Which Fabrics Should You Wear (and When!)? List of 28 Sustainable Fabrics!

If you want to make your wardrobe more sustainable, one of the important changes to make is to buy less clothes. And when you do buy clothes, it's best to choose for sustainable fabrics.

However, in order to schedule your wardrobe-planning best, you need to know when you can wear which materials. So, an important question is, which fabrics should you wear, and when? 

 

Note: Fabrics in the chart are organized from multiple purposes to more specific uses!

1. Organic Cotton

The basic of all basics: organic cotton should be a staple fabric in every wardrobe. 

Cotton can be worn year-round and is one of those fabrics that is also very comfortable to wear in summer. It is a lightweight fabric that, when made organically, is durable and strong. Cotton is most often used for basics (shirts and tops), base-layers and underwear. 

Cotton garments are breathable, which makes them perfect for base-layers and underwear. Pajamas made of cotton are also incredibly comfortable to sleep in, as they keep you cool, yet warm and dry as they are moisture-absorbent. 

In summer, use cotton for: 

• T-shirts

• Tops

• Dresses

• Shirts

The rest of the year, wear the following garments made of cotton: 

• Sweaters

• Knitted sweaters

• Base-layers

• Leggings

• Socks

• Underwear

• Pajamas

2. Alpaca Wool

Alpaca wool is one of those other basics that can be a staple material in your wardrobe. 

Alpaca wool is versatile as it is warm, yet cooling, breathable, thermoregulating and water-repellent. This means that you can wear alpaca wool in many different environments (rain, wind, sun) and do many different activities wearing alpaca woolen garments (from hiking to fine dining). 

Everyone needs a sweater, right? But if you have an alpaca woolen sweater, you will probably find yourself wearing it much more often than you thought!

While alpaca woolen garments are generally worn in winter, they can actually be worn year-round. 

The breathable fiber maintains a constant temperature which makes alpaca woolen garments comfortable to wear. When the outside temperature and/or the body temperature rise, the fabric will absorb the sweat, evaporate it and the body temperature will decrease.

Obviously you won't be comfortable with a knitted hat on the beach, but a thinly woven garment might be very comfortable on a breezy summer night. 

You can wear alpaca wool in different styles: 

• Knitted garments 

• Sweaters

• Ponchos

• Ruanas

• Cardigans

• Dresses 

• Tops

• Accessories

• Hats

• Scarves

• Headbands

• Shawls

• Stoles

• Felted garments

• Hats

• Hiking gear 

• Sweaters

• Hoodies

• Balaclavas

• Neckwarmers

• Socks 

• Sleeping socks

• Hiking socks

• Dress socks

On top of that, alpaca wool dresses beautifully and its silky texture makes for exclusive garments. This means that you can also wear an alpaca woolen garment to a fancy occasion!

Check out the different alpaca woolen garments in the Yanantin Alpaca store! All items are made to empower women in Peru.

• https://shop.yanantin-alpaca.com/collections/all 

3. Hemp

Hemp is very similar to cotton, and despite its “recent” arrival (it's actually really old!) to the fashion industry, it is becoming increasingly popular. The main reason? Its sustainable features. Another reason is that hemp is comfortable. You can comfortably wear it year-round. 

Hemp is often used for “normal clothing” like sweaters and T-shirts, but also for thicker woven fabrics (more like denim), such as jackets, pants, skirts and dresses. It is also great for basics, base-layers and underwear.

Hemp is incredibly versatile and you will find many different uses of it. According to The Hemp Shop it is warmer than cotton, which means that you can comfortably wear it in winter, too (whereas cotton might not be warm enough on really cold days). 

The hemp-market is still expanding, but so far you will the following garments made of hemp: 

• Jackets

• Pants

• Skirts

• Dresses

• Dungarees

• Sweaters

• T-shirts

• Basics

• Base-Layers

• Underwear

• Sportswear (to a small degree)

4. Responsible Mohair

While you might not think of mohair as a very common material, it definitely has the potential to be one! 

Garments made with mohair are great for winter and in-between seasons. Because it is wool, most garments will be warm. But mohair can be woven into a lightweight fabric as well, while remaining breathable. It is perfect for luxurious suits, hats and accessories, but also for knitted garments. 

Mohair is a luxury fiber that has a beautiful sheen and silky texture. It is often used for high-quality suits, and one of the reasons as to why mohair is so well suited for suits (hihi), is because it is incredibly crease-resistant thanks to that silky fiber! 

You could travel to a different continent wearing a mohair suit, without getting sweaty and without getting your clothes wrinkled!

On the other hand, mohair can also be incredibly playful thanks to its fluffiness. You will often find knitted mohair sweaters using cute designs, with beautiful colors and funky patterns. 

Look for the following garments made with mohair: 

• Sweaters

• Cardigans

• Suits

• Coats

• Hats

5. Organic Linen

While organic linen is most beneficial for summer wear, it really is all you need for all-time comfort.

Linen is perfect for summer-wear: it is breathable, soft on the skin, and highly absorbent (no sweat patches!). Linen is a woven fabric and is therefore incredibly versatile: you will find linen tops, shirts, dresses, dungarees, skirts, pants, and much more! 

Being the perfect sustainable fiber, linen has become increasingly popular. You will find the cutest dresses, the most beautiful dress pants, and the comfiest shirts in all kinds of beautiful (pastel) colors.

Linen is often turned into woven fabric: it is a strong and soft and it gets even softer over time. Once you buy a linen garment, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear, holes, stretching, or losing its shape.  

Although, there’s one thing: linen fabric wrinkles very easily and requires a lot of ironing - or a natural-creased-look: also really cool!

Linen fabrics can be used for the following garments: 

• Dresses

• Skirts

• Pants

• Dungarees

• Tops

• Shirts

6. Organic Wool

Organic wool is an old-time favorite! Who doesn’t love chunky sweaters and fluffy hats?!

Cute and cozy, it's perfect for winter clothing. It is warm and breathable, (mostly) comfortable to wear and perfect for layering up. Wool is also slightly water repellent and therefore perfect for accessories to protect you from wind and rain. Woolen garments are often knitted, making them elastic, and as a result, generally comfortable. 

Knitted sweaters are a must-have in cold climates: great for layering and particularly great in combination with a cotton layer. A), this will protect the skin in case of scratchy wool), and B) adds warmth. Add a wind and water resistant jacket and you’re ready to hit the road in some of the coldest environments. 

When wool is knitted, the extra room between the yarn makes them even warmer! The extra space "traps" warmth so that it can accumulate. 

Woolen garments are similarly strong and protective, although this might vary per item depending on the pattern, design and yarn that is used. 

Super Tip: Look for sweaters that are made with wool from a specific area. You will often see special patterns, designs or techniques, and wool used from local sheep! Super special and supporting locals! :)

Look for the following woolen garments to add to your wardrobe: 

• Sweaters

• Cardigans

• Hats

• Headbands

• Socks

• Scarves

7. Organic Denim

Denim is classic; it's the material used for jeans. 

Strong and resistant, denim garments are great for outdoor adventures. Originally designed for workers, denim clothing can handle high amounts of abrasion. Denim is perfect to wear in-between seasons, when it is not particularly cold, wet, or sunny. 

High quality denim can be a bit stiff at first. It’s the type of fabric that you have to wear a few times before it gets comfortable, especially jeans! But once they get comfortable, they get super comfortable. 

Denim is not great in hot weather, though. The fabric is simply too thick, so you want to avoid wearing jeans on hot sunny days. 

Similarly, denim is also not very protective from rain or cold. Although the thickness does provide some wind-protection. But generally, it's not ideal for extremely cold winters, unless you can wear thermals underneath.  

Look for the following garments made of Denim:

• Jeans

• Shorts

• Skirts

• Jackets

• Shirts

• Work wear

• Dungarees

• Dungaree-dresses

8. Organic Merino Wool

Merino is a type of wool, and earns its own place in this list because of its specific features and uses. 

Merino woolen garments are perfect to wear in winter. Whether its accessories or clothing, merino wool is great for outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, mountaineering, and even running! Merino wool is warm, protects from rain and wind and is incredibly stretchy. 

Merino wool is soft on the skin thanks to its special fiber (it's super small). Even when your body is working hard (and sweat, bacteria and oils can make your skin feel a tad sensitive). 

• Did you know that merino wool is also odor-resistant and is not very likely to pick up smells easily!? 

Merino wool is breathable, which means that it can absorb moisture from the body into the fiber and evaporate it back into the air. Its helps your body to maintain a steady body temperature, while keeping you dry at the same time. (Great when you're sweating where it's cold!)

Looks for these merino woolen garments: 

• Sweaters

• Hoodies

• Thermal underwear

• Thermal leggings

• Thermal T-shirts 

• Thermal long sleeves

• Neckwarmers

• Hats

• Socks

9. Responsible Yak

Yak. Just for the name you should have a garment made with yak. :)

Yak wool is perfect for garments and accessories that you can wear on (cold) winter days. It's a special type of fiber with a sophisticated look and feel to it, is soft and dresses beautifully. It is therefore mostly used in knitted sweaters, cardigans and hats, or woven scarves. 

Yak down is warm, breathable, has great moisture wicking features and is odor-resistant. And it is soft. It’s just another great wool fiber that you can use in the winter season, particularly a cold winter season!

• According to Khunu, a wild yak can survive temperatures as low as - 40 C°. Imagine wearing that! 

Looking for your own yak garment? Look for these: 

• Sweaters

• Cardigans

• Hats

• Woven scarves

10. Peace Silk

Peace silk is the sustainable and cruel-free version of regular silk. And its amazingly versatile! 

Silk garments are perfect base layers in winter, as they are breathable, lightweight and flowy. However, you might want to show off your garment because silk is exclusive, beautiful, and drapes well. In other words: it will make you look good!

Silk is one of those go-to fabrics for summer nights and evenings out. Whether you use it for a beautiful dress or wear a neat shirt during an office meeting, silk will keep you cool and looking good. It’s shine and luster make silk garments look instantly high-quality. 

Wear silk blouses, dresses, tops and shirts for a night out or formal clothing. Or pajamas!

Thanks to its breathability and smoothness, it is also a great fabric for pajamas! Sleeping in silk will help your skin breathe, which helps regulate your temperature when you sleep.  

• Note that, while silk is breathable and a summer fabric, sweat patches are visible on silk garments! You just won’t sweat as quickly, hopefully. 

Silk garments are recommended for a great variety of items: 

• Blouses

• Dresses

• Tops

• Evening gowns

• Shirts

• Pajamas

• Underwear

• Accessories, like (bow) ties 

11. Jersey (Made with Wool or Cotton)

A must-have. And you probably have some garments made with it already :)

Jersey fabric, made of either wool or cotton, is perfect for in-between seasons. Jersey is a stretchy, knitted fabric that is mostly used for T-shirts, light sweaters and sweatpants. Thanks to its drape it’s also great for dresses and tops. 

Jersey is very comfortable to wear, as it is lightweight and soft. Depending on the type of jersey, the fabric can be more-or-less stretchy, though, and this will influence how warm or thick a garment is. 

There are two types of jersey: single knitted and double knitted. And then there's also jersey made with cotton vs. wool. 

• You will find the single knitting in dresses and T-shirts: soft, lightweight garments that are perfect for summer. 

• Double knitted jersey is stiffer, stronger and warmer and is used for stronger T-shirts, like polo t-shirts. 

• Jersey made of wool is warmer than jersey fabric made of cotton.
  
  

Look for jersey made with either wool or cotton: 

• Sweaters

• Sweatpants

• T-shirts

• Polo shirts

• Dresses

• Tops

12. Responsible Cashmere

Cashmere is an exclusive fiber known for it's quality. 

Garments made with cashmere are perfect for winter as they are warm yet breathable. Often used for knitted garments, like sweaters, or as woven fabric, like coats. Accessories like hats, scarves and stoles are perfect for cold, windy and rainy weather. 

Cashmere keeps you warm. Very warm actually, thanks to the native habitat of cashmere goats. Thanks to its fiber texture, it is also very protective against rain, wind and cold weather, so perfect to wear in winter. 

Thanks to it's high quality it's often used for luxury fashion and design. You'll often see it in vintage stores! 

If you’re looking for a cashmere garment, look for: 

• Coats

• Sweaters

• Cardigans

• Scarves

• Stoles

• Suits

13. Responsible Angora

100% PURE angora might be hard to find (it will basically fall apart), but even small amounts in blends give you the benefits that make angora so desirable. 

• Even 5–10% Angora in a yarn blend gives a soft hand-feel at a lower cost.

• 10–20% Angora with a majority of wool or synthetic fiber balances luxury and practicality.

• 20–30% Angora in a blend is usually enough to noticeably enhance softness and thermal insulation without overwhelming cost or causing excessive shedding.

• 40–60% Angora is typically used when the “halo” (the fine, soft fuzziness) is the goal 

Angora wool is warm and fluffy, but it lacks strength when it's not blended. Pure angora wool will fall apart (due to shedding and pilling) when not blended with a stronger fiber to give it structure. 

If you've seen the angora rabbit, you will know what garments using angora look like: equally fluffy! 

Look for angora wool in: 

• Hats

• Sweaters

• Cardigans

• Vintage!

14. Responsible Bison Down

Bison down is some of the warmest fibers out there. 

Garments using bison down are incredibly warm and are therefore perfect in extremely cold weather. Thanks to the soft fiber you can wear bison down next to skin, which makes it a great material for hiking gear and base- and mid-layers. Its down can also be used for jackets as filling. 

Thanks to its natural crimp it creates room to trap air that it heats up to keep you warm. On top of that, it is moisture wicking and highly absorbent. So, even in wet AND cold conditions, wearing a garment using bison down will keep you warm and dry. 

Bison down is highly niche, but you might be able to find garments using it: 

• Socks

• Hats

• Gloves

• Scarves

• Hats

• Balaclavas

• Hats (felted)

• Jackets (as filling)

15. Responsible Qiviut

Qiviut is extremely rare, so if you have a qiviut garment in your wardrobe you should consider yourself lucky!

Qiviut is one of the most soft, warm and expensive animal fibers on earth. It is used for knitted garments which makes them extra warm. They are often made locally, which means hats, scarves and stoles can come with beautiful designs and patterns. 

Given its warmth and softness, qiviut can be worn directly on the skin and is therefore very appropriate to use for any kind of activity from sports to a fancy dinner. 

Qiviut is highly tied to Inuit and broader Eskimo (Yupik and Iñupiat) culture, especially in Alaska and parts of Northern Canada. 

Look for local producers, they often make their own products with unique patterns: 

• Scarves

• Stoles

• Smokerings

• Hats

• Tunics

• Caps

• Berets

• Headbands

16. Cruelty-free Leather

Leather garments are great to wear in-between seasons, like fall and spring (or chilly summers and mild winters). Leather does protect from wind and rain, but it does not provide a lot of warmth. Leather is mostly used for jackets, pants and shoes. 

Leather is quite comfortable because it protects the wearer quite well from rain or wind. However, when it gets cold, leather does not provide any warmth! It needs an extra layer that provides warmth and protects the skin directly from the cold touch of leather.

A leather jacket is therefore perfect, as long as you’ll be wearing something underneath. Shoes are great, too, as the socks will keep your feet warm and the leather will keep your feet dry. 

It's not the most flexible material, though, so the occasions to wear leather might be limited to casual wear only. 

You can wear leather year-round, if the temperature is mild. Look for: 

• Jackets

• Skirts

• Pants

• Shoes

• Dresses

17. Cruelty-free Suede

Suede is the underside of the animal hide (the "other side" of leather, to a degree). It's softer and a bit more "fluffy" but much more vulnerable than its counterpart. 

Suede shoes or clothing can be worn year-round, although you want to be careful when it rains or snows. Garments may keep you warm, but not extremely. On the other hand, you don’t sweat as much with suede which makes them perfect for warmer seasons, too.

The one time you don’t want to be wearing suede is when it is wet outside. It doesn't do well with water and will show stains or dark spots when wet. 

Suede is suh-weet!

 

Suede provides a bit of wind resistance and warmth, but it's not fit for real cold.

Some recommended garments made with suede: 

• Jackets

• Coats

• Dresses

• Skirts

• Shoes

18. Recycled Polyester

Note: recycled polyester. (It's already made once, so let's extend its lifespan!)

Recycled polyester is nice to wear during your workout. Polyester is great when your body heats up and starts to sweat as moisture gets drawn away from your skin without getting absorbed by the fabric. 

However, polyester isn’t always comfortable to wear. Recycled polyester works for active wear because it can be blended with elastic materials. The fiber is strong so very little or thin yarn can make lightweight, durable and wrinkle-resistant items.

Basically, recycled polyester is the perfect material to work out in. 

Polyester is by no means warm. Which is exactly why it's great for active wear: your body will heat up during the workout, so the breathable and moisture-wicking fabric will help you stay cool and dry. However, DON'T rely on polyester when you want to feel and stay warm!

Look for recycled polyester in the following garments: 

• Shirts

• Tops

• Leggings

• Shorts

• Sport Bras

19. Sustainable Rayon

Sustainable rayon, typically made from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood pulp, is a versatile fiber often used for summer clothing and activewear. It's known for being flexible, stretchy, and durable, feeling cool against the skin even on warm days due to its low heat conductivity.

Sustainable rayon, typically made from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood pulp, is a versatile fiber often used for summer clothing and activewear. It's known for being flexible, stretchy, and durable, feeling cool against the skin even on warm days due to its low heat conductivity.

Look for the following rayon garments: 

• Hawaiian shirts

• Dresses

• Flowy pants

• Shirts

• Blouses

• Shorts

• Tops

20. Chambray (Made with Linen or Cotton)

Denim goes light. 

Chambray is a lighter version of denim fabric and can be made with cotton or linen. It is a lightweight fabric, perfect for hot summer days. It's woven and perfect for dresses, jumpsuits, pants and shirts. 

Chambrai is definitely ideal for those pants-that-are-not-denim-but-look-like-it.

Chambray is originally made with linen, but you'll see it more and more with cotton, as well. It is comparable to denim in look and feel. However, since it’s woven it is much thinner than denim and thus much more airy, breathable and comfortable. Especially in warm weather.

Wear chambray for your summer outfit when it is hot and sunny outside: 

• Shirts

• Dresses

• Jumpsuits

• Pants

• Shorts

• Skirts

21. Flannel (Made with Wool or Cotton)

From jackets to shirts, from the fireplace to outside, from snuggling to chopping wood... Flannel is your go-to.

Flannel is a great asset for your winter wardrobe as it is a thick fabric that keeps you warm. At the same time it is breathable and thus perfect for outdoor activities. Wear flannel shirts when you’re out and in nature or flannel pajamas on cold winter nights. 

Whether cotton or wool, flannel is breathable, and durable. You can also wear flannel with different layers on top or underneath to keep you extra warm. Especially when it's windy, because it's not very wind-resistant, despite it being brushed. (Unless it's heavily felted wool, maybe.)

Look for flannel in:

• Shirts

• Pajamas

• Jackets

22. Tweed (Made of Organic Wool)

While it might look like flannel, tweed is woven instead of brushed and uses coarser yarns. It's warmer, more wind-resistant and water-repellent, and has a unique aesthetic. (One of those "you'll recognize it when you see it")

Tweed is a classic fabric that is warm and comfortable. It is often used for formal clothing, like suits, coats and skirts and vests. Given it’s warmth and density, it is best for winter office wear or outerwear. 

Look for the following garments made of tweed:

• Coats

• Pants

• Vests

• Suit jackets

• Skirts

• Dresses

23. Satin (Made of Silk) and Sateen (Made with Cotton)

Satin refers to the weave of this materials and can be made different materials, the most comfortable ones being silk or cotton. When made with silk, it's called satin, when made with cotton it's called sateen. Both materials are smooth. 

Satin is smoother, shinier, and more flowy than sateen, but both fibers are highly breathable and fluid. Satin is the "prettier" version of sateen, but both are great for shiny and soft garments. Although silk is the really glamorous one, sateen is more budget friendly. 

• Evening gowns
• Slip dresses
• Lingerie
• Robes
• Blouses 
• Bridal wear 

Sometimes satin is made with polyester. Make sure to check the label, because polyester satin does not feel as comfortable at all as silk satin. 

24. Velvet (Made of Silk) and Velours (Made of Cotton)

Velvet and velours look similar: they are both fluffy and almost shiny. However, you could say that velours (made with cotton) is the more affordable version of velvet (made with silk). 

You can use both velvet and velours for fall and mild winters, as they will keep you warm. They often come in beautiful colors that become increasingly pretty because of the fabric texture. Since the fabric is warm and soft, you could also look for velours or velvet pajamas. 

Velvet and velours look the same but are made differently. The process for velvet is more labor intense and thus it is the more expansive one of the two. Nonetheless, both materials are vibrant and shiny and thus garments made with either are real eye-catchers. 

Did you know that velours was used to rebel against the boring fashion from the 70s. It was one of the first times clothing was used to make an actual fashion “statement”!

You will find many different types of clothing using velvet or velours:

• Shirts

• Tops

• Pants

• Dresses

• Skirts

• Vests

• Shirts

• Coats 

25. Corduroy and Chenille (Made with Cotton)

Corduroy and chenille are thick fabrics that are great to wear in winter. Originally designed for the working class, you will find the durable fabric comfortable for pants and jackets. Especially for men, corduroy is a great compromise between style and comfort. 

Corduroy and chenille are similar, although corduroy is much more sturdy and a bit stiffer. Chenille has a woven texture and is therefore more fluid. Both have a bit of luster that also add them to the "fashion statement" category :)

Look for the following corduroy and chenille products: 

• Jackets

• Pants

• Dungarees

• Dresses

• Skirts

• Sweaters (knitted chenille)

26. Cork Leather

Cork is one of the new vegan, environmentally friendly materials. It isn’t really used for clothing, but since you will most likely wear shoes and use accessories, I think it deserves a spot on this list. 

Cork leather is a vegan alternative for leather made of cork. It is a bit stiffer than regular leather and is therefore not used for clothing, but for accessories like purses, wallets, shoes and sandals. Since cork is water-resistant you can wear it year-round (including in the rain!)

Cork leather is new on the fabric-market and is mostly used for footwear or accessories. 

According to Schuler Shoes, cork is insulating, too, which means that they will keep you warm when it is cold outside. However, that being said, most cork shoes are actually sandals, which means you would be wearing those most of the time in summer!

Cork garments can include: 

• Shoes

• Sandals

• Wedges

• Wallets

• Purses

• Bags

27. Piñatex

If you like piña colada, getting caught in the rain… Then piñatex is for you! 

Piñatex is another new fabric on the market. It's again mostly used for bags, shoes, and accessories. You might be able to find it to some degree for fashion, too, because it is quite light and comfortable, and despite being “leather” it is also breathable. Piñatex is also water-resistant. 

Piñatex is a material made from leftover pineapple leaves. It basically does everything that regular leather does, but then it’s totally vegan. 

It is still relatively new, but look for the following piñatex garments:

• Shoes

• Bags

• Coats

28. Canvas (Made with Cotton)

Canvas is used for sneakers and can be worn in summer. It is not very warm nor is it waterproof, so while perfect for summer, it is not great for rainy, snowy or cold weather. 

Canvas is soft and flexible and therefore mostly used for sneakers (the Converse type). While they are comfortable to wear, they can’t really be worn apart from during the summer season. 

Look for canvas in: 

• Shoes

 

Which Fabrics Should You Not Wear? 

You might be wondering right now… I missed a couple of fabrics in the list… The fibers that are not on this list are probably not sustainable, so I prefer not to wear them at all.

Some examples: 

• Nylon

• Acrylic

• Polyester

• Polyamide

• Fleece

• Conventional cotton / wool / rayon / etc. 

That being said, if you already have them in your closet, you might as well use them. I find that synthetic fabrics are not comfortable to wear in summer or winter, but I guess they could work in-between seasons or for special occasions.