When people talk about organics, generally they are referring to foods that have been grown without the aid of harmful chemicals. But organic products aren’t just limited to foods that you put into your body-what you choose put on your body can have an impact as well. Buying clothing and accessories that come from wholly organic and environmentally friendly sources can be an important part of doing your part to reduce the amount of chemicals released into the environment as well, both in the growing process and during manufacturing.

While organic clothing will likely always be a little pricier than its mass produced counterparts, that doesn’t mean that wearing it has to break the bank. Here are some tips and resources for buying clothes that both you and the earth will appreciate.

Quick Tips for Buying

These are some basic tips and guidelines to pay attention to when you make your next organic clothing purchase.

1. Learn what makes clothes "organic." A lot of things nowadays have an organic label slapped onto them for the purpose of enticing consumers to buy them rather than because they’re truly an organic product. Do a little research about the clothing you’re thinking of purchasing to make sure it truly is created using a more earth friendly process.
2. Look for certification. The Organic Trade Association has created a certifcation process for fiber processing and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements monitors and rates how cotton is grown worldwide. Look for approval from either of these groups or from other reputable organics organizations to ensure you’re getting the highest quality and most authentic organic clothing.
3. Buy clothes that require no dry cleaning. Perhaps the biggest impact clothes have on both the environment and your wallet is in the cleaning process. Clothes that allow cold washing and that can be line dried are the most environmentally friendly, while those requiring harmful chemicals to be cleaned should be avoided. If you’re going to take the trouble to buy organic, ensure that your clothes will stay that way.
4. Look for longevity. The best organic clothes you can buy are those that are durable enough to last you through several years of wear and classic enough not to go out of style before you’ve even broken them in. Many organic clothing manufacturers produce a large number of items that fit this bill and can help you get your money’s worth.
5. Sometimes compromise is OK. While organic fibers are ideal for many who would like to go green, sometimes a compromise of synthetic and organic fibers can help a garment to last much longer than it would otherwise, delaying its trip to the garbage. Additionally, some labor intensive processes that use bamboo and soy to create sythetic-like fibers can be a way to wear clothing that will eventually biodegrade while getting the look and feel of a synthetic.
6. Realize that more expensive doesn’t always equal better. Just like anything else, the most expensive organic clothing isn’t always going to be the highest quality or the best investment. Some manufacturers will use the organic label as an excuse to bump up the price without any real change in quality. Whether you’re buying in person or online, take a look at reviews of other customers or use your own judgement to choose fashions that will last longer and fit into your budget.
7. Learn about the fibers. A vareity of different kinds of plants are used to provide the raw materials for organic clothing. These can include hemp, bamboo, cotton, modal and linen. Some companies even create a more environmentally friendly type of silk. Each has its own pros and cons, so read up before you make your purchase.

Guides and Articles

If you’re looking for some additional guidance on buying an organic wardrobe, check out these articles.

8. Green Basics: Organic Cotton: Learn all there is to know about organic cotton including how and where it’s grown, harvested and manufactured as well as a few reasons why you might want to add it to your wardrobe.
9. How to Green Your Wardrobe: Get the facts, figures and basics on how to make every part of your wardrobe a little more earth-friendly with this informative and comprehensive guide from Treehugger.
10. Organic Clothing Blog: Here you can read about how to green up your wardrobe for everything from a walk down the aisle to a hike in the woods. Articles focus on eco-fashion and the use of hemp, bamboo and organic cotton.
11. Guide to Modern Organic Clothing and Fabrics: Get the lowdown on the makers and materials involved in organic clothing. You’ll learn what to look for and where you can get the best deals.
12. How to Buy Earth Friendly Sustainable Clothing: This guide from eBay will give you the basics of organic clothing as well as provide some guidance on what you should look for when you’re shopping.
13. How Organic Clothing Works: Interested in how organic clothing is produced, manufactured and sold? You’ll find the answers from How Stuff Works and get to know why you should wear organic clothing as well as a few places to go for more information.
14. Organic Clothing Not Just For Hippies Anymore: This article from MSNBC outlines the organic clothing movement and gives you some suggestions on where you can shop for the hottest organic fashions.

Online Organic Clothing Stores

You don’t even have to leave your house to get deals on organic clothing. Check out these online stores for earth-friendly options.

15. Better for Babies: Babies have soft, delicate skin and the chemicals used in clothing manufacture can sometimes irritate their skin. This online retailer sells a wide variety of products that are totally organic, practical and not outrageously priced.
16. Loomstate: Loomstate specializes in designer organic clothing that is modeled after classic casual wear. The New York based company works to ensure that every stage of the design and creation process is fully organic so you’ll not only look stylish in their designs, but will feel great about helping the environment as well.
17. Beklina: Find adorable and eco-friendly organic clothing from this online women’s clothing boutique that specializes in green designs and materials.
18. Coco’s Shoppe: This online retailer sells a wide vareity of organic clothing brands in styles that are so fashion forward you’d never even think they were organic.
19. The Green Loop: This site is a one stop shop for men or women looking to buy organic clothing. Dozens of organic brands are listed and visitors can find everything from t-shirts to sunglasses that are earth friendly and fashionable.
20. Kaight: Women looking to stay on the cutting edge of trends while still looking out for the environment can do both with this upscale New York company. Like any other designer brand, the clothes aren’t on the cheap side, but if you want to look your best and stay green they can be a great investment.
21. Panda Snack: While other brands may focus on materials like cotton and hemp, Panda Snack is all about the organic bamboo. Both men and women can find casual and dressy fashions that fit their needs and their budget
22. howies: This British company sells organic clothing for men, women and children and provides great casual options that not only make a statement fashion-wise, but environmentally as well.
23. Janano: Whether you’re looking for environmentally friendly cashmere or a simple organic cotton t-shirt, this shop has what you need. With both men’s, women’s and baby fashions, you’re bound to find something that fits your budget and your style.
24. Rawganique: This shop specilializes in selling organic hemp clothing in styles that will fit every lifestyle. They also carry a full line of organic linens and cottons as well.
25. Earth Speaks: Find organic hemp clothing on this site in designer styles. From flirty skirts to winter coats, all products are completely organic.

While it’s unlikely that your wardrobe will ever be completely organic, you can begin making a few steps towards reducing the pollution that mainstream clothing produces through farming and manufacture. Some studies have shown that for each organic t-shirt you buy, 4 ounces of chemicals are prevented from entering the environment. It may not seem like much, but every little bit helps!

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