In today’s fast-paced fashion world, understanding what you wear is as important as how it looks. Let’s break down three major textiles — cotton, polyester, and hemp — so you can make smarter, planet-positive choices.
|
Fabric |
Water Use |
Chemicals |
Biodegradable |
Skin Friendly |
|
Cotton |
High |
Medium |
Yes |
Sometimes |
|
Polyester |
Low |
High |
No |
No |
|
Hemp |
Very Low |
Low |
Yes |
Absolutely |
Polyester is cheap but polluting — made from petroleum, it sheds microplastics with every wash. Cotton feels familiar, but is a thirsty crop: it takes over 2,700 liters of water to make one t-shirt. Hemp, on the other hand, uses a fraction of the water, regenerates soil, and gets stronger with every wear.
Hemp also requires fewer washes, thanks to its odor-resistant and antibacterial properties. It’s better for the skin, better for the planet, and better for your wallet in the long run.