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Match your fabric to your ethics

Match your fabric to your ethics

We’ve chosen to start our Bespoke collection and way of working with two different fabric choices - an organic cotton/ hemp blend (feels and acts like linen) and a regenesis (recycled polyester made from plastic bottles). Each fabric has its own benefits and limitations when it comes to sustainability, it isn’t possible for a fabric to tick all these boxes when it comes to water, energy and its impact on the planet. Each fabric type will be better in different areas. We want to be as transparent as possible and give you options that fit with your ethics and style.

So with this in mind, here are some pros and cons for both fabrics that might help you make your mind up if you are on the fence and want to find out more.


Our Organic Cotton/ Hemp blend.
Pros
  • For those who want to wear natural fibres.
  • Being organic no pesticides are used in producing the crop, meaning less chemicals are put into the ground to produce it. It helps keep higher water quality and biodiversity.
  • It’s good for your skin - organic cotton is hypoallergenic.
  • Organic cotton is more durable than regular cotton, so this fabric will wear better and last longer.
  • Hemp is the strongest and most durable fibre out there, so together this is a fabric that isn’t going anywhere. Enjoy dancing and putting your garments to the test, this fabric isn’t delicate.
  • Hemp grows quickly and can be harvested up to three times a year! It also uses very little water.
  • It’s medium weight but holds its shape so it is perfect for those who vibe dramatic silhouettes.
  • Machine washable, at a low temperature and hang dry - easy peasy.
  • Uses less water to produce than cotton and organic cotton with the hemp mix in.
  • This fabric doesn’t shed microplastics when washing as it is a natural fibre. 

 

Cons

  • Conventional cotton is more effective in terms of quantities. The amount of non-organic cotton you can produce on the same land is going to be higher than the amount of organic cotton. This means that although you are using less water to produce organic cotton, by scale you need more than you would for cotton to produce the same amount of material.
  • Some organic cotton farmers can still use natural pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers, which can still harm wildlife and the environment - just because it is natural doesn't mean won't still have a negative impact.
  • This fabric, being natural, isn’t wrinkle free. You will need to give it an iron or steam before it’s good to go!

    Our Regenesis fabric.
     
Pros
  • For those who love a flowing fabric with more of a silky feel.
  • Colours and prints really pop (we're guessing you are also Gung Ho for prints)!
  • Machine washable, at a low temperature and hang dry - easy peasy.
  • No ironing needed! Hang dry on a hanger and it’s ready to rock and roll.
  • Enjoy dancing and putting your garments to the test, this fabric isn’t delicate.
  • Prefer lightweight, this is your one.
  • Upcycling what is already out there.
  • The recycling system and not creating from scratch means this fabric has a lower carbon footprint to produce.
  • This fabric uses less water to produce than a lot of the materials out there. When it comes to printing it uses a water free heat transfer process. 

 

Cons

    • This fabric sheds microplastics when washed as it is a recycled polyester -  although you can limit this by washing with our Guppy Bags (available here).
    • Recycled polyester is hard to recycle again in material form. This is why at the end of its lifespan we have our trade-in scheme, you get 10% of the original value in Gung Ho credit and we will upcycle and turn into something new. 
    • If the public believes everything they throw away can be recycled, they will probably see no problem in continuing to consume disposable plastic goods. We firmly believe in stopping plastic consumption and using what is already out there.

Browse our Regenesis prints here, and our Organic Cotton Hemp prints here.