3 new-age fabrics to keep you cool

When we think of dressing for the swelteringly humid July weather, cotton is perhaps the first fabric that comes to mind. And why not! It’s a fabric with endless possibilities. And when produced and sourced ethically, it has a low-impact on both the planet and the people. But thanks to modern innovation, cotton now has August company. Sustainably-produced, comfortable and renewable, these new-age fabrics are becoming a popular choice among eco-conscious brands. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Lyocell

Made from wood pulp, Lyocell is a type of cellulose-based textile patented as TENCEL™ by Lenzing. It is produced using a closed-loop process, which has high resource efficiency, minimizing wastage, and reduces environmental impact. However, while Lyocell may be waste-efficient, it does utilize a lot of energy. It is also only biodegradable when not combined with other fibers. The fabric is highly breathable, offers a soft and smooth feel, almost similar to silk or even denim, while also being moisture-absorbent. It is strong, durable, easy to care for and wrinkle resistant, making it a popular substitute for denim.

Used in: Shirts, dresses, towels, undergarments, and medical dressing.

Buy it from: Cottonworld, Rareism, Nicobar

Bemberg

Asahi Kasei is a Japanese company based in China that produces Bemberg™, a plant-based Cupro fabric made from by-product of cotton’s textile waste. It is a model fabric for summer clothing due to its breathable and lightweight properties. Being recyclable and biodegradable, Bemberg™ is also suitable for people with sensitive skin, as it is hypo-allergenic and anti-static. It can be easily blended with other fabrics such as cotton and linen. However, the production process may involve copper, ammonia and caustic soda, which, if not disposed appropriately, can be highly toxic.

Used in: Dresses, sportswear, swimwear

Buy it from: Rareism, Nicobar

Econyl

ECONYL®, a fabric created by the Aquafil group to combat the ill effects of Nylon on nature, became their flagship product. ECONYL’s production is made entirely from Nylon 6 waste. The recyclability of this fabric is great as it can be recycled infinitely without compromising the quality. So it creates a closed loop system to manage waste. ECONYL regenerated nylon reduces the global warming impact of nylon by up to 90%, as compared to virgin nylon. And, it is excellent for summer! Its sweat-wicking properties make it suitable for messy and adventurous summers, and a hit among brands for swimwear. But while ECONYL is a wonderful alternative to Nylon, it too comes with the issue of microplastics.