The fabric industry in the US is one of the fastest growing industrial sectors in the country. In 2018 exports of fabric and textiles were 30.1 billion, making the United States the fourth largest exporter of these products in the world.
Sustainable fabric suppliers
Fabric and textile suppliers in the US are becoming more conscious with the eco-friendliness and sustainability of their products and their production. Suppliers are making their supply chains more transparent to brands and customers, which is having an important impact in the clothing manufacturing industry.
Examples of fabric and textiles used to make clothing:
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is easily the most popular sustainable fabric in the industry at the moment. Finding a manufacturer or supplier that uses organic cotton can be difficult but because of its popularity it’s definitely worth it. Organic cotton is a sustainable version of regular cotton but throughout the manufacturing process no toxic fertilisers or chemicals are used.
Hemp
Hemp is made from the cannabis sativa plant and has been used as a sustainable fabric for a number of years. It’s an extremely versatile fabric that when produced only uses a small amount of water and no pesticides and even fertilises the soil it grows in. A similar texture to cotton, hemp fabric is very soft but also long-lasting and durable.
Tencel
Made from cellulose is wood pulp, Tencel is a branded version of a set of similar fibers called lyocell and modal. The fabric is becoming more popular, as it uses less energy and water to produce than cotton. Tencel is commonly used when making activewear because it is known for its moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties.
Wool
Wool is a fiber made from the coats of thick coated animals like sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas. Wool is sheared or clipped from the animals and harvested to then be spun into yarn. It’s a very versatile and comfortable fabric that can be used to make a wide variety of garments and accessories in the clothing industry.
