It's about time we started rethinking our consumption habits, don’t you think? If you're here, chances are you've already decided to swap out your conventional clothing for more environmentally friendly alternatives. Congratulations — you've just stepped into the world of eco-friendly textiles. But what are these famous fabrics worth your attention? Why choose eco-friendly textiles, and how can you incorporate them into your daily life?
Eco-friendly textiles: what are we talking about?
The concept of eco-friendly textiles still exists in a bit of a grey area — there’s no universal definition or official scale to rank textile materials based on their environmental impact.
In short, a fabric is considered “eco-friendly” when it has a reduced environmental impact across different stages of its life cycle: cultivation, processing, transport, use, and end-of-life.
Materials labeled as “eco-responsible” can be:
- natural (from plant or animal sources),
- recycled (from clothes or waste),
- artificial (derived from processed natural materials),
- or even recycled synthetics (when the environmental impact is better controlled).
But beware of greenwashing: the context of production, certifications, and processes matter just as much as the fiber itself.
What are the most sustainable eco-friendly textiles?
Eco-friendly textiles aren’t just a passing trend — they’re materials that prioritize both the planet and quality without compromising on style. But which fabrics can truly be considered “sustainable”? Here’s a (non-exhaustive) selection to keep an eye on:
Organic cotton
The ethical wardrobe essential. Unlike conventional cotton — which is extremely thirsty and pesticide-heavy — organic cotton is grown without GMOs, chemical fertilizers, or toxic pesticides. It requires less water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
In terms of use, it’s a breathable, soft, and hypoallergenic fiber — perfect for everyday wear like t-shirts, trunks, briefs, and socks.
- Learn more here: Organic cotton
DISCOVER OUR ORGANIC COTTON UNDERWEAR
Linen
This 100% natural fabric is one of the oldest in the world — and still one of the most eco-friendly. Grown mainly in Europe (with France leading the way), it thrives without irrigation, pesticides, or deforestation. A true local champion with a low carbon footprint.
And style-wise? Linen naturally regulates temperature — cool in summer, warm in winter. Lightweight, breathable, effortlessly elegant... it’s almost flawless. Wrinkles? Yes, but in a chic way. It’s ideal for summer shirts, flowing trousers, or casual blouses.
Tencel
Tencel combines modern comfort with responsible production. Derived from wood pulp (often eucalyptus or beech), it's produced in a closed-loop system where 99% of the solvents are reused and water consumption is minimal.
How does it feel? Like silk, breathable like cotton, and impressively durable. It doesn’t pill, holds its shape wash after wash, and is biodegradable at the end of its life.
It’s perfect for underwear, shirts, dresses, or sportswear. In short — it’s a win all around.
- Learn more here: Tencel®
Recycled fibers
Turning waste into sustainable clothing? Yes, it’s possible. More and more brands are turning to recycled fibers to avoid extracting new resources and to reduce textile or plastic waste. There are several types of recycled fibers, each with their own characteristics.
Recycled cotton
Made from old clothes or production scraps, recycled cotton helps save water and energy while reducing landfill waste. It’s often blended with other fibers to maintain strength, as recycling weakens the fibers. But when used smartly, it’s a great way to lower the cotton industry's overall footprint.
- More details here: Recycled cotton
VIEW OUR RECYCLED COTTON UNDERWEAR
Econyl®: recycled nylon fiber
Econyl® is 100% regenerated nylon, made from plastic waste like fishing nets, industrial scraps, or carpets. It’s a great alternative to virgin nylon—just as strong, but without crude oil. Commonly used in swimwear, leggings, sportswear, or technical underwear.
The best part? It can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. A true example of circular economy.
- More details here: Econyl®
VIEW OUR RECYCLED NYLON SWIMWEAR
The SEAQUAL INITIATIVE
A bold collaborative project that transforms marine plastic waste into textile fibers. SEAQUAL™ works with fishermen, NGOs, ports, and companies to clean the oceans and give waste a second life.
The result? Durable, stylish fabrics often used for swim shorts, linings, or accessories. It’s a concrete way to fight ocean pollution while dressing better.
At BLUEBUCK, we proudly support this initiative: our swim shorts and sports range are made from marine plastic waste, through an ethical and eco-friendly process.
- More details here: SEAQUAL
Eco-friendly vs conventional textiles: what’s the difference?
This is where the debate gets interesting. While conventional textiles have long dominated the market, eco-friendly alternatives are making a strong comeback—ready to take the lead. Why? Because the reasons for choosing eco-textiles are the same reasons that make conventional ones outdated.
Their environmental impact
Conventional textiles are often the result of intensive farming practices that consume massive amounts of water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. In comparison, eco-friendly textiles are produced using much gentler methods for the planet—less water, less pollution, fewer chemicals. It’s not magic—it’s ethics.
Long-term durability
Eco-textiles are designed to last longer because their production emphasizes material quality over quantity. Don’t expect to toss these clothes after just a couple of washes.
Health benefits
In addition to being good for the planet, organic textiles are better for you. Natural fibers like organic cotton or linen haven’t been treated with harsh chemicals that could irritate your skin. That means less risk of itching, allergies, or irritation.
Labels to help you spot certified eco-friendly textiles
When it comes to eco-textiles, it’s not enough for a garment to look “green” or feature leafy backdrops in its marketing. You need real proof—and that’s where certifications come in. But be careful: not all labels are created equal. Here are the most reliable ones you should know to shop with confidence (and avoid greenwashing).
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
This is *the* label for organic cotton products. It ensures not only that the cotton is organically grown, but that workers’ rights and environmentally responsible production methods are respected.
Arguably the most comprehensive label for organic fiber textiles, it covers the entire production chain: from growing cotton and dyeing, to working conditions and packaging. To be GOTS certified, a product must contain at least 70% organic fibers (“made with organic”) or 95% for the stricter version. It also enforces:
- Limited use of toxic substances during manufacturing.
- Fair and dignified working conditions.
- Responsible wastewater and chemical management.
In short: organic, ethical, and credible.
- More details here: The GOTS label
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Widely used in baby clothes and underwear, this label focuses on human health. It doesn’t mean the fiber is organic or recycled—but it guarantees that the final product is free from harmful substances like pesticide residues, heavy metals, or allergenic dyes.
There are several levels (called classes), with Class 1 being the strictest (for items in contact with sensitive skin, like babies). While not a strict eco-label, it’s a solid indicator of product safety. And that already counts for a lot.
Fair Trade
Sustainability isn’t just about the planet—it’s also about people. Fair trade labels like Fair Trade Certified or Fair Wear Foundation guarantee:
- Decent wages for workers.
- Labor rights are respected.
- Safe and ethical working conditions.
They may not always impose strict environmental rules, but they ensure that your clothes weren’t made under exploitative conditions. Pair it with a label like GOTS or OEKO-TEX, and you’ve got a winning combo.
EU Ecolabel
The official eco-label of the European Union. Less known than GOTS or OEKO-TEX, but just as reliable. It evaluates:
- The entire product life cycle (raw material, production, use, disposal).
- Strict limits on harmful substances.
- Reduced energy and water consumption.
Its goal? Ensuring that the textile meets environmental criteria at every stage—balancing performance with sustainability.
Quick tip: a trustworthy label is always issued by an independent certification body. If a product just says “eco-friendly”, “green”, or “100% nature love” without any verifiable label? Be cautious.
How to bring eco-textiles into your wardrobe
Changing your wardrobe doesn’t have to be a leap into the unknown. You don’t need to replace everything overnight (we know it can get expensive). Here are a few tips to help you gradually shift toward eco-friendly fashion:
- Start with the basics: t-shirts, underwear, socks… You can easily find these in organic cotton, Tencel, or even linen for summer.
- Prioritize durability: opt for quality garments that last, instead of giving in to fast fashion trends.
- Go for timeless pieces: like a classic linen shirt or a soft Tencel pullover. These styles never go out of fashion and adapt to any season.
- Recycling tips: don’t toss your old clothes! Recycle them or donate to a good cause. Some brands even collect used textiles to turn into new fibers.
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Choosing eco-friendly textiles is a practical, impactful decision that’s accessible to everyone. All it takes is starting—piece by piece, purchase by purchase.
An organic cotton t-shirt here, a Tencel trunk there, a pair of swim trunks made from marine plastic for sunny days… and just like that, you’re part of meaningful change—no need for fanfare.
Because yes, shopping smarter means shopping more consciously. It means supporting ethical brands, rejecting greenwashing, and giving purpose to what you wear every day.
So—ready to build a cleaner, more sustainable wardrobe?