Organic and Eco fashion

Organic fashion is the term used for clothing/accessories that are made with minimum use of chemicals which in term has limited impact on the environment. 

Eco fashion is the term used for any clothing, fabrics or accessories that have been manufactured in an environmentally conscious way.

Organic and recycled clothing as well as eco fabrics mean that environmentally friendly fabrics are now a more viable alternative to conventional fabric.

Organic Fashion:

There is a difference between garments made from organic cotton and ‘organic garments’. 

Garment made from organic cotton: Garments which state ‘made from organic cotton', may not be 'organic garments'. This means only the cotton used has been produced without harmful chemicals, pesticides, or toxic dyes and has been certified. It does not take into account any parts added to the garments such as zips, buttons, trim fabric etc.

Organic Garment: The whole garment must carry a certification stamp which means that the fabric and all its accessories and trims have been assessed: Organic Garment. 

Even with certified organic garments however, a small percentage of non organic products are allowed and confusingly, the ratio of non organic materials permitted within an ‘organic garment’ varies between certifying bodies.

The Soil Association has some of the most strictest rules with only 5% of non organic materials including accessories being permitted. The 5% leeway is important as it allows both greater versatility such as zips and buttons being added. Also, if a fabric is combined with a small amount of lycra, it allows stretch and makes it more resistant to tears- and the use of nylon thread means that the stitching is less likely to snap and the garment will last longer.

Some Eco Fabrics:

*Hemp: 

Hemp can be grown easily without any chemical pesticide use. When blended with organic cotton a soft, elastic fabric results. When blended with silk a smooth luxurious cloth is created, which drapes easily.

*Linen, Organic Wool & Wild Silk:

Linen, organic wool and wild silk are alternatives to other natural fibres which are produced with chemicals

Some Eco-labels:

*Oeko-Tex Standard 100:

This standard assesses the chemical usage and handling, water usage and disposal, exhaust air production, dust and noise generation, energy usage, general workplace conditions and requires an environmental management system to be in place. Oeko-tex 100 standard is now mandatory in several European countries.

*European Eco-label for Textile Products:

This assesses a limited use of substances harmful to the environment, limited substances harmful to health, reduced water and air pollution, shrink resistance and colour.

*Global Organic Textile Standards:

There is now a Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) which resulted when a number of certification and standard bodies formed a working group. This group is working towards bringing their respective labels under one umbrella, thus making it less confusing for the consumer.

Reference: http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/the-issues/organic-eco-fashion