Sustainability: hats off to it! As the gray world is looking to go towards greener, eco-friendly options are roosting the world. Today, everyone is making a shift towards eco-friendly options which has led to a surge in demand. More sustainable alternative is sought from the fast fashion industry which produces 10% of carbon emissions.
Thus, in the quest for sustainable alternatives, everything from clothing to accessories is being tailored with eco-friendly options. Hats made in a traditional way out of synthetic materials are especially focused on being replaced by natural fibers.
Natural fibers can be sourced to make any kind of elegant hat. Be it a trucker hat or a cloche hat, using natural fibers like biodegradable materials and recycled materials is a good option to use. There are many manufacturers in the market which claim their hats are eco-friendly. However, it’s important to know the possible fibers that can be used and what can be termed as eco-friendly or sustainable.
Organic cotton
What makes cotton organic is the way it’s cultivated. Organic cotton uses less pesticides and chemical fertilizers to grow. Its qualities are very much similar to cotton, being soft, durable, and breathable. The hats made out of organic cotton are good for the skin because of its hypoallergenic ability.
Hemp
Hemp is considered one of the most biodegradable fibers cultivated for ages. It needs no fertilizers or pesticides to grow and also asks for little attention. Due to its ability to be lightweight and breathable, many fashion brands have embraced it for its exceptional ability which makes it a great fit to use for making hats, bottoms, bags, and other such accessories.
Jute
Jute is less prone to get affected by pests because of which it doesn’t require a lot of chemicals to put in. Also, jute can be shaped in whatever way a person has to mold. It is strong, durable, and stays intact with its shape.
Organic wool
It is one of the best options for those seeking cruelty-free fiber. In the process of making organic wool, organic sheep are being reared and sheltered and are free to adopt their natural behavior. Also, the manufacturing of the wool is strictly prohibited to go through toxic treatment ensuring sustainability practices.
Linen
Linen is the least environmentally damaging fiber which is deprived of flax plants. They are renewable resources that are fast growing and require no chemicals. Moreover, it requires less water to grow in comparison to cotton. If discarded, it can decompose within weeks ensuring no residue is left.
Bamboo
Bamboo too is fast growing and needs no heed to keep it growing. Cultivating on its own, bamboo thrives without using any chemicals which minimizes environmental degradation. Also, it is non-absorbent which lets the sweat dry quickly. This moisture-wicking ability makes it best to wear bamboo hats in humid climates or hot weather.
The above fabrics are not just great for minimizing the environmental impact but are also biodegradable. Even their manufacturing uses less energy, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. The above-mentioned fibers can not only be used to make accessories like hats but can elevate the charm of the attire it is worn with for its versatility.
Other eco-friendly options
Recycled polyester: Commonly used in the fashion industry, recycled polyester is simply manufacturing PET bottles into fine thread. This process not only minimizes waste but also reduces the energy consumption. Though it is not biodegradable it minimizes waste, uses less energy, and offers competitive pricing which makes it an overall great option to choose.
Upcycled materials: While manufacturing fabric, a lot of cloth pieces are being scraped. Accumulating them and transforming all the discarded materials into new ones is upcycling. Using such scraps can be easily repurposed to make hats which makes it a great eco-friendly option.
Why should we care?
A valid question: why should we care about choosing eco-friendly hats? We should because nature is ours. Choosing an eco-friendly or sustainable hat might be a small step for one but it comes with great benefits and impacts ever made. Below, are discussed a few such innumerable benefits which can get by opting for eco-friendly options
Protect nature
The most obvious benefit is that it protects nature. Unlike synthetic materials which are non-biodegradable and often deprived of petroleum, natural fibers are sourced from trees. This means that sourcing and trashing it doesn’t degrade the environment in any way. Moreover, it also reduces carbon print which makes one practice sustainability at its core.
Breathable
Natural fibers are good when it comes to air circulation. It works wonders in keeping the head cool making it breathable. They are ideal to wear during summer by keeping the head sweat-free and out of wetness.
Saves money
Using eco-friendly hats made of natural fibers might look like an expensive option but it actually saves money. This is because such fibers are usually durable in nature which helps in saving money for the longer run.
Beneficial for sensitive skin
Usually people with sensitive skin are uncomfortable with wearing natural fibers as it can cause rashes or redness on skin. On the contrary, these challenges are unlikely to happen when using natural fibers as the processing of it doesn’t use chemicals.
Summing up,
This article has dived deeper to unlock the aspects of eco-friendly hats to a new level. From hemp to cotton, we have mentioned every such fabric that can become a preferred choice when it comes to sustainability. So say goodbye to synthetic and hello to natural fabrics and see how they bring you to a whole new world of charm!
Read our other blogs to know everything about hats, fabrics, and styles!
Yashvi Jain, a writer by day and reader by night, is an accomplished content writer and published author of ‘Mind Under Construction. Yashvi possesses extensive knowledge of fabrics, sustainability, and literature. On occasions, you would catch her scripting for her YouTube channel, engrossed in fiction, or ardently dedicating her time to research and storytelling.