At Tove & Libra, we believe in making fewer, but better clothes. That's why we invest lots of thought and attention towards selecting our materials, ensuring that a majority of them are naturally sourced and biodegradable.
Cotton
The fiber that’s hanging in pretty much everyone’s closet – cotton fabric has been spun from the fluffy fibers of the cotton shrub since prehistoric times!
Why we love cotton garments:
- It’s light and breathable, making it ideal for a variety of climates
- It’s comfortable and hypoallergenic
- It’s easy to wash and care for at home
- It can be made into durable denim
- Premium long-fiber cottons (like Supima™) have an extra soft hand and subtle sheen suitable for inner wear and designer pieces
However, cotton’s enduring popularity has some environmental downsides. Around 2.5% of the world’s arable land is currently used for cotton growing, but it uses 7% of all pesticides and 16% of all insecticides globally. While organic cotton rules out the use of synthetic pesticides and additives, organic cotton plants have roughly 25% lower yield than conventional – meaning an organic cotton T-shirt would potentially consume the same or more resources than conventional cotton.
So what can we do to ensure that we are wearing cotton responsibly? As with most garments, we believe that the most responsible approach is to buy fewer but better, and care for your clothing so that it lasts longer.
Linen
Linen is sometimes called a miracle fiber. The production of the flax plant has a low environmental impact, requiring minimal water and pesticides. Besides, the whole plant can be used, from the production of linen fabric to making linseed oil, thus maximizing any resources used.
Why is linen the perfect summer fabric?
- It has a distinct, natural texture
- It’s naturally moisture-wicking with an easy, breezy vibe
- It’s a durable fiber that’s easy to wash and care for
- It becomes and softer and more luxurious with each wash
Linen is typically coarse, and only the finest fibers are suitable for clothing, which accounts for its premium price.
Linen is a top choice for anyone looking to make better ecological choices for their closet. We especially love it blended with viscose to create soft staple pieces for your closet.