The New "Wearable" Terms

Eco-Friendly Fabrics - With the growing demand for natural and renewable apparel to become more “green,” a number of alternative fabrics have become increasingly popular with consumers. Here are a few fabrics available for both the retail and promotional markets.

Bamboo: Bamboo pulp can be converted into fibers to create fabric that's extra-soft and very durable. Its natural properties make it antimicrobial, UV resistant and breathable. Bamboo requires no pesticides to grow and is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. The bamboo used for fabric is commonly known as Moso and can reach a mature height of 75 feet in just 45 to 60 days.

Corn: Fabric is created when dextrose pulled from corn is fermented to produce lactic acid which is converted to fabric once the water is removed. Corn-based fabric has excellent moisture-wicking properties, UV resistance and low odor retention. It's also stain-resistant, experiences minimal shrinkage and pilling, and is biodegradable and compostable.

Organic Cotton: The only difference between organic cotton and standard cotton is that organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical additives. It's also grown in soil that has been chemical-free for at least three years. Several levels of organic cotton exist and each presents low impact to the environment.

Soy: Made from the byproducts of soybean crops. This fabric has a soft, smooth hand, and contains natural antibacterial agents. It has the same moisture absorption properties as cotton, but with better moisture transmission for drier, more comfortable garments.