More and more people are finding out about what it really costs—in environmental terms—to make clothing materials, and are gradually warming to various eco-friendly alternatives in their choice of clothing apparel. Synthetic clothing has been known to be harmful for the skin, and in some cases has been associated with skin ailments such as rashes, respiratory problems, allergic reactions and problems with mental concentration and focus. As a result, many people have started exploring the various options available in what is known as eco-friendly, or green clothing. Organic clothing materials are far more beneficial for the skin as they reduce exposure to toxic chemicals that are present in the many kinds of synthetic fabrics we use every day. 

COTTON

While it has always been acknowledged that cotton is an excellent fiber for making clothes, what has come to light of late are the harmful effects of using conventionally grown cotton on both the eco-system and the workers who are employed in the harvest of the cotton crops. Owing to the high use of pesticides and insecticides in conventional methods of cotton cultivation, harvest workers are exposed to high levels of toxic chemicals and natural resources such as soil and water are polluted. Organic cotton is grown without the use of such chemicals. But because this variety of cotton is grown in a completely natural environment, their cultivation is also necessarily more labor intensive. Given the benefits of using eco-friendly cotton, there has been a surge in global demand, and farmers are actually finding it hard to keep up.

HEMP

Hemp is one of the best fiber crops one can choose to grow, and makes an ideal option for making green clothing. Given its natural makeup, it does not need any extra doses of insecticide and pesticide, and actually enriches the soil in which it is grown. Moreover, it is a hardy plant that can survive in most climates, and is drought resistant. The processing of hemp into fiber does not require any sophisticated technology or use of toxic chemicals, and can be done locally, thus providing local employment and saving on needless transportation costs. While hemp has a long history of use, in recent years it has become controversial because cannabis is also extracted from the hemp plant. While growing hemp is legal in Europe and Canada, it is still illegal in the US. 

BAMBOO

Bamboo yields a very soft and comfortable fiber, and is an easy-to-grow plant as it is fast growing and very hardy to climate and disease. Moreover, bamboo does not need to be replanted after harvesting as it regenerates every season.

Bamboo can be manufactured either mechanically or chemically. The mechanical process entails physically crushing the woody parts of the plant and then using natural enzymes to decompose it into a mush. Natural fibers can then be combed out and spun into yarn. But this process is known to be expensive and time-consuming. As a result, most bamboo fiber for clothing is made by the chemical process, which entails cooking the leaves and the shoots in a strong chemical solution before bleaching them. But the chemicals used in this process are known to be harmful for the skin, and in some cases, even leading to neural disorders. Because of the health problems and the damage to environment arising out of this chemical process, it has been deemed environmentally unsustainable. But many manufacturers are now bringing out fabrics that are not processed with such damaging chemicals, and are easy on the body as well as the environment. 

SOYA

Soya is another wonder fabric that is becoming increasingly popular amongst people. Soya fiber is known to be soft and comfortable while being washable and highly durable. Moreover, soya is a fabric that looks good—it has excellent luster and drape. Being far more expensive that either cotton or bamboo, soya fabric is fast becoming fashionable as the new luxury fabric. One of the biggest advantages quoted in favor of soya fabric is that the cloth is produced from a by-product of the process of manufacturing edible soybean. While as of now, only a few kinds of soya fabrics have organic certification, this may be due to its relatively still low popularity and is bound to change in future. 

WOOL

Wool, even though it may be an animal product, may be regarded as an eco-friendly organic product if it is manufactured without any harm being done to the animals. Consequently, organic wool certification has guidelines that ensure this, by limiting the number of animals per acre to prevent overgrazing. Moreover, no chemicals may be used on the grazing pastures, the feed must be organic, and use of antibiotics should be minimal. Raw wool is known to have harsh scales that can cause shrinkage and make it itchy. To soften the wool, organic processes like slow-washing may be used.