Prepare for Fashion Disruption: Eco-Friendly Fabric and Textile Trends
The fashion industry churns out about 100 billion garments every year. Recently, fashionistas and activists alike have turned their efforts to greening the industry. People are advocating for upcycling and recycling alike.
Some are also looking at the fabric used to make clothing. Today, many fabrics use plastics, which means they aren’t biodegradable.
One of the biggest textile trends this season is a look at more eco-friendly fabrics. The textile and fashion industries have much to do if they want to go green. Adopting sustainable textiles is a huge step forward.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at how designers are blending sustainability, comfort, and style.
Eco-Friendly Fabric Is Biodegradable and Sustainable
First things first. What makes a fabric greener than another?
The first factor is biodegradability. Natural materials like cotton, wool, and silk break down over time. Many synthetic materials, like nylon and rayon, include plastics that don’t break down.
Eco-friendly fabrics are more than biodegradable though. The processes used to make them are also sustainable.
An example is cotton. Cotton is a plant, but the farming techniques used to grow it aren’t always eco-friendly or green.
Organic cotton is one choice for fashion designers. They can also choose a host of other sustainable textiles.
The concern about process extends to dyeing as well. Many textiles are treated with harsh chemicals. This can cause problems for the environment and people alike.
Plant-based dyes and bacteria-based dyes are starting to rewrite the story.
Creating New Materials
The eco-conscious trend in fabrics is leading to the creation of new material. Viscose and acetate are regenerated from cellulose.
Biological research is investigating the use of algae in fabrics. Other studies are creating bioplastic yarns, which biodegrade. New sources of silk include synthetic spider silk and filaments from sea creatures.
Micro-wool and micro-cotton take familiar fabrics and give them a new spin. As our knowledge advances, we can create stronger fabrics with different properties. This means we can focus on the breathability of a fabric or its water resistance.
Some people are becoming even more experimental. They’re using natural materials like fruit and beeswax to create new fabrics.
Reusing What We Have
Another textile trend is recycling. This includes reusing existing garments to create a new fabric. It can also mean creating materials from recycled plastic and recovered ocean plastic.
Major brands are getting on board with the recycled trend. Ralph Lauren, for example, released a recycled version of its classic polo for Earth Day. The shirts also used vegetable dyes.
Both eco-friendly fabrics and non-green fabrics can be recycled. Some designers are going a step further. They’re adopting a zero-waste approach to fabric use in their designs.
Reusing materials and reducing waste means production uses much less energy. It also means less consumption of raw materials, such as cotton or bamboo.
Textile Trends for Green Fashion
Now you know what kinds of materials are used in creating eco-friendly fashion. Your next question is about what these textiles actually look like.
Summer 2019 trends show eco-friendly fabrics have gone mainstream. They’ve cut ties with their rustic roots. You can forget about “earthy” color palettes, rough edges, and uncomfortable fabrics.
The wide variety of eco-friendly options allows designers to create stylish garments. There’s also an array of finishes and textures. Bright colors and motifs help these green options earn their spot on the catwalk.
Looking forward to 2020, one of the most prominent trends fabric is seeing is dreamy nostalgia. These pastel palettes and vintage motifs evoke memories of a halcyon past.
Solid color charm packs fit this trend. The assortment of colors lets you dream up garments and textiles in almost any color that speaks to you.
Other Trends Fabric Artists Should Watch
When it comes to creating textiles, there’s more to it than color. Designers and consumers alike are interested in the properties of the fabric itself. Others find finishes inspiring, and still others are intrigued by motifs.
Jacquard stripes and other motifs are on-trend right now. A wide variety of finishes give designers a chance to play with light and color. Iridescent muslins and other fabrics take the stage in this trend.
One of the most interesting segments to watch right now is the sports apparel sector. The materials used in most sports apparel isn’t eco-friendly. Textile artists and designers alike are seeking to change that.
There’s enormous interest in the performance of natural fibers like merino wool. Wool can wick away sweat. It can even be water-repellent.
Cotton is a breathable fabric. There’s interest in improving it for the next generation of sports attire.
Some artistic fabrics marry recycled plastics and natural fibers to get the best of both.
In the sports apparel sector and beyond it, there’s interest in lightweight and durable fabrics. While some people experiment with beeswax, many designers want clothing that lasts.
This is another part of going green. Some people feel we buy too many clothes. Instead, everyone from designers to fashion bloggers are encouraging people to love what they have.
Preparing for Fashion Disruption
The greening of textiles is one step of what seems to be an industry revolution in the fashion world. As people realize the production of clothes impacts the environment, they demand change.
It’s safe to say you’ll be seeing more green options on the racks at your favorite retailer’s soon. Whether it’s recycled or organic, choosing an eco-conscious outfit is easier than ever.
Better yet, it’s going to be more fashionable and stylish than ever before. It’s all thanks to the alchemists working behind the scenes in the textile industry.
Stay Cool in the Latest Trends
These eco-friendly textile trends show going green is for everyone. Whenever you buy your next outfit or pick up fabric, be on the lookout for the eco-friendly trend.
If you’re hoping to stay on top of all the latest trends in fashion and beyond, look no further. Our great articles and advice never go out of style.