Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from petroleum-based plastic, valued for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and affordability. It's one of the most widely used fabrics in fashion, but it's also energy-intensive to produce and doesn't biodegrade, often shedding microplastics when washed.

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre made from wood pulp, chemically processed into soft, breathable fabric that mimics silk or cotton. It offers a lightweight drape and good breathability, making it popular for warm-weather clothing. However, conventional rayon production can involve heavy chemical processing and deforestation-linked wood sourcing, so it's important to look for responsibly sourced alternatives.

Nylon is a strong, elastic synthetic fibre originally developed as a silk alternative, prized for its durability and resistance to abrasion. It's commonly used in activewear, hosiery, and outerwear thanks to its stretch and water resistance. Like polyester, it's petroleum-derived and slow to break down.

Elastane (also known as spandex or Lycra) is a highly stretchy synthetic fibre blended in small amounts with other fabrics to add flexibility and shape retention. It allows garments to move with the body and hold their fit over time. It's not biodegradable.

Linen is a natural fibre made from the flax plant, known for its breathability, strength, and characteristic textured drape. It can require less water and fewer pesticides to grow than cotton, making it one of the more sustainable natural fibres available. Linen softens with wear and is fully biodegradable at the end of its life.

Viscose is a type of rayon made from cellulose (usually wood pulp), valued for its silky feel, drape, and breathability at a lower cost than natural silk. It's a popular choice for flowing, lightweight garments. Conventional viscose production can be chemically intensive, so it's important to prioritise viscose made through cleaner, closed-loop processes where available.

Bamboo fabric is derived from the fast-growing bamboo plant, prized for its softness, breathability, and natural antibacterial properties. Bamboo itself grows quickly with minimal water or pesticides, making the raw material relatively sustainable. However, turning bamboo into fabric can involve intensive chemical processing, so we look for suppliers using closed-loop methods that limit chemical waste.

Polyamide is the broader chemical family that includes nylon, a synthetic fibre known for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to wear. It's commonly used in swimwear, activewear, and lingerie for its smooth, supportive stretch. As a petroleum-based synthetic, it doesn't biodegrade.

Dead-stock refers to fabric or finished garments that were produced but never sold or used - often surplus from other brands, cancelled orders, or overproduction. Using dead-stock fabric means no new raw materials are grown or manufactured for that piece, directly reducing textile waste. Because supply is limited, dead-stock pieces are typically produced in smaller, one-off batches.

Recycled polyester (often called rPET) is made by breaking down existing plastic - commonly used bottles or textile waste - and re-spinning it into new fibre. It offers the same durability and performance as virgin polyester while diverting plastic from landfill and reducing demand for new petroleum extraction. It still sheds microplastics in the wash.

Conventional cotton is a natural fibre valued for its softness, breathability, and versatility across nearly every type of garment. It's biodegradable when not combined with synthetics and widely recyclable, but conventional (non-organic) cotton farming is water- and pesticide-intensive.

Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, prized for centuries for its softness, sheen, and elegant drape. It's biodegradable and requires no synthetic processing to reach its finished form. Traditional silk production does raise animal welfare considerations, so we look for peace silk or other cruelty-free alternatives where possible.