Environmental footprint: Similar to polyester - fossil-fuel-based, non-biodegradable, and polluting.

  • Made from acrylonitrile derived from petroleum, used as a wool substitute in knitwear, hats, and blankets; high environmental impact due to toxic production and microplastic shedding; machine washable but can pill easily; moderate lifespan, tends to lose shape and softness over time.

    Qualities: Soft, lightweight, warm - but prone to pilling and static.

    Care: Wash gently to reduce fibre shedding; can distort with heat.

    Environmental footprint: High environmental cost - sheds a lot of microplastics, not biodegradable.

  • A polyurethane-based fibre invented for stretch, used in activewear, underwear, and blended into denim or knit fabrics for elasticity; energy-intensive petrochemical production with little recycling potential; machine wash cold recommended; lifespan is moderate, losing stretch quality with heavy use.

    Qualities: Extremely elastic and flexible; used in small amounts to provide stretch.

    Care: Delicate - avoid heat and over-washing to preserve stretch.

    Environmental footprint: Hard to recycle, doesn’t biodegrade, and even a small percentage can complicate fabric recycling.

  • Derived from propylene monomer, used in thermal underwear, sportswear, and some technical outdoor fabrics due to water resistance; relatively low energy production but difficult to dye and limited recycling streams; machine washable; durable, lightweight, and resistant to most chemicals.

    Qualities: Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, resistant to staining and mildew, but not very breathable.

    Care: Easy to clean, doesn’t absorb water - machine washable, but avoid high heat.

    Environmental footprint: Low cost to produce but difficult to recycle in textile form and non-biodegradable; sheds microplastics.

  • Made from vinyl chloride monomers, used in faux leather, raincoats, and shiny vinyl garments; very high environmental and health impact due to toxic chemicals and non-biodegradability; wipe clean only; durable surface but prone to cracking over time, with a long landfill lifespan.

    Qualities: Waterproof, durable, and cheap to produce - often used to mimic leather or rubber.

    Care: Wipe clean only; prone to cracking or peeling with age.

    Environmental footprint: Considered one of the most environmentally harmful plastics due to its chlorine content, toxic additives, and difficulty to recycle.

Blends

Blended fabrics mix two or more fibres to create new textures, strengths, or functionalities. A poly-cotton tee might feel soft like cotton but resist wrinkles like polyester. Blends are everywhere in our wardrobes, offering the best (and sometimes worst) of each fibre combined.

  • A blend of natural cotton and synthetic polyester, used widely in t-shirts, uniforms, sheets, and everyday basics; combines the breathability of cotton with the wrinkle resistance and durability of polyester; machine washable and quick drying; long lifespan but contributes to microplastic pollution and is hard to recycle due to mixed fibres.

    Qualities: Strong, wrinkle-resistant, breathable, and more affordable than pure cotton.

    Care: Easy to wash and wear; can usually be machine washed and tumble dried.

    Environmental footprint: Polyester component sheds microplastics and reduces biodegradability.

    Other notes: Common in everyday basics, uniforms, and bed linens due to its durability.

  • Usually combines wool with nylon or polyester for added strength and durability, used in knitwear, suiting, and coats; retains warmth and softness while resisting pilling and stretching out; dry clean or gentle wool wash; longer lifespan than pure wool knits, but blended fibres make recycling challenging.

    Qualities: Warm, softer than pure wool, less prone to pilling or shrinking.

    Care: Often requires gentle washing or dry cleaning - check the label carefully.

    Environmental footprint: Harder to recycle and not biodegradable due to synthetic content.

    Other notes: Found in knitwear, suits, and winter coats - especially where warmth and stretch are needed.

  • A blend of cotton’s softness with linen’s crisp breathability, used for summer shirts, dresses, and lightweight trousers; environmentally better than synthetic blends, but production impact depends on cotton source; machine washable, best air dried to prevent wrinkles; lifespan is long, softening beautifully with wear.

    Qualities: Breathable, lightweight, textured, with a more relaxed drape than pure linen.

    Care: Machine washable; may wrinkle slightly less than pure linen.

    Environmental footprint: Fully biodegradable and more sustainable if produced without chemicals.

    Other notes: Ideal for summer clothing; offers a more casual look with improved comfort.

  • Combines silk’s sheen and drape with cotton’s structure and breathability, used for blouses, scarves, and lightweight dresses; lower environmental impact than synthetics, but silk production raises animal welfare considerations; hand wash or gentle cycle recommended; lifespan is moderate to long with careful washing and storage.

    Qualities: Lightweight, soft, slightly glossy, with better durability than pure silk.

    Care: Hand wash or gentle machine wash in cold water; avoid heat.

    Environmental footprint: Biodegradable and natural, though silk production can be resource intensive.

    Other notes: Often used in elegant casual wear, scarves, and lightweight blouses.

  • A mix of synthetic polyester and semi-synthetic viscose, used in suiting, dresses, and linings for smoothness with wrinkle resistance; production impacts vary but polyester adds microplastic pollution while viscose raises chemical processing concerns; machine washable on gentle; lifespan is moderate, with potential pilling over time.

    Qualities: Drapes well, holds colour, resists wrinkles, and feels soft against skin.

    Care: Machine washable; usually low maintenance.

    Environmental footprint: Not biodegradable; both fibres have high environmental costs in production.

    Other notes: Common in workwear, dresses, and linings - designed for a polished yet practical look.

Leather & Alternatives

Leather is made from animal hides, valued for its durability and luxury feel, while alternatives like PU leather and innovative plant-based leathers seek to recreate this look without animal products. From traditional cowhide boots to pineapple and mushroom leathers, this category is evolving fast. It raises important questions about ethics, waste, and innovation in what we choose to wear.

  • Made from animal hides (mainly cow, sheep, or goat), traditionally used for shoes, bags, jackets, and belts; durable with a long lifespan, often decades if cared for; tanning can be environmentally damaging, especially chrome tanning, while vegetable tanning has lower chemical impact; clean with leather cleaner and condition regularly; biodegradable over many years.

    Qualities: Durable, breathable, and ages over time with a natural patina.

    Care: Needs conditioning and protection from moisture; not machine washable.

    Environmental footprint: High; involves livestock farming, chemical tanning, and resource use. Ethical and environmental concerns around animal welfare and pollution.

    Other notes: Often viewed as a long-term investment; choose vegetable-tanned where possible for lower impact.

  • Created from the underside of animal hides, giving a soft, velvety texture, used for shoes, jackets, and accessories; same environmental concerns as leather with slightly less durability; requires special suede brushes and protective sprays; lifespan is long if kept dry and maintained.

    Qualities: Soft, velvety texture; more delicate and prone to staining than smooth leather.

    Care: Requires gentle brushing and protective sprays; avoid water.

    Environmental footprint: Similar to leather, though sometimes less processed.

    Other notes: Popular in shoes and jackets for its tactile appeal.

  • Top-grain leather sanded to create a fine, soft finish, used in shoes and bags; durable like leather but more prone to staining; clean with a nubuck brush and avoid water exposure; lifespan is long with careful maintenance.

    Qualities: Similar to suede but stronger and more expensive; soft with a matte texture.

    Care: Needs protection from moisture and stains; use a nubuck-specific brush.

    Environmental footprint: Same concerns as other leathers.

    Other notes: Found in high-end footwear and accessories.

  • A synthetic alternative made by coating fabric with polyurethane, used widely in vegan bags, jackets, and shoes; lower cost and animal-free but derived from petrochemicals with microplastic pollution and poor recyclability; wipe clean only; lifespan is short to moderate as it tends to crack and peel over time.

    Qualities: Smooth, waterproof, low-cost, and widely used.

    Care: Easy to wipe clean; less breathable than real leather.

    Environmental footprint: Made from fossil fuels; not biodegradable and can shed microplastics.

    Other notes: Found in fast fashion, furniture, and accessories. Shorter lifespan than genuine leather.

  • Made by coating fabric with polyvinyl chloride, used for shiny faux leather items; high environmental and health impact due to toxic chemicals in production and disposal; wipe clean; durable surface but prone to stiffening and cracking with age, non-biodegradable.

    Qualities: Durable, shiny, and water-resistant, but stiffer than PU.

    Care: Easy to clean, but prone to cracking over time.

    Environmental footprint: Among the most environmentally harmful synthetics; releases toxins during production and disposal.

    Other notes: Often marketed as “vegan leather,” though with high environmental cost.

  • Innovative leather alternative grown from fungal mycelium, used for bags and small accessories, with scaling to footwear underway; highly sustainable with minimal environmental impact and fast growth cycles; wipe clean gently; current lifespan is moderate but improving with product development.

    Qualities: Soft, flexible, and visually similar to suede or leather. Still developing in texture and consistency.

    Care: Spot clean gently; handle with care like natural materials.

    Environmental footprint: Low - biodegradable and grown quickly using agricultural waste.

    Other notes: Still emerging; used in high-end fashion and experimental pieces.

  • Made from fibres of pineapple leaf waste, used for bags, shoes, and small accessories; sustainable as it uses agricultural waste with low environmental footprint; wipe clean only; lifespan is moderate, less durable than animal leather but hardwearing for light daily use.

    Qualities: Lightweight, breathable, with a textured feel. Less supple than leather.

    Care: Wipe clean; treat with natural wax to extend life.

    Environmental footprint: Low; uses agricultural waste and avoids animal products.

    Other notes: Common in shoes, bags, and accessories.

  • Created from apple pomace and peel waste blended with polyurethane, used in bags, shoes, and phone cases; utilises food waste, reducing environmental impact, but still includes petrochemical binders; wipe clean; moderate lifespan with good durability for accessories.

    Qualities: Soft, durable, and can mimic genuine leather’s feel.

    Care: Wipe with a damp cloth; avoid excessive heat or sun.

    Environmental footprint: Lower than full synthetic leather, though often still part-plastic.

    Other notes: A creative, partially plant-based solution gaining popularity in eco-fashion.

  • Harvested from cork oak bark and bonded to fabric backing, used for bags, wallets, and shoes; highly sustainable as cork trees regenerate bark without harm; wipe clean and keep dry; durable, lightweight, water-resistant, and lasts many years.

    Qualities: Water-resistant, lightweight, soft, and naturally patterned.

    Care: Wipe clean with a damp cloth; generally low maintenance.

    Environmental footprint: Very low - renewable, biodegradable, and sustainably harvested.

    Other notes: Used in wallets, shoes, bags, and accessories; a beautiful natural alternative to leather.

Novel & Innovative Textiles

This category includes the newest materials reshaping fashion, from recycled ocean plastics to fabrics made from orange peels and seaweed. They promise to reduce waste and rethink our relationship with resources, proving that textiles can be both functional and imaginative. Wearing these fibres feels like stepping into the future – one that’s more conscious and creative.

  • Made by melting down used plastic bottles and spinning into new fibres, used in activewear, outerwear, and linings; reduces landfill waste and energy use compared to virgin polyester but still sheds microplastics; machine washable in cold water, preferably with a microplastic filter bag; durable with a long lifespan similar to standard polyester.

    Qualities: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and holds colour well.

    Care: Cold wash, line dry; use a microplastic filter when possible.

    Environmental footprint: Moderate - repurposes waste but still sheds microplastics.

    Other notes: Common in activewear, outerwear, and fast fashion. Not biodegradable.

  • Created from reclaimed nylon waste like fishing nets and fabric scraps, used in swimwear, activewear, and outerwear; lowers environmental impact by reducing waste and petroleum use; machine washable; strong and long-lasting with performance equal to virgin nylon.

    Qualities: Smooth, stretchy, abrasion-resistant. Performs like virgin nylon.

    Care: Gentle wash, air dry. Avoid high heat.

    Environmental footprint: Moderate - closed-loop production reduces waste, but still synthetic.

    Other notes: Used in swimwear, lingerie, and technical gear.

  • Made from fermented plant starches such as corn or sugarcane, used in sportswear and casualwear blends; renewable origin but industrial composting is often required for breakdown; machine washable on cool settings; durable but commercial composting availability limits circularity.

    Qualities: Similar to regular polyester - strong, quick-drying, and lightweight.

    Care: Cool wash, low heat dry.

    Environmental footprint: Moderate - made from plants, but biodegradability depends on industrial composting.

    Other notes: Still emerging; often used in blends or as an experimental fibre.

  • Produced from citrus juice industry waste (peels and pulp), used in silky fabrics for dresses, scarves, and linings; sustainable as it uses food waste and reduces landfill; hand wash or gentle cycle; lifespan is moderate, similar to viscose.

    Qualities: Soft, silky, lightweight, and breathable.

    Care: Hand wash or delicate machine cycle; avoid heat.

    Environmental footprint: Low - utilises agricultural waste and biodegradable.

    Other notes: Often blended with silk or cotton; suitable for luxury fashion.

  • Extracted from banana plant stems, used for sturdy textiles, blends, and traditional weaving; highly sustainable, requiring minimal water and chemicals; hand wash recommended; strong and durable with a slightly coarse texture, softening over time.

    Qualities: Stiff, durable, slightly glossy. Naturally breathable.

    Care: Spot clean or gentle hand wash; air dry.

    Environmental footprint: Low - utilises waste and needs minimal water or chemicals.

    Other notes: Traditionally used in ropes and mats; increasingly used in fashion and accessories.

  • Made by embedding seaweed into cellulose fibres, used in underwear, activewear, and soft knits; eco-friendly production with skin-soothing, mineral-rich properties; machine washable on gentle; lifespan is similar to lyocell, remaining soft and breathable with care.

    Qualities: Soft, breathable, moisture-regulating, and rich in skin-beneficial nutrients.

    Care: Cold gentle wash; avoid harsh detergents.

    Environmental footprint: Low - renewable sources and closed-loop processing.

    Other notes: Popular in sustainable loungewear and basics.

  • Created from dairy industry waste (casein protein), chemically processed into silky fibres for knitwear and undergarments; uses food waste but chemical processing impacts sustainability; hand wash recommended; lifespan is moderate, with a soft feel like cashmere.

    Qualities: Soft like silk or cashmere, smooth, and lightweight.

    Care: Hand wash or cool gentle machine wash; dry flat.

    Environmental footprint: Low - upcycles dairy waste, but can require chemical processing.

    Other notes: Not widely available; often used in high-end or experimental textiles.

  • Produced from leftover soybean pulp (okara) in tofu manufacturing, used in soft knitwear and blends; uses food waste but requires chemical processing; hand wash recommended; lifespan is moderate, soft with a slight sheen similar to silk.

    Qualities: Soft, stretchy, breathable, and biodegradable.

    Care: Gentle cycle, mild detergent, air dry.

    Environmental footprint: Low - plant-based and uses food industry waste.

    Other notes: Sometimes called “vegetable cashmere.” Usually blended with other fibres.

  • Lab-grown synthetic silk proteins modelled on spider silk, used experimentally in performance wear and luxury textiles; highly sustainable with minimal resource use and biodegradability, though not yet widely available; hand wash recommended; extremely strong and lightweight, lifespan dependent on current fibre refinement.

    Qualities: Extremely strong, lightweight, elastic, and breathable.

    Care: Experimental - depends on the form. Generally gentle care.

    Environmental footprint: Very low - animal-free, biodegradable, and scalable without pesticides.

    Other notes: Still rare, but considered a breakthrough for biofabricated fashion.

About

Founded by artist and Photographer Liz Sunshine in 2022, Our Relationship With Clothes (O.R.W.C.) is a soft activism project exploring the connection between people, clothing, identity, and consumption. Through publicly accessible art, storytelling, research, writing, and education, O.R.W.C. creates opportunities for reflection and dialogue about our relationship with clothes and the wider fashion system. The project raises awareness of textile waste and overconsumption while encouraging people to make informed choices that align with their values. O.R.W.C. believes lasting change begins with curiosity, critical thinking, and the collective impact of small actions.

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