While fiber content is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to understanding the environmental footprint of our clothing purchases, it’s a good place to start. This guide will help you with the basics so you can make informed choices when it comes to your kids’ clothes.
1) Natural Fibers:
Cotton remains a popular choice for children’s clothing because it’s soft and breathable. However, conventional cotton farming has some significant environmental drawbacks:
High water usage: It takes about 347 gallons of water to produce just one pound of conventional cotton.
Pesticide use: Conventional cotton accounts for 25% of global insecticide use, impacting soil health and ecosystems. (Source)
Eco-friendlier options:
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Grown without pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton is safer for your child’s skin and better for the environment. It also uses up to 91% less water than conventional cotton. (Source)
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Naturally pest-resistant and requiring minimal water, hemp is a sustainable choice. (It also softens with each wash.)
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Made from flax plants, linen uses fewer pesticides and less water than conventional cotton. It’s also breathable and long-lasting.
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Naturally anti-microbial and temperature-regulating, wool resists odors and doesn’t need to be washed as frequently, reducing water and energy usage over time. Some types, like merino, are softer and more comfortable for sensitive skin. However, since wool is animal-derived, its environmental impact can vary. Look for certifications like ZQ or RWS to ensure it meets higher standards for land use and animal welfare.
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Sourced from the stalks of the Chinese nettle plant, ramie is a breathable, durable natural fiber that’s resistant to mildew and wrinkles. It’s often used in lightweight clothing like shirts, blouses, and summer dresses. It also requires less water than conventional cotton.
2) Synthetic Fabrics:
Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and acrylic are common in clothing because they’re durable, affordable, and easy to care for. In fact, they now make up to 60% of all clothing produced globally. Synthetics are especially popular choices for athletic wear and outerwear due to their quick-drying, moisture-wicking properties. But there’s a major tradeoff, as these materials have long-term environmental and health impacts:
Microplastic pollution: Synthetic fabrics shed tiny plastic fibers every time they’re washed — up to 700,000 microfibers in a single load. (Source) These microfibers can slip through wastewater treatment systems and end up in our waterways, food chain, and eventually, our bodies. They’ve been found in drinking water, the air we breathe, and even in human placentas. (Source) These particles can release harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, which have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues. (Source)
Additional chemical exposure: In addition to the microplastic concern, chemicals used in the production of some of these fabrics (such as formaldehyde and/or perfluorinated compounds) can linger in fabrics and be absorbed through the skin. Kids are especially vulnerable as their skin is more permeable.
Synthetic fabrics to avoid:
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Made from petroleum, polyester may be durable and cheap, but it’s one of the biggest sources of microplastic pollution and doesn’t biodegrade. It can stick around in landfills for up to 200 years, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and air as it breaks down. (Source)
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Often used in activewear and swimwear, nylon is also petroleum-based, requires a lot of energy to produce, and releases nitrous oxide during manufacturing—a powerful greenhouse gas. Like polyester, it can stick around for centuries. (Source)
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Common in fleece and knitwear, acrylic is made using acrylonitrile, a chemical derived from petroleum or coal, and has been linked to skin irritation. During its manufacturing process, toxic pollutants are released into the air and water, harming ecosystems. Additionally, acrylic yarn is treated with known carcinogenic substances. (Source)
Recycled synthetics
Recycled polyester and nylon (often labeled rPET or ECONYL) are made from plastic bottles or fishing nets. They keep plastic out of landfills and oceans, but still shed microplastics and aren’t biodegradable. While recycling is better than using virgin synthetics, it’s not a long-term fix.
3) Semi-synthetic fabrics:
These fabrics are derived from natural materials like wood pulp, but they’re processed with heavy chemicals to create soft, drapey fibers. Concerns include:
Chemical exposure: Many traditional semi-synthetics use toxic solvents like carbon disulfide, a neurotoxin which can be dangerous to workers and surrounding communities if not properly managed.
Pollution: Wastewater from production can pollute rivers and soil if not treated properly.
Semi-synthetic fabrics to avoid:
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Often marketed as natural, viscose is technically made from plants but produced via an intensive chemical process that’s been linked to deforestation, water contamination, and unsafe factory conditions—especially in countries with weak environmental regulations. (Source)
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A type of rayon often made from beechwood, Modal is known for its softness and breathability. While marketed as a more eco-friendly alternative to viscose, its production still involves toxic chemicals like carbon disulfide. (Source)
A better alternative:
TENCEL™ Lyocell is a branded form of lyocell produced by Lenzing. It’s made from sustainably sourced wood pulp using a closed-loop process that recycles over 99% of the toxic solvent N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO). This method significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional viscose production. Bonus: TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are actually biodegradable and compostable.