Social responsibility: Chemicals and pesticides invade drinking water and groundwater, polluting its fish and reaching human consumption. Organic and eco fibers grow without any pesticides or chemical fertilizers

Biodegradable: Eco and organic fabric biodegrades naturally over time without releasing toxins.

Health: Organic fabrics are more suitable for people who have allergies. They are softer against the skin.

Absorption: Chemicals in conventional clothing are absorbed by our skin. Organic and eco fibers are natural and do not contain irritating chemicals, many are considered hypoallergenic and naturally anti-bacterial.

Common Eco Fabrics - Properties and Benefits

Bamboo – Bamboo fibers add softness, breathability, temperature regulation and moisture absorption properties to fabrics. Bamboo crops are fast growing and do not require herbicides or pesticides. The fibers are made when the stocks and leaves of the plant are mulched and then extruded out of a spinnerets. Fabrics made with bamboo fibers biodegrade at a faster rate than petroleum–derived fibers like polyester.

Soy – Soy crops do not require pesticides. Soy yarns are made from the husks of the soy bean, a byproduct of the tofu industry. Resulting fabrics containing soy are ultra soft, breathable, and have excellent moisture absorption properties. Soy fibers biodegrade at a faster rate than petroleum–derived fibers like polyester.

Hemp- Taken from the outer stock of the plant, hemp fibers have traditionally been used to make strong fabrics. Fabrics containing hemp are breathable and easily absorb moisture. Hemp crops do not require pesticides or herbicides.

Organic Cotton - Organic cotton is produced under stringent regulations and must always be certified by an appropriate third party. It is grown using methods and material that have a low negative impact on the environment. Organic production also maintains soil fertility and does not require the use of harmful chemicals. Fertilizers that are used include compost, manure, naturally derived mineral and plant fertilizers and crop rotation. Organic cotton feels softer, smells cleaner, and is less likely to trigger allergies.

Wild Silk - Wild silk worms spin cocoons in oak trees and are allowed to eat their way out of the cocoon before the cocoons are collected for the silk fibers.

Lyocell (Tencel) – Made from wood pulp cellulose from the eucalyptus trees, Lyocell is made using a process that recycles production materials instead of flushing them into the environment. It uses much less water than the production of non-organic cotton, which uses 100 times more water to produce. The resulting fiber and fabrics are ultra soft and breathable. Tencel is extremely absorbent, irritation free (very smooth on the skin), naturally prevents the growth of bacterial and is 100% biodegradable, coming from forests that practice sustainability.

Specific Information about fabrics used by Thieves:

Bamboo Film - 66% viscose from bamboo, 14% organic cotton, 14% cotton, 6% spandex. Dyed with Reactive dyes (low impact dyes). The organic cotton is Control Union Certified.

Bamboo Voile – 100% bamboo.

Bamboo Waves – 73% viscose from Bamboo, 27% organic cotton. Dyed with Reactive dyes (low impact dyes). The organic cotton is Control Union Certified.

Hemp Canvas – 100% hemp.

Hempcel – 55% hemp, 45% tencel.

Hemp Cotton (thyme colour only) – 55% hemp, 45% cotton.

Hemp / Recycled Polyester Twill – 77% hemp, 23% recycled polyester.

Hempsilk – 60% hemp, 40% silk

Organic Cotton Poplin - 100% organic cotton. Dyed with Reactive dyes (low impact dyes). The organic cotton is Control Union Certified.

Organic Cotton Twill – 100% organic cotton. Dyed with Reactive dyes (low impact dyes). The organic cotton is Control Union Certified.

Organic Wool* Suiting – 100% organic wool.

Organic Wool* / Organic Cotton Crepe – 75% organic cotton, 25% organic wool.

Pease Silk – Wild Silk – 100% silk.

Soy jersey – 56% soy, 36% organic cotton, 8% spandex. Dyed with Reactive dyes (low impact dyes). The organic cotton is Control Union Certified.

Tencel – 100% lyocell jersey. Dyed with the certification of Oeko Tex standard 100

* All organic wool is from Vermont Organic Fibers who state, “We have established direct relationships with our fiber suppliers allowing us to fully examine and verify that organic certification is from USDA accredited certification agencies and are processed in accordance with the OTA fiber processing standards.” Sheep producing organic wool are raised on sustainable farms in a healthy environment free from pesticide “dipping”.

Fabrics certifications are from the fabric suppliers:

Oeko- Tex standard 100 Certification
CU(SKAL) Certificate
OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association) International Organic Certification

PLEASE NOTE: The biggest environmental impact from clothing is how much washing and drying it needs over its lifetime. Wash in cold water and hang to dry.