
⏰ It’s Time to Switch to Natural Fibers
This year feels like the perfect time to ditch synthetic clothing and embrace natural fibers. Whether it’s for your health, comfort, or the planet, upgrading your wardrobe to include organic, natural fabrics is a step worth taking.
Why Transition to Natural Fibers?
The move from synthetic to natural fabrics has been a slow and ongoing journey for me. Clothing wasn’t always a top priority on my low-tox journey, but as I’ve grown, so has my understanding of integrity. What I wear daily now feels just as important as the food I eat or the products I put on my skin. Our clothes should help us thrive, not burden us with unnecessary toxins.
Synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, don’t let your skin breathe, can harbor toxins, and often release microplastics into the environment during washing. Natural fibers, on the other hand, are breathable, biodegradable, and free from the harmful effects of plastic-based materials.
🌱 Natural Materials
Here are some natural fibers to consider for your wardrobe:
Plant-Based Fibers:
Cotton: Soft, breathable, and durable. Look for GOTS-certified organic cotton for a non-toxic choice.
Linen: Made from flax plant fibers, it’s lightweight, breathable, and perfect for summer.
Hemp: Strong, durable, and eco-friendly. Hemp is a sustainable superstar.
Animal-Based Fibers:
Wool: Warm and insulating. Organic wool is less likely to cause skin reactions.
Silk: Luxurious, soft, and perfect for sensitive skin.
Alpaca: A cozy alternative to wool, known for its softness.
Cashmere: Prized for its warmth and softness, obtained from cashmere goats.
Other Natural Fibers:
Bamboo: Soft and moisture-wicking, but ensure it’s processed sustainably.
Jute: Strong and often used for accessories.
Ramie: A lightweight, breathable option for warm weather.
The Greenwashing Trap
Not all “natural” materials are created equal. Some require heavy processing that involves toxic chemicals, making them less eco-friendly. Here are a few examples:
Rayon/Viscose: Made from wood pulp but processed with harsh chemicals.
Bamboo Rayon: The raw plant is sustainable, but turning it into fabric is chemically intensive.
Lyocell/Tencel: A better option than rayon, thanks to its closed-loop production system that recycles chemicals.
Modal: Similar to rayon but derived from beech trees.
Cupro: Made from cotton waste but processed with ammonia and copper.
While these fabrics may not be as natural as they sound, they’re still better than synthetic fibers in terms of breathability and comfort.
Does It Have to Be Organic?
Not necessarily, but it helps. Organic fibers, like GOTS-certified cotton, ensure that no harmful chemicals were used in the growing or processing stages. This reduces the risk of skin irritation and eliminates exposure to endocrine disruptors. Conventional cotton, for example, is often treated with pesticides and synthetic dyes, which can leave toxic residues on the final product.
Certifications to Look For
Certifications help you ensure the clothing you buy meets strict environmental and ethical standards.
Here are two important ones to look for:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This is the gold standard for organic clothing. It guarantees that the entire process—from farming to final production—is free of harmful chemicals, respects fair labor conditions, and avoids animal cruelty. Look for the GOTS logo on clothing tags for peace of mind.
Oeko-Tex: While not exclusively organic, this certification ensures the final product is free from hundreds of toxic chemicals. However, it allows some less-toxic flame retardants and doesn’t prohibit pesticides in the initial farming process.
Thrifting Option
Buying secondhand is an excellent way to reduce waste. If you find GOTS-certified pieces, even better! Just be mindful of lingering synthetic detergent residues on used clothing. Soaking thrifted items in vinegar or a laundry booster can help remove these residues.
Switching to certified organic clothing isn’t just a win for your family’s health—it’s a win for the planet, too.
Let’s support these incredible Canadian brands that are making a difference! 💚 👇
Kids Brands
Location: Toronto, Canada
All clothing is made in Toronto with GOTS-certified organic cotton, dyed using non-toxic, low-impact dyes. Accessories not made locally are produced in ethical, certified factories.
Location: Vancouver, Canada
One of the first Canadian brands offering GOTS-certified organic cotton clothing, inspired by the purity of organic fabrics.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Baby essentials made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, free from harmful chemicals or flame retardants.
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Specializes in PVC-free outdoor clothing. Some items use GOTS-certified organic cotton; check material details.
Location: Calgary, Canada
Clothing made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and bamboo, which are hypoallergenic and biodegradable.
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Uses organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled materials. Fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified. Offers mommy-and-me sets.
Location: Langley, B.C., Canada
Features GOTS and Oeko-Tex100 certified organic cotton.
Location: Ontario, Canada
Uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and eco-friendly fabrics like Lyocell (Tencel). Ethically manufactured with non-toxic dyes and inks.
Adult (and kids) Brands
Location: Quebec, Canada
Offers garments made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Produces garments with RWS-certified Australian Merino wool, ensuring ethical treatment of sheep.
Location: Vancouver (founded in Saskatchewan), Canada
Certified B Corporation offering sustainable clothing made from organic or recycled materials. Check details for 100% organic cotton.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Specializes in underwear and socks made with GOTS-certified organic cotton or responsibly sourced Merino wool, produced in GOTS-certified facilities.
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada
Products made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and Merino wool
USA
For natural fiber clothing in the USA, check out these popular brands:
Pact: Organic cotton essentials for the whole family.
Mate the Label: Clean and sustainable basics made from natural fabrics.
Quince: Affordable luxury pieces in natural materials like silk and linen.

Organic Cotton on a Budget: The Fast Fashion Dilemma
Even though brands like Gap, H&M, and Old Navy offer some clothing made with organic cotton, their overall sustainability and environmental impact raise concerns:
Fast Fashion Practices: These brands prioritize rapid production and low-cost clothing, contributing to waste and overconsumption.
Labor Issues: Despite using organic materials, fast fashion often involves supply chain challenges, such as poor working conditions and unfair wages.
Environmental Impact: While organic cotton is a better choice than conventional cotton, these brands still rely on water-intensive and chemical-heavy production processes. Additionally, synthetic dyes used in the manufacturing process can pollute waterways, even when the fabric itself is organic.
Choosing truly sustainable brands can make a more positive impact on people and the planet.
💡Cotton Considerations
100% Organic Cotton (GOTS Certified)
Best Choice: Highest standard for eco-friendliness and safety.
Features: Free from harmful pesticides and toxic dyes. Strict regulations ensure sustainability throughout production.
100% Organic Cotton (OEKO-TEX Certified)
Good Alternative: Ideal when GOTS certification isn't available.
Features: Focuses on testing for harmful substances but less emphasis on environmental standards during production.
100% Organic Cotton (Non-Certified)
Still good option: Reduces chemical exposure and promotes sustainability.
Features: May lack assurance on dye safety or environmental practices, but still a better choice than conventional cotton.
100% Cotton
A Better Choice Than Polyester: While conventional cotton is still treated with pesticides and chemicals, it's a more eco-friendly option than synthetic fabrics like polyester.
Consider Lighter Colors: Lighter shades are better, as they require less intensive dyeing compared to darker colors like black, which often involve harsher chemicals.
Features: Dyeing may still use toxic substances, but overall, it’s a more natural alternative to synthetic options.
♡ I’m not going to try to jump from 0 to 100 in natural fiber clothing.
If you're reading this and already feeling overwhelmed, thinking, "I need to replace everything with 100% certified organic, all-natural clothing using only natural dyes," you're probably going to get stressed, and that’s not helpful.
Instead, think about what you wear most and how you can slowly swap out synthetic fabrics for more natural options. Over time, you can also start adding in some organic pieces.
When it comes to baby clothes, 100% organic cotton GOTS-certified is the best way to go. For myself, I try to swap all my underwear and tank tops to 100% organic clothing, but for things like sweaters and jeans, I’m okay with "just natural" fibers—like 100% cotton, linen, or wool.
Realistic, little changes, big impact.
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