Whether you're looking for comfortable loungewear, need outerwear for winter weather, or are even creating blankets, furniture, or other products, it's important to know how the materials you choose impact the environment. While all materials have some sort of impact on the water and air, some are more sustainable than others. It's important to understand which materials are the best and how to find the most sustainable products.

1. Fleece

Fleece became a part of fashion history when it was introduced to sportswear in 1981. While traditional fleece is not very environmentally friendly due to being made from non-renewable sources, new technology allows fleece fabric to be made from recycled polyester. This eco-fleece saves energy as well as reduces the number of bottles that make their way into landfills. Recycled fleece is an excellent material for making a wide variety of items because it is available in many colors and prints. The material is great for everything from jackets to blankets.

2. Linen

A plant-based fabric, linen is made from flax that isn't suitable for use in food production. The material does not need any chemicals to be processed and instead uses a process known as water-retting. The flax is soaked in rivers or other waterways. However, to make linen even more environmentally friendly, it can use different processes known as enzyme-retting or dew-retting. This ensures there is no water pollution that may happen with other processes.

3. Wool

Although it is an animal product, wool is extremely environmentally friendly. Sheep must be sheared to remain healthy and the process does not hurt them at all, making wool a fabric that is not only comfortable but beneficial for the animals it comes from. Wool retains its original shape when properly cared for, is resistant to wrinkling, and can even absorb moisture to prevent it from feeling damp on your skin. Wool is also easy to dye and does not require extra chemicals to retain colors. If you're looking for a fabric that can replace water-resistant synthetics, wool is the answer.

4. Cotton

A natural, plant-based fiber, cotton is useful for clothing, furniture, and a wide range of other products. The durable, versatile material is breathable and biodegradable. This makes it more favorable than many other materials, as synthetic fabrics are a danger to the environment. However, it is important to look for organic cotton when choosing it as a material for your clothing or other products. This is because non-organic cotton uses a large amount of water and may contain pesticides.

5. Rayon

A man-made fabric created from cellulose, rayon is made from bamboo crops. It is important to determine where your rayon is sourced from, though. For example, rayon clothes made in China may come from places where old rainforests are destroyed in order to plant bamboo crops that are specifically for manufacturing. Look for rayon that is mechanically processed if you want something that is more environmentally friendly. Specifically, look for bamboo linen, which does not go through dangerous chemical processes and has a smaller impact on the environment.

6. Polyester

A popular material for clothing, polyester is known for its comfort, durability, and ability to stretch. Should you decide to use this material, though, it's important to look for recycled polyester. Recycled polyester is often made from plastic bottles, meaning there are fewer of them in landfills. Even when recycled, though, polyester is not as good for the environment as other materials. Every time you wash polyester clothing, it releases microplastics that make their way into waterways and cause contamination.

It's impossible to find a material that has no impact on the environment, but when you do thorough research on the types of materials that you are interested in using or purchasing for your clothing or products, you can have a smaller impact. Check the tags of your products, look into the companies that produce the materials, and determine which ones best meet your needs while remaining as sustainable as possible.