At OhSevenDays we pride ourselves on using sustainable and ethical materials for our collections. This means we make sure to not only use materials that are made under ethical and fair condition but that are also produced in an eco-friendly way! Here’s a list of our top 5 favourite sustainable fabrics and some fun facts about them you might not know!

1. Organic Cotton

   Did you know cotton is the most used fabric in textile industry? It’s probable that you’re wearing something made of cotton right now. Organic cotton is produced from natural seeds and it doesn’t contain pesticides or harmful chemicals unlike conventional cotton. There is an excessive amount of harmful chemicals in the conventional cotton. It not only causes environmental disasters, it is also not suitable for our skin. We all care about our skin health right? That’s why dangerous chemicals are banned in the organic cotton production.

   Another thing is that organic cotton offers a fair trade while conventional cotton doesn’t. Which makes sense, because we’ll be feeling good when we know the garment we wear has been produced in fair work conditions. So, you can go with the organic cotton rather than conventional cotton in order to eliminate the harm on our great earth and also on our bodies.

 2. Linen

    Here’s a fun fact about linen: It’s one of the world’s oldest textiles. Linen is a natural textile produced from the flax plant and dyed flax fibers were found in a Georgian cave like 30.000 years ago which is insane. It’s even said the folks in the bible wore it!

   While cotton requires more water to be grown, flax needs very less. So, there is less waste of water producing linen. Another thing is, there is very little waste with flax as we can consume it’s seeds (flax seeds) too. Out of topic but, keep in mind that flax seeds contain high protein and Omega-3 which makes it so nutritious.

   As in organic cotton production, there is again very little use of harmful pesticides and herbicides in linen production which makes it unquestionably one of the most sustainable fabrics.  It has it’s distinct texture and form and, genuinely it’s a very durable and sustainable material. Also, it’s most suitable for the hot weather which makes you feel like you’re breathing in the smell of the sea and feeling the Mediterranean breeze. Honestly, linen is my all time fave!

 3. Viscose

   If you haven’t heard the word ‘viscose’, you might have know it by it’s synonym ‘rayon’. It’s actually a variety of the semi-synthetic fabric rayon. Since it’s made from renewable plants, viscose is accepted as one of the most sustainable fabrics.

   Viscose resembles cotton but it has a little silky feel. It’s not as durable as cotton, however; it’s a lightweight and airy fabric and it keeps its shape. As being a relatively low-cost fabric it’s very popular thanks to its myriad of qualities. Sure enough viscose might be a great option if you want to scrub up well!

 4. Tencel

   Tencel is one of the most widely used fabrics in sustainable fashion. It is made from regenerated cellulose like rayon and bamboo. Tencel is also derived from wood from trees in sustainably harvested forests.

   Unlike other regenerated fabrics, it’s the most enviromentally friendly one. While producing tencel, there is less harmful chemicals used than most of the fabrics. As you might expect, it is also great for sensitive skin!

   Let’s talk about more of it’s beneficial characteristics; it’s a very soft and breathing material. If you’re too lazy to do ironning, this fabric is for you! Because I think the greatest quality of tencel is it’s tendency to not wrinkling much. That’s why it’s commonly found in great loungewear. So, tencel fiber offers an high quality performance and won’t make you regret it!

5. Modal

   Modal is also made from regenerated cellulose just like tencel. Regarding sustainability, as it’s grown in a closed loop production cycle, most of the chemicals and pesticides are recycled so that the waste stays on minimum levels. As a matter of fact, it shares many similarities with tencel when it comes to the softness and comfortibility.

   If we talk about the texture of these fabrics, modal is a little more delicate than tencel. It’s kind of a luxurious fabric and even when it’s blended with other fabrics, it gives you a high-end feel with it’s lightness. Being 50% more water absorbent than cotton, you can give it a shot if you don't want to turn into a sweaty pig. Especially the lenzing modal is so soft and breathable that it makes you feel incredibly comfortable in high temperature summer days.

Written by : Işıl Öçal