There is a lot of talk about the sustainability of fashion, and t-shirts are no exception. Unfortunately, very few designers and brands have taken the time to really understand what it takes to sustainably source the raw materials that they use in production. They simply don't think that it's necessary. The sad thing is that this "small" change can have a huge impact on the business and the bottom line-and it's one of the biggest reasons why sustainable t-shirts are so popular today. Let's take a look at some of the most common sustainable clothing choices:
Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is grown without any pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. In many cases, organic cotton goes through a special first-class mill where it is processed using state-of-the-art machinery and methods. Some of the most highly-organic fabrics include cotton baby t-shirts, adult t-cshirts, fleece apparel, shirts, and even muffin tops. Organic cotton also includes other types of fabrics like wool.
Fair Trade Certified T-Shirts: Although not technically true sustainability, fair trade t-shirts are made from organic cotton and certified with a "grower aid" tag if the cotton is grown in areas where labor is less than adequate. Fair trade certification works to improve the quality of life for people who work in developing countries and give them the opportunity to earn a living by selling their goods on the world market. There are many different organizations that you can become a part of; all you need to do is visit the website of the International Labor Organization, or ILO. You can also check out Global Exchange, which is an organization that promotes fair trade and eco-commerce. Once there, you can find out more about the opportunities for working with organizations like Global Exchange. There are plenty of benefits to buying organic cotton and working with organizations that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.
Green Business Practices: By choosing to wear t-shirts that are made from organic cotton and other materials, you can have a hand in creating positive changes in the supply chain, as well as your own bank account. When manufacturers use chemicals on a regular basis, they put pressure on the environment and on the people that live in that environment. When a company does not make any efforts to change their chemicals, they will continue to draw in more consumers by offering special promotions or low prices. However, it is important to understand that sustainable and green products and services do not always require an upsell or a downsell. If consumers want to shop for organic clothing, they generally prefer to buy something else when they see it on a website, so making the effort to point out the environmental impact of certain items will usually be enough to make a customer switch their mind.
Sustainable and Green Clothing Uses Recycled Materials: Many people are aware of the fact that cotton can be composted (a process that helps soil retain nutrients) and that many fibers are also biodegradable. A common misconception is that green and organic t-shirts require natural fibers, but in reality, some fabrics can be created from organic materials and synthetic materials as well. In addition, some non-woven fabrics, such as silk, are made from recycled and repurposed materials.
An Ethical Fashion Brand: In order to create sustainable and ethical fashion, businesses must work to promote organic and sustainable choices. This includes not only choosing clothing that has the highest quality, but one that also promotes fair labor practices. Some manufacturers label their tees with an "Eco" logo, while others offer" Sustainable Choice Certified" labels. Responsible brands work to create and market tees that not only draw in consumers with environmentally conscious options, but also to create awareness of the issues and work to create positive societal changes. For example, many prominent companies that sell tee shirts encourage their customers to support animal rights and to refrain from throwing their tees in landfills.
Tees of an Ethical Fashion Brand: The trend toward eco-friendly tees doesn't come without a price. Most eco friendly options cost more than traditional alternatives, which can make purchasing them impractical for some consumers. However, a large number of ethical fashion brands produce very affordable tees, which allow consumers to enjoy the same high quality and style as other ethically made clothes without paying an extra penny. Additionally, eco-friendly brands don't require using harmful man made materials, which many consumers consider to be more "green" than using non-natural fibers. This makes buying eco friendly t-shirts an attractive option for people who don't want to spend a lot of money but want to support an ethical cause.
V-necks Vs V-necks: Many consumers assume that they're synonymous. They're not. In fact, v-necks are slightly larger and softer, which some people feel are better for the wearer. The manufacturing process for these v-necks is also different, with the result being that they are more likely to cause irritation or tear. This is why it's important to carefully review the options available from your favorite classic t-shirt company, and choose the one that works best for you.