A dose of reality
Happy Spring to those in the Northern Hemisphere! (and autumn to those in the Southern Hemisphere)
The change in seasons is a good time to refresh and reconsider your wardrobe. As I’ve been working with clients across the globe in recent weeks on their seasonal updates, I find myself repeating: we have to be realistic here.
Realistic about what?
We all need clothes to wear everyday. And while I’m here championing sustainable and ethical approaches to fashion, I’m also a realist. Sometimes we have to buy the cotton that isn’t organic. Sometimes we need bras made from synthetic materials. Sometimes we need the right piece to complete our wardrobe and sometimes that piece is not the *most* sustainable option.
We do our best.
It is a slow process to create change and bringing consciousness and thoughtfulness to our consumption habits is a great starting point. So well done to all of us for being here, making a start.
Now, some more good news: you can keep wearing your leggings :) Just make sure they are made of Lycoell aka Tencel aka Newcell aka Excel (for today’s purposes, I’ll refer to this fiber as lyocell).
What is lyocell?
Lyocell is another semi-synthetic fiber that is made from eucalyptus trees in a similar way to viscose. The major difference is that lyocell requires less toxic chemicals to create fabric fibers from wood pulp, and is [generally] sourced from eucalyptus trees, which are grown with very little water and no pesticides on land that cannot grow other agricultural products. In short, the environmental impact of producing lyocell is less than other semi-synthetic fibers.
Where do I find lyocell?
As mentioned, lyocell is used soft and much more water absorbent than cotton and so is used for workout and athleisure clothes. Lyocell can also be used for flowy dresses – or anything soft and comfy.
Is it too good to be true?
As with viscose, it is important to consider the full production line of a garment – look for brands with transparent production chains and, similar to viscose, the Austrian company Lenzing AG is the most sustainable producer of lyocell, with the brand TENCEL.
Brands I like in this space….
xo Kevin