The global fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, contributing significantly to environmental degradation through the production of textiles, waste, and emissions. As the world faces growing concerns about the climate crisis and resource depletion, the need for sustainable practices in fashion has never been more urgent. However, fashion is here to stay—it’s a dynamic culture, a way of life, and it distinguishes forward thinkers and pioneers as a cut above the rest. This is precisely why the future of fashion lies in adopting sustainability—not just in the styles we wear but also in the methods we use to create them.
At Deepwear, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. As a forward-thinking fashion agency, we believe in sourcing, designing, and manufacturing with integrity—helping brands create fashion that’s both stylish and eco-friendly. This article will focus on eight natural, versatile fabrics that are already byproducts of agricultural production but have enormous untapped potential to revolutionize the fabric industry in 2025. These sustainable fabrics have been around for years, but they are often overlooked in favor of synthetic alternatives. With greater awareness and innovation, they could become the fabrics of the future, providing eco-friendly options that fashion designers and manufacturers are starting to take note of. From pineapple leather to hemp, these materials hold the promise of a greener future for fashion, where sustainability and style go hand in hand.
1. Pineapple Leather
Source: Pineapple leather is made from the fibers of pineapple leaves, which are discarded after the fruit is harvested. The leaves are collected, washed, and processed into a durable, leather-like textile. This process is an innovative way to reduce agricultural waste and create a valuable material from an existing byproduct.
Top Producing Countries: The Philippines, Thailand, and India are the primary producers of pineapples globally.
Notable Manufacturer:
⦁ Ananas Anam (UK): pioneered Piñatex, a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to leather made from pineapple leaf fibers.
Price Ranges:
⦁ Ananas Anam: Approx. €95.00 per box of samples.
⦁ For general pricing, Piñatex pineapple leather is approximately $65 USD per yard, though prices can vary depending on the supplier and specific order details.
Advantages:
⦁ Sustainable: Pineapple leather uses agricultural waste, making it a sustainable alternative to synthetic and animal leathers.
⦁ Durable and Versatile: It is strong, flexible, and can be used for a range of products, from clothing to accessories and footwear.
⦁ Biodegradable: Unlike synthetic leathers, Piñatex is biodegradable, reducing long-term environmental impact.
⦁ Minimal water and chemicals required in processing: The production of Piñatex is less resource-intensive than many other fabrics.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Limited awareness and scalability: While gaining popularity, pineapple is not yet as widely used as traditional fabrics like cotton or synthetic leathers, so even a sample of the product could be pricey.
⦁ Limited accessibility: Piñatex costs around $65 USD per yard, making it a luxury material predominantly available to high-end brands, which limits adoption in mainstream markets.
⦁ Texture and appearance: While resembling leather, it may not offer the same luxurious feel, which could limit its appeal in high-end fashion.
What Deepwear can do: With a focus on sustainable alternatives, we at Deepwear can facilitate access to cutting-edge materials like pineapple leather, supporting brands in creating eco-friendly product lines.
2. Banana Fiber
Source: Banana fiber is derived from the pseudostems of banana trees, a byproduct of banana farming. After the fruit is harvested, the banana trees are cut down, and the fibers are extracted from the stem. Finally, the fibers are spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
Top Producing Countries: India, China, and the Philippines are the top producers of bananas and banana fibers.
Notable Manufacturers:
⦁ Karthikey Enterprises (India): Produces premium-quality banana fiber suitable for diverse industrial applications.
⦁ Greemanity Industries LLP (India): Supplies tailored fibers for textiles and garments.
Price Ranges:
⦁ Raw Banana Fiber: $4.20–$570 per kilogram, depending on quality and purity.
⦁ Natural Raw Banana Fiber: $101–$125 per ton for high-quality fiber.
⦁ Dyed Banana Hair Fiber: $78.97–$79 per kilogram for custom-made, dyed fiber.
⦁ Inner-Lining Banana Fiber: Premium quality, priced higher than rough outer-lining fiber.
Advantages:
⦁ Natural and biodegradable: Banana fiber is entirely natural, biodegradable, and a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers.
⦁ Durability: It is strong and durable, making it suitable for various applications, including clothing, textiles, and accessories.
⦁ Eco-friendly production: The banana plant requires little to no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and the process of extracting fibers is typically low-impact.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Labor-intensive production: Extracting banana fibers is a labor-intensive process, which may limit widespread use due to higher production costs.
⦁ Rough texture: While the fiber is strong, it can sometimes have a rough texture, limiting its use in more delicate or high-end fashion.
What Deepwear can do: Our team at Deepwear can personally ensure that brands can work with versatile natural fibers such as banana fabric, by connecting them with reliable, ethical producers.
3. Hemp
Source: Hemp is made from the fibers of the hemp plant, which is part of the cannabis family but does not contain significant amounts of THC. Hemp is grown primarily for its stalk, from which the long, durable fibers are extracted and processed into fabric.
Top Producing Countries: China, Canada, and the United States are the top producers of hemp.
Notable Manufacturers:
⦁ Canvaloop (India): Transforming hemp into textile-grade fibers.
⦁ EnviroTextiles (Colorado, USA): A leader in high-quality hemp fabrics.
Price Ranges:Prices depend on the seller, location, and specific fabric type.
⦁ Hemp Muslin (55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton, 7.5 oz): $10–$14 per yard
⦁ Canvas Hemp Linen (11 oz): $22–$30 per yard
⦁ Fishnet Hemp & Organic Cotton Knit (7 oz): $6–$8per yard
⦁ Hemp Linen (17 oz): $18–$24 per yard
⦁ Hemp Jersey (53% Hemp, 43% Organic Cotton, 4% Lycra, 8.2 oz): $15–$19 per yard
⦁ Hemp Canvas (100%, 20 oz): $18–$25 per yard
⦁ Hemp Canvas (16.5 oz): $27–$35 per yard
Advantages:
⦁ Low environmental impact: Hemp requires little water, no pesticides, and grows quickly, making it one of the most sustainable fabrics available.
⦁ Durability and breathability: Hemp is strong, breathable, and has natural antibacterial properties, making it ideal for clothing, especially in warm climates.
⦁ Carbon negative: Hemp absorbs more carbon dioxide during its growth than is emitted in the production of its fibers, contributing to reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Rough texture: Hemp fabric can sometimes be stiff or rough when first processed, requiring additional softening treatments for comfort.
⦁ Limited availability: While demand for hemp fabric is growing, it is still not as readily available as cotton, and the infrastructure for large-scale production can be a challenge.
⦁ Premium Price Tag: While hemp is durable and eco-friendly, its price—up to $35 per yard for certain fabrics—can deter smaller or cost-conscious brands from incorporating it widely.
What Deepwear can do: Deepwear’s sourcing network addresses common challenges like the rough texture of hemp, providing solutions that meet both quality and sustainability standards.
4. Tencel (Lyocell)
Source: Tencel is produced from sustainably sourced wood pulp, often from eucalyptus, beech, or spruce trees. The pulp is dissolved in a non-toxic solvent, then spun into fibers through a closed-loop process, where the chemicals are recycled, reducing waste.
Top Producing Countries: The top producers of Tencel and its raw materials are primarily in countries like China, Brazil, and the United States.
Notable Manufacturers:
⦁ Lenzing AG (Austria): Lenzing is renowned for producing Tencel, a brand name for fibers like modal and lyocell.
⦁ Aditya Birla Group (India): Aditya Birla Group is a leading manufacturer of Tencel fibers and fabrics and supplying eco-friendly fabrics to fashion and textile industries worldwide.
Price Ranges:
⦁ $5.61–$28 per yard depending on fabric type
⦁ Common range: $14–$28 per yard
⦁ Premium options: $18–$20 per yard
Advantages:
⦁ Eco-friendly manufacturing: The production process is a closed-loop system, which minimizes waste and chemical use, making it one of the more environmentally friendly textile processes.
⦁ Soft and breathable: Tencel is known for its silky feel, softness, and moisture-wicking properties, which make it popular in sustainable fashion.
⦁ Biodegradable: Tencel is biodegradable, meaning it has a minimal environmental impact once it reaches the end of its life cycle.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Relatively high cost: The production process can be more expensive compared to traditional fabrics like cotton, making Tencel a higher-cost option.
⦁ Limited market penetration: Though it is gaining popularity, Tencel is still less common in mainstream fashion compared to more traditional fabrics.
5. Cork Fabric
Source: Cork fabric is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which naturally regenerate after harvesting. The bark is stripped from the trees in a way that doesn’t harm them, and it is processed into a flexible, durable fabric.
Top Producing Countries: Portugal, Spain, and Italy are the largest producers of cork.
Notable Manufacturers:
⦁ HZCORK (China): specializes in high-quality cork fabric production imported from Portugal.
⦁ Amorim (Portugal): The largest cork producer globally, Amorim is a Portuguese multinational known for its expertise in cork products.
Price Ranges:
⦁ Patterned or colored cork fabrics vary in price depending on the design and brand.
⦁ Prices typically range from $20 to $30 per yard.
Advantages:
⦁ Sustainable harvesting: Cork oak trees regenerate after the bark is harvested, so no trees are cut down, making cork fabric a highly sustainable option.
⦁ Durable and lightweight: Cork fabric is durable, water-resistant, and lightweight, making it ideal for bags, shoes, and accessories.
⦁ Eco-friendly production: The production process requires minimal resources, and cork is biodegradable at the end of its lifecycle.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Limited fabric options: Cork fabric is still relatively niche and can be limited in its applications, especially for large-scale clothing production.
⦁ Price point: Due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting cork, cork fabric can be more expensive than conventional textiles.
What Deepwear can do: Deepwear stays ahead of trends by introducing clients to emerging materials like cork fabric, empowering them to stand out in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
6. Jute
Source: Jute is derived from the stalks of the jute plant, which is primarily grown in regions like India and Bangladesh. The fibers are extracted from the plant’s outer bark and spun into yarn to be woven into fabric.
Top Producing Countries: India and Bangladesh are the primary producers of jute.
Notable Manufacturer:
⦁ Bangalore Fort Farms Limited (India): produces jute ropes, jute yarn, and other jute products.
Price Ranges:
⦁ Standard 10 oz Jute Burlap (60 inch): approximately $3.93 per yard
⦁ Burlap (52/53 inch): approximately $4.93 per yard
⦁ Homestead Heavy Weight 12 oz Jute Burlap (60 inch): approximately $6.88 per yard.
These prices may still vary depending on the source.
Advantages:
⦁ Low environmental impact: Jute requires minimal water and pesticides to grow, and the fibers are biodegradable, making it one of the most eco-friendly fabrics.
⦁ Affordable and durable: Jute is inexpensive and durable, often used for products like bags, ropes, and textiles.
⦁ Carbon sequestration: The jute plant absorbs carbon dioxide during growth, making it a carbon-positive crop.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Rough texture: Jute fabric can be coarser and less comfortable to wear, limiting its use in fashion garments.
⦁ Limited applications: Due to its rough texture, jute is mostly used for accessories and home textiles rather than fine clothing.
⦁ Added Costs for Quality Finishes: Higher-grade jute, such as 12 oz variants at $6.88 per yard, often requires additional treatments to soften or dye, further increasing production expenses.
What Deepwear can do: Working with materials like jute requires careful oversight to maintain its natural integrity while ensuring scalability. Deepwear streamlines this process by coordinating with suppliers, monitoring production schedules, and conducting quality checks to meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
7. Coconut Fiber (Coir)
Source: Coconut fiber, or coir, is extracted from the outer husk of coconuts. After the coconut is harvested, the husk is processed into fibers that can be woven into fabric or used for other products like mats and ropes.
Top Producing Countries: The Philippines, India, and Indonesia are the leading producers of coconut and coconut fiber.
Notable Manufacturers:
⦁ Nedia Enterprises Inc (Virginia, USA).: Specializes in woven coir fabrics, coir mats, and erosion control products.
⦁ Fibre Family (India): Manufactures 100% natural and bio-degradable Coir Geotextiles, made from coconut fiber.
Price Ranges:
⦁ The price for coconut coir fibre, specifically for Coir Twine (Hops Twine), is around 240 USD per bale. This is based on estimates from multiple suppliers, with packaging details such as 150 kg pressed bales and a load capacity of 150 bales per 40 ft container. Prices may vary depending on the supplier and market conditions.
Advantages:
⦁ Natural and biodegradable: Coir is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and sustainable, making it a great alternative to synthetic textiles.
⦁ Water-resistant and durable: Coir is known for its strength and water-resistant properties, making it useful in accessories and footwear.
⦁ Waste reduction: Coir is a byproduct of coconut farming, reducing waste and contributing to sustainability.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Rough texture: Like other natural fibers, coir can be rough, which makes it less suitable for soft, wear-all-day clothing.
⦁ Limited fashion use: While coir is used for some accessories, it has not yet found widespread use in clothing due to its unique properties.
⦁ Scalability Challenges: Coir twine costs approximately $240 USD per bale, and its bulky nature adds logistics costs, complicating its scalability for widespread use.
What Deepwear can do: Coir’s unique properties demand specialized handling and precision in production. Deepwear ensures seamless integration by managing logistics, verifying material durability, and aligning processes with client specifications.
8. Organic Cotton
Source: Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, using crop rotation, composting, and other sustainable farming practices. The fibers are harvested from the cotton plant and processed into fabric.
Top Producing Countries: India, China, and Turkey are some of the largest producers of organic cotton.
Notable Manufacturers:
⦁ Sichuan OTEX Textiles (China): produces organic and natural fabrics, including organic silk knitting and woven fabrics.
⦁ Dibella India (Karnataka, India): specializes in woven fabrics made from Fairtrade organic cotton.
⦁ Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills Pvt Ltd (West Bengal, India): manufactures a wide range of textiles, with production facilities across Kolkata and the Delhi-NCR region.
Price Ranges:
⦁ Organic cotton fabrics can range in price, with some types going up to $40 per yard, depending on the specific kind, pattern, or GSM (grams per square meter).
For example:
⦁ Heavy Organic Cotton French Terry: Around $33.97 per yard.
⦁ Organic Cotton Velour: Up to $33.26 per yard.
⦁ Organic Cotton Fleece (300 GSM): Around $25.91 per yard.
⦁ Organic Cotton Jersey (200 GSM): Typically $17.68 per yard.
⦁ The price will vary based on factors like material weight and finish.
Advantages:
⦁ Environmentally friendly farming: Organic cotton uses fewer resources, especially water, compared to conventional cotton, and avoids harmful chemicals that pollute ecosystems.
⦁ Soft, breathable, and versatile: Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear, making it ideal for various clothing types, from casual wear to intimate apparel.
⦁ Biodegradable: Like all natural fibers, organic cotton is biodegradable and poses no long-term environmental risk.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Water consumption: While it uses less water than conventional cotton, organic cotton still requires significant water for cultivation, particularly in drier regions.
⦁ Higher cost: The farming and processing of organic cotton can be more labor-intensive and costly than conventional cotton.
What Deepwear can do: Organic cotton requires adherence to stringent sustainability standards and quality benchmarks. Deepwear handles this complexity through rigorous supplier audits, certification verification, and consistent communication to uphold eco-friendly practices and deliver premium results.
9. Apple Leather
Source: Apple leather, or apple-based vegan leather, is derived from the byproducts of apple juice production. Apple peels and cores are processed into a powder and combined with a resin or other binding agents to create a durable, plant-based leather alternative.
Top Producing Countries: China, the European Union, and the USA are leaders in the production and development of apple leather, driven by strong innovation in sustainable materials.
Notable Manufacturers:
⦁ Frumat (Italy): A pioneer in apple leather production, using apple waste from the Tyrol region to create sustainable material for fashion and accessories.
⦁ Vegatex Biotech (China): Offers apple leather as part of its eco-materials portfolio, focusing on both environmental impact and versatility.
⦁ Appcycle (Japan): Specializes in upcycling apple byproducts into eco-friendly leather for various industries.
Price Range: Apple Leather costs approximately $3–$12 per square foot
Advantages:
⦁ Durable and versatile: Apple leather is strong, flexible, and can be used in various applications such as footwear, bags, and upholstery.
⦁ Water-Resistant: Apple leather has good water resistance, making it easier to maintain compared to traditional leather that can stain or degrade with exposure to moisture.
⦁ UV and Stain Resistant: It resists stains and UV damage better than animal leather, maintaining its appearance for a longer period.
⦁ Breathable and Comfortable: Apple leather is breathable, which helps prevent it from becoming overly sweaty or sticky, especially in products like footwear.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Limited availability: Apple leather is still in the early stages of mass production, making it less accessible compared to other materials.
⦁ Higher cost: Apple leather is generally more expensive than traditional synthetic leather alternatives due to its production process and limited availability.
⦁ Difficult to Find: Apple leather is still relatively rare and can be difficult to find in stores, although it can be ordered online.
⦁ Partially Synthetic: While apple leather is made from up to 50% apple waste, it still contains polyurethane, which is a synthetic material. This makes it less environmentally friendly compared to fully natural alternatives.
What Deepwear can do: With offices in major garment and textile districts around the world, Deepwear can connect you with manufacturers in our extensive network to source apple leather or act on your behalf to ensure a seamless supply chain.
10. Mushroom Leather
Source: Mushroom leather, often called mycelium leather, is created from the root structure of fungi. Mycelium grows rapidly on organic matter, forming a durable material that is harvested, treated, and crafted into sustainable leather alternatives suitable for fashion, upholstery, and accessories.
Top Producing Countries: The United States, the Netherlands, and Indonesia are key players in mushroom leather innovation and production, leveraging advancements in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
Notable Brands:
⦁ MycoWorks (California, USA): A leader in producing high-quality mycelium leather branded as Reishi, designed for luxury goods and fashion.
⦁ Bolt Threads (The Netherlands): Known for Mylo, a sustainable leather-like material made from mycelium, used by global fashion brands.
⦁ Mycotech Lab (Indonesia): Produces Mylea, a sustainable mycelium leather made from mushroom roots and agricultural waste.
Price Range: $50 per square foot due to limited production, with prices expected to drop as scalability improves.
Advantages:
⦁ Customizable: Mushroom leather can be dyed in any color and can take on various textures, making it versatile for different designs.
⦁ Low Land Use for Production: Producing one kilogram of mushrooms requires less than one square meter of land, making it a much more land-efficient material compared to animal leather, which requires large areas for cattle farming.
⦁ Water-Resistant: The material is naturally water-resistant, offering a practical advantage for products exposed to moisture.
Disadvantages:
⦁ Limited availability: Mushroom leather is still in the early stages of production and is primarily made to order, making it difficult to access for crafters and consumers.
⦁ Higher cost: Due to limited production, mushroom leather is expensive, priced at around $50 per square foot. This cost may decrease as production scales, but it’s currently a barrier for widespread use.
⦁ Plastic Infusion: Although it’s based on mycelium, plastic is added to enhance its durability, making the material only partly biodegradable.
What Deepwear can do: Deepwear can help brands source mycelium leather by connecting them with reliable manufacturers and offering design, quality control, and sustainable production solutions throughout the process.
The Future of Fashion
Fashion is a powerhouse industry, projected to reach a staggering revenue of $770.90 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.94%, reaching $1,183.00 billion by 2029. With over 2.8 billion users projected by 2029 and China leading in market volume, it’s clear that fashion holds a massive influence on both the economy and the environment. However, with this influence comes responsibility. The environmental impact of the fashion industry is well-documented, accounting for significant water consumption, pollution, and carbon emissions.
At Deepwear, we see this responsibility as an opportunity to reshape the industry. We help brands minimize their carbon footprint by focusing on sustainable sourcing, innovative materials, and responsible production practices. Recognizing the circular nature of the fashion economy, we believe that uplifting people and protecting the environment go hand in hand. To lead the way, we are constantly innovating, finding solutions, and, when needed, being the solution.
For those ready to take steps toward a sustainable future in fashion, Deepwear is here to support that vision. Explore our sustainable fabrics guide to learn more, or reach out to our team to discuss how Deepwear can bring your vision of a greener fashion future to life. Together, we can help transform fashion into a force for positive change.