THE FASHION LAW

Fashion Law Resources

 

Leading Fashion Websites

 

Eco Brand Directory

Connect with fabulous eco clothing and accessory shopping or use this guide as a resource to network within the sustainable fashion industry.

Sample Eco Profiles (A–Z)

Each brand below links to its official profile or website:

 

Organizations and Initiatives

 

Environmental and Fashion Concepts

Each concept below defines key sustainability terms in fashion:

  • Agenda 21 — Global sustainability action plan from the Rio Earth Summit (1992).

  • Agriculture — Interlinked with global economy and biodiversity; major user of water and pesticides.

  • Agro Toxics — Harmful chemicals used in farming and domestic environments.

  • Alternative Materials — Innovative glues and fabrics from nontraditional sources.

  • Animal Fiber — Includes alpaca, merino, wool, mohair; innovations like cruelty-free silk.

  • Bamboo Fabric — Fast-growing, antibacterial, eco-friendly fiber.

  • Banana Fabric — Traditional Southeast Asian

Banana Fabric

Banana trees were historically used for textiles before cotton became widely available. Today, “jusi” banana fabric is produced in limited regions of Southeast Asia. (No official global URL exists for banana fabric; academic and cultural references vary.)

Certification

Certification refers to processes that verify whether a fashion product meets minimum environmental or quality standards, often through external audits. General reference:

Color Grown Cotton

Naturally colored cotton requiring no dyes, available in shades like honey, red, purple, and mocha. Reference:

Community-Based Production

Products created to support specific communities, often in developing regions. Reference:

Conscious Dressing

Choosing eco-produced clothing to support environmental and social sustainability. Reference:

Cotton

One of the world’s most water‑intensive and pesticide‑dependent crops. Reference:

Cotton in the Process of Conversion

Cotton grown during the transition from conventional to organic farming. Reference:

Craft

Traditional or small‑scale handmade production. Reference:

Cruelty-Free Silk (Peace Silk)

Silk produced without killing silkworms. Reference:

Custom-Made / Tailor-Made

Garments made to order, reducing waste and increasing longevity. Reference:

Customized Fashion

Altering garments to personal taste. Reference:

Eco Design

Design created with environmental responsibility. Reference:

Eco Development

Transforming production through environmentally sound technologies. Reference:

Ecosystem

Interaction of plants, animals, and environment. Reference:

Environment (Fashion Context)

Focus on organic crops, non‑toxic dyes, and sustainable fabrics. Reference:

Environmental Conservation

Preservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Reference:

Environmental Impact

Changes to the environment caused by human activity. Reference:

  • Environmental Impact (UN) — https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment (un.org in Bing)

Environmental Management

Directing human activities toward sustainable development. Reference:

  • ISO 14000 Environmental Management — https://www.iso.org/iso-14001-environmental-management.html (iso.org in Bing)

Ethical Fashion

Fashion integrating environmental care, social values, transparency, and craftsmanship. Reference:

Fair Trade

Promotes social equity, environmental protection, and economic security. Reference:

Fashion

Style of the time; can coexist with sustainability. Reference:

Fish Skin Leather

Recycled fish skin turned into durable leather. Reference:

Flax (Linen)

Plant used to produce linen fiber. Reference:

Global Ethical Fashion Movement

Stakeholders promoting sustainability and transparency in fashion. Reference:

GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms)

Genetically engineered plants; excluded from organic farming. Reference:

Green Cotton

Conventional cotton that is undyed and untreated. Reference:

Hemp Fabric

Strong, fast‑growing, pest‑resistant fiber. Reference:

Human Development Index (HDI)

UN measure of education, income, and life expectancy. Reference:

Industrial Waste

Solid waste generated by industry. Reference:

International Year of Natural Fibers (2009)

UN initiative promoting natural fibers. Reference:

ISO 14000

Environmental management standards. Reference:

Jute

Bast fiber used for sacks, bags, and carpets. Reference:

Kapok

Light, buoyant fiber used in cushions and life jackets. Reference:

Kyoto Protocol

UN climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gases. Reference:

Latex

Natural or synthetic rubber used in textiles. Reference:

Lenpur Fabric

Cellulose fiber from selected tree branches with high absorption and softness. Reference:

Manufacturing

Production of clothing at small or large scale. Reference:

Milk Fabric

Fiber made from milk proteins, originally developed during WWI. Reference:

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    Mineral Dyes

    Natural dyes derived from mineral sources such as iron, copper, and ochre. Reference:

    Modal

    A semi-synthetic fiber made from beech tree cellulose, known for softness and breathability. Reference:

    Natural Dyes

    Colorants derived from plants, minerals, and insects, used as sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes. Reference:

    Natural Fibers

    Fibers derived from plants, animals, or minerals (e.g., cotton, wool, hemp, flax). Reference:

    Natural Rubber

    Latex harvested from rubber trees, used in footwear, accessories, and elastic components. Reference:

    Natural Silk

    Silk produced from silkworm cocoons using traditional methods. Reference:

    Non-Toxic Dyes

    Dyes formulated without harmful chemicals, often certified by eco‑standards. Reference:

    Nylon (Recycled)

    Nylon regenerated from industrial waste or discarded fishing nets. Reference:

    Organic Cotton

    Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Reference:

    Organic Farming

    Agricultural system using natural processes and avoiding synthetic chemicals. Reference:

    Organic Wool

    Wool produced under certified organic farming standards. Reference:

    PET (Recycled Polyester)

    Polyester made from recycled plastic bottles or industrial waste. Reference:

    Plant-Based Fibers

    Fibers derived from plants such as cotton, hemp, flax, bamboo, banana, and jute. Reference:

    Recycled Cotton

    Cotton reclaimed from textile waste and reprocessed into new yarn. Reference:

    Recycled Leather

    Leather scraps reprocessed into new material. Reference:

    Recycled Materials

    Any material repurposed from waste streams into new products. Reference:

    Recycled Polyester

    Polyester made from recycled PET plastics. Reference:

    Recycling

    Process of converting waste into reusable materials. Reference:

    Renewable Resources

    Materials that regenerate naturally, such as bamboo, hemp, and cork. Reference:

    Reused Materials

    Existing materials repurposed without industrial reprocessing. Reference:

    Sisal

    A strong fiber from the agave plant, used in ropes, rugs, and accessories. Reference:

    Social Responsibility

    Ethical treatment of workers, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Reference:

    Sustainable Fashion

    Fashion designed, produced, and consumed in ways that respect the environment and society. Reference:

    Sustainable Materials

    Materials with low environmental impact, such as organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, and recycled fibers. Reference:

    Tencel (Lyocell)

    A sustainable fiber made from eucalyptus pulp using a closed-loop process. Reference:

    Textile Waste

    Discarded textiles from production or post-consumer use. Reference:

    Transparency

    Open communication about supply chains, materials, and labor conditions. Reference:

    Upcycling

    Transforming waste materials into products of higher value. Reference:

    Vegan Fashion

    Fashion produced without animal-derived materials. Reference:

    • PETA Vegan Fashion — https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion (peta.org in Bing)

    Vegetable-Tanned Leather

    Leather tanned using plant-based tannins instead of chemicals. Reference:

    Vintage Fashion

    Garments produced between the 1920s and 1970s, reused for sustainability and style. Reference:

    • Vintage Fashion Guide — https://www.vogue.com/article/vintage-fashion-guide (vogue.com in Bing)

    Water Footprint

    The total volume of water used to produce a garment. Reference:

    Wool (Organic & Conventional)

    Natural animal fiber used in apparel, with organic options available. Reference:

Waste Management (Fashion Industry)

Processes for handling, reducing, and repurposing waste generated by textile production and consumption. Reference:

  • UNEP Waste Management — https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/waste-management

 

Water Pollution (Textile Industry)

Contamination of water sources due to dyeing, chemical treatments, and industrial discharge from textile factories. Reference:

  • Greenpeace Detox Campaign — https://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaign/detox

 

Water Recycling in Textiles

Technologies that allow factories to reuse water in dyeing and finishing processes, reducing environmental impact. Reference:

  • Sustainable Water Use in Textiles (ZDHC) — https://www.roadmaptozero.com

 

Wool (Conventional)

A natural animal fiber obtained from sheep, used in apparel, upholstery, and accessories. Reference:

  • International Wool Textile Organisation — https://www.iwto.org

 

Zero-Waste Design

A design methodology that eliminates textile waste by using pattern-making techniques that consume 100% of the fabric. Reference:

  • Zero Waste Fashion Design (Timo Rissanen) — https://zerowastefashiondesign.com

 

Zero-Waste Manufacturing

Production systems that aim to eliminate waste through recycling, reuse, and efficient resource management. Reference:

  • Circular Economy in Fashion (Ellen MacArthur Foundation) — https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/fashion

 

ZQ Merino

A certification for ethically produced merino wool ensuring animal welfare, environmental care, and social responsibility. Reference:

  • ZQ Merino Official — https://www.discoverzq.com

 

Zari (Traditional Embroidery)

A type of intricate metallic thread embroidery originating from South Asia, often made with gold or silver threads. Reference:

  • Zari Craft Heritage — https://www.indiahandmade.com

 

Zibeline

A luxurious fabric traditionally made from the hair of the zibeline (sable) or from high‑quality wool blends. Reference:

  • Fabric Glossary (Mood Fabrics) — https://www.moodfabrics.com

 

Zinc Oxide Textiles

Fabrics infused with zinc oxide nanoparticles for UV protection and antibacterial properties. Reference:

  • Functional Textiles Research — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/zinc-oxide

 

Zippers (Eco-Friendly)

Zippers made from recycled polyester, organic cotton tape, or biodegradable materials. Reference:

  • YKK Sustainability — https://www.ykk.com/sustainability

 

Zoot Suit (Historical Fashion)

A flamboyant style of suit popular in the 1930s–40s, often referenced in discussions of cultural fashion history. Reference:

  • Zoot Suit History (Smithsonian) — https://www.si.edu

 

Zweigart Fabrics

High‑quality woven fabrics used in embroidery and needlework, known for durability and precision. Reference:

  • Zweigart Official — https://www.zweigart.com

 

Zweave (Digital Fabric Simulation)

A digital tool used in fashion technology to simulate fabric behavior and garment construction. Reference:

  • Zweave Digital Fashion — https://www.zweave.com

 

Zytex (Biodegradable Textile Coating)

A biodegradable coating used to enhance fabric performance while maintaining environmental safety. Reference:

  • Biodegradable Coatings Research — https://www.sciencedirect.com

 

Zylon (High-Strength Fiber)

A synthetic fiber known for exceptional tensile strength, used in high‑performance applications. Reference:

  • Zylon Fiber Overview — https://www.toyobo-global.com

 

Zymergen Biofabrication

Biotechnology applied to create new sustainable materials for fashion. Reference:

  • Zymergen Materials Innovation — https://www.zymergen.com

Sustainable Fashion — Additional Key Concepts

Zero-Emission Supply Chains

Supply chains designed to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy, optimized logistics, and circular production systems. Reference:

  • UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action — https://unfccc.int/climate-action/sectoral-engagement/fashion-industry-charter-for-climate-action (Bing reference: https://www.bing.com/search?q=UNFCCC+Fashion+Charter (bing.com in Bing))

 

Biodiversity in Fashion

The protection of ecosystems affected by fiber cultivation, grazing, dyeing, and manufacturing. Reference:

  • Biodiversity & Fashion (UNEP) — https://www.unep.org/resources/report/sustainability-and-biodiversity-fashion (Bing reference: https://www.bing.com/search?q=UNEP+biodiversity+fashion (bing.com in Bing))

 

Circular Fashion

A system where garments are designed, produced, and used in ways that allow them to be reused, repaired, recycled, or biodegraded. Reference:

  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation — Circular Fashion — https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/fashion/overview

 

Carbon Footprint (Textiles)

The total greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing a garment. Reference:

  • Carbon Trust — Footprint Measurement — https://www.carbontrust.com

 

Biodegradable Fibers

Fibers that break down naturally without harming the environment, such as Tencel, bamboo, hemp, and some biopolymers. Reference:

  • Biodegradable Textiles Research — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/biodegradable-polymers

 

Biobased Materials

Materials derived from renewable biological sources such as algae, mycelium, pineapple leaves, or cactus. Reference:

  • Biofabricate (Biomaterials Innovation) — https://www.biofabricate.co

 

Regenerative Agriculture (Fashion Fibers)

Farming practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and capture carbon. Reference:

  • Regenerative Agriculture (Fibershed) — https://fibershed.org

 

Blockchain in Fashion Transparency

Technology used to track supply chains and verify ethical sourcing. Reference:

  • Blockchain for Sustainable Fashion (IBM) — https://www.ibm.com/blockchain/industries/retail

 

Digital Fashion

Garments created digitally for virtual environments, reducing physical waste. Reference:

  • The Fabricant (Digital Couture) — https://www.thefabricant.com

 

3D Knitting / On-Demand Manufacturing

Technology that produces garments with minimal waste and no cutting scraps. Reference:

  • Shima Seiki WHOLEGARMENT® — https://www.shimaseiki.com

 

Smart Textiles

Fabrics integrated with technology for performance, health monitoring, or adaptive behavior. Reference:

  • Wearable Technology (MIT Media Lab) — https://www.media.mit.edu

 

Microplastic Pollution (Synthetic Fibers)

Release of microplastics during washing of synthetic garments. Reference:

  • Ocean Conservancy — Microplastics — https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/plastics-in-the-ocean

 

Waterless Dyeing Technologies

Innovations that reduce or eliminate water use in textile dyeing. Reference:

  • DyeCoo (CO₂ Dyeing Technology) — https://www.dyecoo.com

 

Second-Hand & Resale Fashion

Extending garment life through resale platforms. Reference:

  • The RealReal — https://www.therealreal.com

  • Vestiaire Collective — https://www.vestiairecollective.com

 

Rental Fashion

Services that allow consumers to rent clothing instead of buying. Reference:

  • Rent the Runway — https://www.renttherunway.com

 

Fashion Education & Sustainability

Institutions integrating sustainability into fashion curricula. Reference:

  • Centre for Sustainable Fashion (London College of Fashion) — https://www.arts.ac.uk/centre-for-sustainable-fashion