By Sander Tamm
Last updated: Jan 20, 2025
Sustainable fabrics are exploding in popularity, with organic cotton harvests increasing 37% yearly and recycled fabrics getting more attention in the apparel industry. Consumers are increasingly aware of the social and environmental impacts of their purchasing habits, and this trend is expected to grow as slow fashion replaces fast fashion.
The top voluntary standard for organic fabric products is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The Organic Content Standard (OCS) also confirms organic status in products but lacks GOTS’s stricter social and environmental criteria. At the farm level, organic standards usually follow IFOAM guidelines, which set the most basic requirements for labeling fibers as organic in the USA and beyond.
Organic fabrics can be made from plant fibers like cotton, jute, kapok, coir, linen, and hemp or from animal fibers such as wool, silk, alpaca, cashmere, and mohair. Products made from these fibers can be certified by GOTS or OCS to verify their organic status. Let’s examine each one by one.
Cotton
The conventional cotton industry leads to a wide range of issues, such as water contamination and soil erosion. Organic cotton farming methods can help combat some of them while ensuring that the soil is kept healthy. Organic cotton grown in the US must follow the conditions outlined by the National Organic Program Standards.
Jute
More known for its industrial use than for its use in clothing and accessories, jute is a plant-based fibre that is fully biodegradable and the second most popular vegetable fibre in terms of worldwide usage. As long as the jute is grown without the use of inorganic chemicals, products made from the jute are considering organic, and can be marketed as so after being certified.
Kapok
Made from the Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) tree, organic kapok is a natural fiber that has never seen widespread use in clothing manufacturing. But, there are people and companies trying to change that fact. Kapok is a biodegradable, moisture-resistant, quick-drying, resilient, buoyant, and sustainable natural fiber.
Linen
Organic linen made from organically grown flax (Linum usitatissimum) is as organic, sustainable, and natural as any fabric can be. It's biodegradable, lightweight, has a beautiful drape, and is stronger than cotton. While more difficult to find than organic cotton fabrics, organic linen fabrics are being used by sustainability-oriented fashion brands such as Eileen Fisher.
Hemp
Organic hemp, a sometimes underrated crop, is naturally resistant to most pests and bacteria and therefore does not require pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, making it an easy choice for organic farmers. Hemp fabrics are durable, resistant to odors and molds, and either soft or hard, depending on the weave. There are good reasons why hemp fabrics have been used since 5000-8000 BC.
Coir
Primarily used in industries rather than clothing and home textiles, coir is a plant-based fiber made from coconut husks. It is fully biodegradable and when produced without synthetic chemicals, coir products qualify as organic.
Wool
Sheep wool is a sturdy fiber known for its thermal insulation and durability. It traps heat, making it suitable for winter garments like coats and sweaters, blankets, carpets, and upholstery. Additionally, sheep wool naturally repels moisture and odors.
Silk
A more sustainable alternative to traditional silk, organic silk is a naturally organic animal fibre made from silkworms fed without the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. Unfortunately, the traditional silk-making process involves killing the cocoons. Ahimsa silk, or non-violent silk, aims to provide a cruelty-free solution.
Alpaca
Alpaca fiber is valued for its lightweight and breathable properties. It is hypoallergenic and free from lanolin, which can be beneficial for those with sensitive skin. Its texture and natural colors are used in garments like sweaters, scarves, and jackets, as well as in accessories such as hats and gloves.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a soft fiber sourced from cashmere goats, providing warmth while remaining lightweight. Known for its luxury, cashmere often carries a higher price due to its high quality and labor-intensive harvesting process. It is commonly used in sweaters, scarves, and other premium clothing.
Mohair
Mohair is a fiber derived from the Angora goat, characterized by its sheen and strength. It is durable and resistant to stretching and wrinkling, making it ideal for clothing and upholstery. Mohair fibers are utilized in a variety of textile applications and can be certified as organic.