Exploring Sustainable Fashion Resources

Did you know there’s a free, public database that helps designers, students, and consumers understand which fabrics are sustainable? It’s called the Materials Index on the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) website, and it’s a treasure trove of information for anyone curious about making better sourcing decisions. From natural fibers to innovative alternatives, the index breaks down material impacts in clear, practical ways.

Rather than just posting another reminder on Earth Day, I think these kinds of tools are the resources we should be highlighting year-round. If you’re interested in the future of fashion and its role in building a sustainable world, this is a great place to start.

Corporate Sustainability in Action

It’s not just small startups experimenting with sustainability—major fashion and retail brands are also publishing transparent sustainability reports. These reports show not only where companies stand today but also how they plan to improve in the future.

For example:

• Ralph Lauren outlines commitments around circularity, water stewardship, and climate targets.

• Levi Strauss & Co. provides detailed information on resource-saving techniques like water<less® finishing and their supply chain commitments.

• Nordstrom set a goal to reach 90% renewable energy by 2020 and continues to update its progress on climate, waste, and product responsibility.

Reports like these act as roadmaps. They create accountability for large brands while providing inspiration for emerging designers and other businesses to follow suit.

REDxRB fashion show - NYFW 2021 - Image by Jessica Daniels

The Role of Small Designers & Slow Fashion

While major corporations set high-level sustainability goals, some of the most meaningful changes are happening at the independent designer level. Small brands often lead with creativity, transparency, and a deep connection to the slow fashion movement—a philosophy that values quality, longevity, and thoughtful production over mass manufacturing.

When making material selections, independent designers and consumers alike can consider:

• Origin & Sourcing – Where was the fiber grown or produced? Is it traceable?

• Environmental Impact – How much water, land, and energy are required to produce it?

• Durability & Longevity – Does the fabric hold up over time, encouraging fewer purchases and less waste?

• End-of-Life – Can the fabric be recycled, repurposed, or returned to the earth without harm?

This is where artistry meets responsibility. Every stitch becomes part of a bigger story about how we value the earth and the people who create our clothes.

A great example is REDxRB, a demi-couture brand that embraces slow fashion by crafting one-of-a-kind garments with bold expression and sustainable intention. Instead of chasing trends, REDxRB focuses on joyful design, responsible craftsmanship, and community connection, proving that sustainability and style can thrive together.

10 Sustainable Fashion Resources to Explore

If you’d like to dive deeper, here are ten reliable and sustainable fashion resources that support better decisions in fashion and textiles:

1. CFDA Materials Index – Comprehensive database of fabric impacts.

2. Fashion Revolution – Global movement advocating for transparency in fashion.

3. Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) – Tools and standards like the Higg Index.

4. Textile Exchange – Nonprofit focused on preferred fibers and materials.

5. Good On You – App and website rating fashion brands on sustainability.

6. Common Objective (CO) – Platform connecting sustainable fashion businesses.

7. Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Fashion Initiative – Leading research on circular fashion systems.

8. Clean Clothes Campaign – Advocacy for labor rights and supply chain ethics.

9. Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 – Certification system for safe, sustainable textiles.

10. Global Fashion Agenda – Industry leadership forum for sustainability in fashion.

These organizations, databases, and initiatives provide practical tools, research, and accountability frameworks to help both consumers and creators make more responsible choices.

Why This Matters

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a global opportunity. When large corporations set ambitious targets and smaller brands innovate with new materials, the fashion industry as a whole takes steps toward reducing its environmental footprint.

Whether you’re a consumer choosing where to shop, a designer deciding what fabrics to use, or simply someone who cares about the planet, these resources empower all of us to make more informed choices.

If we collectively support these efforts—by asking questions, holding companies accountable, and celebrating progress—we can make a measurable impact. Fashion has always shaped culture. Now it has the chance to help shape a sustainable future.

Thanks for reading—and if you know of other useful sustainability resources, I’d love to hear about them.