Going Green: The Rise of Eco-Friendly T-shirts in Sustainable Fashion

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to adopt sustainable practices, eco-friendly clothing has gained popularity among consumers who want to reduce their environmental impact. 

One item of clothing that has seen a surge in demand is the t-shirt, a versatile piece that can be worn for any occasion. In this blog post, we will explore the world of eco-friendly t-shirts, delving into the materials used to make them as well as their environmental benefits.

At State of Matter, we believe sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life. We are committed to creating a better future for our planet by promoting sustainable living through our lifestyle choices. So, let's dive in and discover how you can positively impact the environment while looking stylish and feeling comfortable in your t-shirt.

What Materials Are Used to Make Eco-Friendly T-Shirts?

Eco-friendly t-shirts can be made from various materials, including organic cotton, pima cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, and innovative fibers like ECONYL® and MiDori by Beyond. At State of Matter™, we use pima cotton and MiDori. 

MiDori by Beyond is an all-natural textile finish that provides moisture-wicking properties without relying on chemical-based finishes. These materials offer sustainable alternatives to conventional cotton and polyester, which are often resource-intensive and polluting.

Pima cotton is an ultra-soft fabric that incorporates long cotton fibers, rather than shorter ones found in regular cotton. Due to its longer fiber length, Pima cotton clothes last longer than regular cotton. Because of this durability, garments made of Pima cotton will naturally have a longer lifespan and can live inside of your closet for a longer time than traditional cotton tees.

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can negatively impact soil health and water quality. Organic cotton farming also typically requires less water than conventional cotton farming. Additionally, organic cotton is often processed using less toxic chemicals than conventional cotton, which can reduce pollution and improve worker safety. 

There are many benefits to choosing eco-friendly t-shirts. First and foremost, eco-friendly t-shirts are made from sustainable materials with a lower environmental impact. Choosing an eco-friendly t-shirt can help to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. 

Additionally, eco-friendly t-shirts often have a higher quality and durability than conventional t-shirts, which means they can last longer and save you money in the long run. Lastly, by choosing eco-friendly t-shirts, you support companies and brands prioritizing sustainability and ethical production practices.

Eco-friendly t-shirts help to reduce environmental impact in several ways. For example, t-shirts made from recycled materials like plastic bottles or fishing nets help to divert waste from landfills and reduce pollution. 

T-shirts made from organic cotton or hemp require fewer resources like water and pesticides than conventional cotton. Additionally, eco-friendly t-shirts often have a lower carbon footprint than conventional t-shirts, as the materials used in their products require less energy.

It depends on the brand and materials used. In some cases, eco-friendly t-shirts may be more expensive than conventional t-shirts due to the higher cost of sustainable materials or ethical production practices. However, many sustainable clothing brands like us at State of Matter™ strive to offer eco-friendly t-shirts at a competitive price. 

Additionally, while eco-friendly t-shirts may have a higher upfront cost, they often have a longer lifespan. They can save you money in the long run.

To ensure that your eco-friendly t-shirts are sustainable, look for transparent brands about their sustainability practices and certifications. Look for materials certified by reputable organizations like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Bluesign, or OEKO-TEX. 

Additionally, look for brands prioritizing ethical production practices, including fair labor practices and responsible supply chain management. You can also look for certifications like Fair Trade or the B Corp certification, which indicate that a brand meets high social and environmental standards. At State of Matter™, we are transparent about our sustainability practices and certifications. We use only certified sustainable materials in our t-shirts.