Ethical Fashion Dictionary
The F:S Ethical Fashion Dictionary is a guide to ethical fashion terms. Because there isn’t an “ethical fashion” label, consumers are required to do their own research in order to determine if their clothing is produced ethically. And even after researching, it is still not always obvious.
I created (and continuously update) an ethical fashion dictionary to help you determine if something is ethical, sustainable, eco-friendly or otherwise produced in a way that limits the harm. Here is a growing list of terms that may help build your ethical fashion wardrobe.
I have also created a separate list of ethical fashion certifications and eco-friendly labels.
And, if you’re ready to just dive right in and shop, take a look at my Big List of Ethical Fashion Brands.
Materials:
Deadstock:
Deadstock is leftover rolls of fabric after a manufacturer has finished creating the design it purchased or made the fabric for. Usually designers and mills overestimate their needs, and then, once they are done with a particular print, send it to a landfill (This is another issue altogether, but…perhaps another post).
Usually quantity is limited, so it is perfect for smaller brands or limited runs. Brands like Christy Dawn and Reformation use deadstock to reduce fabric headed to landfills and create unique dresses and tops in a more ethical way. Not only does deadstock divert textile waste from landfills, it also reduces the waste, energy, and resources used in creating new material.
The downside: brands using deadstock are creating more of a demand for deadstock resulting in even more over-production of fabric…More is almost never better when it comes to ethical fashion.
Lyocell:
Lyocell (and other -cel named fabrics) is a wood-pulp (usually Eucalyptus) based fabric. It is chopped and ground, then dissolved into a sticky liquid, then pushed through spinnerets to create fibers and then yarn. It is super soft, absorbent, and hypoallergenic. It also wears well.
It is considered sustainable because eucalyptus trees grow quickly, with little irrigation, and without pesticides, on land that isn’t fit for food. It also doesn’t use toxic chemicals to produce and uses as much as half the water as cotton to produce. It wears well and doesn’t smell as much, so can be washed less.
The downside? Where it is made. If a country uses dirty energy to create it, it can result in a lot of extra pollution.
You can find Lyocell almost everywhere, from eco- and non-eco-friendly brands alike, usually, it will be labeled as “Tencel,” the brand name for Lyocell.
Tencel
Tencel is a brand name for Lyocell. Favorites include Amour Vert blouses and Groceries Apparel tees.
Modal:
Made in the USA
Organic Cotton