It's easy to talk about eco-friendliness, but when you're looking for a truly sustainable garment, you're not sure what to look for. Or how to interpret the various labels and certifications. So, here's a guide to the various materials to help you understand which are the best sustainable T-shirts to customize.
What are the main materials used for custom sustainable T-shirts?
We can divide the sustainable materials with which T-shirts are produced into two large families :
- Organic materials , which are often also referred to as biological materials
- Recycled materials
For those approaching such an important issue as sustainability for the first time, it's important to clarify that this distinction between organic and recycled materials has nothing to do with whether a given material is natural or not. A material's natural origin isn't enough to be considered organic. Let's see why.
Organic or Biological Materials
Organic materials refer to all those materials, such as cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo and others which, in addition to being of natural origin, have been grown using particular techniques .
Techniques aimed at excluding the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other products harmful to the environment and human health. Organic materials are then produced using sustainable agricultural practices that promote biodiversity and soil health , and protect farmworkers from exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The focus on organic materials has been growing in recent years, thanks in part to the importance given to so-called Slow Fashion. It's no surprise, then, that companies like Stanley Stella make the use of certified organic and recycled materials one of their hallmarks.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials represent the second large family of fabrics used to produce sustainable T-shirts. Unlike organic materials, this family includes both natural and synthetic fabrics.
One of the most important recycled materials used to produce sustainable customizable T-shirts is recycled polyester . This importance lies in the fact that polyester is one of the main fabrics used to produce T-shirts . The presence of a sustainable alternative can therefore have a significant impact on the textile industry's impact on the environment.
Recycled polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles and other plastic waste, reducing the amount of non-recyclable materials that end up in waste and the environment.
Production of recycled polyester also requires less energy and resources than virgin polyester, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources.
Advantages of Organic and Recycled Materials
Regardless of the greater environmental sustainability of the two families of materials, there are also several other advantages that can justify the purchase and customization of a T-shirt made from organic or recycled fabrics.
For organic materials , there are two important advantages:
- A better feel than organic fabrics . In fact, compared to non-organic natural materials, fabrics like organic cotton offer greater breathability, resistance, and softness, and are more comfortable to wear.
- Lower presence of allergens . The fact that the raw materials are produced without the use of fertilizers and other chemicals means that organic fabrics are associated with fewer allergic reactions and skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
Regarding recycled materials , it's essential to mention their lower cost . A recycled polyester T-shirt, being produced with materials that don't cost as much as virgin raw materials, will be cheaper than a T-shirt made with non-recycled polyester.
Composition of Customizable Sustainable T-Shirts
The distinction between recycled and biodegradable materials is easy to make on paper, but in reality the issue can be a little more complex.
Indeed, it may happen that a garment is made entirely of 100% recycled or organic materials, but it may also happen that both materials are used , in varying percentages. And it is also possible that, along with a percentage of organic fibers, there is also the presence of non-organic material.
Aside from the potential case of companies like Stanley Stella, it's always a good idea to check the label of the item of clothing you're purchasing, or the product description if purchasing online.
