Dress with Intention: A Complete Guide to a Sustainable Wardrobe

When putting together your wardrobe, choosing the right fabrics is key—it’s about more than just style. We want quality over quantity. When shopping for clothes, whether in person or online, check the materials before buying. Take a moment to look at the tag for fabric details or when shopping online, check the product description for fabric content. Being mindful of the materials ensures you invest in pieces that are better for the planet and your wardrobe in the long run. Polyester is just plastic after all, something we really need to stop mass producing. In this guide, we’ll explore natural fabric options and synthetic fabrics, discussing benefits, drawbacks, and how they affect your health and the environment.

What Are Natural Fabrics?

Natural fabrics are textiles made from fibers derived from plants, animals, or minerals. Some common examples include cotton, wool, linen, silk and hemp. These fabrics are renewable, more sustainable, and often kinder to our skin. Organic versions of cotton, wool, and linen are cultivated without harmful chemicals, making them even more eco-friendly.

The Staples of a Capsule Wardrobe

Tops:
Classic white & black cotton t-shirts
Neutral-colored cotton long sleeve
Linen blouse for warm weather
Wool and/or cotton sweater (crewneck)
Lightweight wool cardigan
Cotton hoodie

Pants & Shorts:
High-quality denim jeans
Cotton trousers for versatility
Linen pants (great for summer)
Cotton or linen shorts

Dresses & Skirts:
Cotton or linen midi dress (casual & breathable)
Cotton or linen midi skirt
Denim mini or midi skirt

Outerwear:
Wool blazer (structured but timeless)
Wool coat (for winter warmth)
Denim jacket (classic staple)

Shoes:
Sneakers
Neutral-colored tall boots
Classic loafers or ballet flats

Benefits of Natural Fabrics

When it comes to fabrics that are good for your skin, natural fibers are generally the best choice. They tend to be softer, less irritating, and allow your skin to breathe. Fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and silk are hypoallergenic, making them great options for those with sensitive skin. While wool can also be beneficial, some people find it itchy—though softer options like Merino wool can help with that.

A 2003 study by Dr. Heidi Yellen suggests that different fabrics may have distinct vibrational frequencies. According to summaries of this study, natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, and wool resonate at higher frequencies, while synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are believed to have much lower frequencies. For example, organic cotton is said to vibrate around 110 MHz, while linen and wool reportedly reach 5,000 MHz. In contrast, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are thought to resonate at much lower levels, around 10-15 Hz, which some sources claim is similar to the frequency of an unhealthy body.

While these claims are intriguing, it’s important to note that more scientific research is needed to verify the relationship between fabric frequencies and human health. However, many people find that wearing natural fibers feels more comfortable and breathable, which may contribute to overall well-being.

Thrift Shopping: Supporting Local and Online Secondhand Shops

One of the best ways to build a sustainable wardrobe is by embracing thrift shopping, either at local secondhand stores or through online platforms. Shopping for pre-loved clothing helps reduce textile waste and limits the demand for new clothing production, which is often resource-intensive. In Canada and the U.S., there are numerous apps where you can easily buy or sell secondhand clothes, giving garments a second life while saving money. Popular options include Poshmark, which allows users to buy and sell a wide range of items; Depop, known for its trendy, curated collections from individual sellers; ThredUp, one of the largest online thrift stores; and Facebook Marketplace, which connects local buyers and sellers for easy, quick transactions. By shopping secondhand, you’re not only curating a unique wardrobe but also taking a step toward more responsible consumption.

Sustainable Places to Shop

QUINCE– Quince is a good choice if you’re looking for a brand that combines affordability with a commitment to sustainability and quality.

KOTN– KOTN is a great option if you’re looking for sustainable and ethically produced wardrobe staples that align with a commitment to quality and responsible consumption.

MODERN CITIZEN– Modern Citizen is a great option if you’re looking for well-designed, minimalist clothing that offers quality and sophistication.

Fast Fashion: Low Quality, Low Price

Fast fashion is not the future, and it has no place in a sustainable wardrobe as it is now. The environmental, ethical, and health issues it brings far outweigh the appeal of cheap, trendy clothing. Fast fashion relies heavily on synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are made from fossil fuels and release harmful microplastics into waterways when washed. Additionally, the industry consumes vast amounts of water and non-renewable resources, making it a significant contributor to environmental damage.

The industry is also notorious for unethical labor practices, where workers are underpaid and forced to work in dangerous conditions, making fast fashion an industry built on exploitation. On top of all that, the toxic chemicals used in dyeing and finishing these clothes can irritate our skin and, over time, lead to serious health issues. Fast fashion promotes overconsumption, which contributes to the millions of tons of textile waste that end up in landfills each year. Check out my blog post on fast fashion if you want to learn more about the industry.

Are Fabrics Recyclable and Biodegradable?

Some fabrics are recyclable, but it largely depends on the material. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen can often be recycled more easily, as long as they haven’t been heavily treated or blended with synthetic fibers. In contrast, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are harder to recycle because they don’t break down as easily. While brands are working on improving the recycling process for all types of fabrics, we are not yet at a point where fashion operates in a fully circular economy.

Another important consideration in choosing sustainable fabrics is whether they are biodegradable. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, linen, silk, and hemp, are biodegradable because they are made from organic materials that decompose back into the earth. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex are non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment as they do.

Does Clothing Shed Microplastics?

Yes, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed microplastics when washed. These tiny plastic particles are too small to be caught by washing machine filters and end up in our water systems, eventually harming marine life and ecosystems. Natural fabrics, by contrast, do not shed microplastics, making them a better choice for those concerned about environmental pollution.

What Fabrics Shrink and How to Prevent Shrinking?

Some fabrics are more prone to shrinking than others. Generally, natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool are more likely to shrink when exposed to heat or agitation in the wash. Pre-washed or pre-shrunk versions of these fabrics are more stable, but care is still needed. To reduce the chances of shrinking, always follow the care instructions on the fabric’s tag, wash in cold water, avoid high heat in the dryer, and consider air-drying or using a low heat setting.

Which Fabrics Are Most Breathable?

Breathability is key when choosing comfortable clothing, especially in warmer weather. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, silk, and wool are the most breathable, allowing air to circulate while absorbing moisture and wicking it away from the body. In contrast, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic tend to trap heat and moisture, making them less comfortable in hot conditions.

Next time you shop for clothing, consider not only how it looks and feels but also how it was made and what it’s made from. Small choices in your wardrobe can have a big impact on both your well-being and the world around you.