How to Source Sustainable Materials and What to Look For in 2026

Sustainable Materials

Hello, my Conscious Fashion Friend! Thank you for your interest in sustainable sourcing. Beginning a new product or collection with sustainable materials at its core will steer the development of your work.

Choosing materials isn't just a design decision—it reflects your brand's values. In conscious fashion, sourcing is where intention meets action. Every fiber, finish, and fabric choice has an impact. That's why understanding your materials' origins, processing methods, and environmental implications is essential to building an ethical brand.

Whether you're just starting your sourcing journey or refining your current process, this guide will walk you through what to prioritize and how to make smarter, values-aligned choices.

🌱 Start with Your Brand Values

Understanding your brand values is not just a step; it's a powerful tool that empowers you to make conscious decisions. Before touching a swatch, ask yourself: What do we stand for?

• Do you prioritize organic or regenerative agriculture?

• Are you committed to biodegradability and end-of-life impact?

• Is fair labor in your supply chain non-negotiable?

• Do you want to reduce water use, carbon emissions, or chemical runoff?

  
  

Your brand values serve as a reliable guide, a north star, that directs every sourcing decision. You can even turn this into a checklist that helps filter your choices quickly and consistently.

Tool to Try:

Use our Know Your Why Worksheet to clarify your sustainability pillars before sourcing.

🧵 Research Your Options

There are more sustainable options than ever, but navigating them can be overwhelming. Start by exploring a mix of traditional and next-gen sourcing methods:

• Attend textile shows like Première Vision or Future Fabrics Expo to see and touch innovations.

• Search online platforms such as:

  • Common Objective (CO)

  • Queen of Raw (deadstock and excess fabric)

  • FabricSight (sustainable sourcing with digital tools)

• Always ask for certifications like:

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

  • OEKO-TEX® (tested for harmful substances)

  • Fair Trade Certified

  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) or GRS (Global Recycle Standard)

    

    Spools of Thread

🔍 Consider the Full Supply Chain

Sustainability doesn't stop at the surface.

Ask deeper questions:

• Where was the fiber grown?

• How was it processed, dyed, and finished?

• What's the carbon footprint of shipping?

• Who made it—and were they paid fairly?

  
  

You don't need perfection—but you do need transparency. It's a key that unlocks security and builds relationships. Push for details and build relationships with suppliers who are willing to share.

🤝 Partner with the Right Suppliers

Good suppliers are more than vendors—they collaborate in your mission.

Look for suppliers who:

• Are you willing to have conversations about your values and goals

• Offer traceability reports or audit documents

• Can scale with your production needs

• Show flexibility for small MOQ (Minimum Order Quantities) or sampling

  
  

Start small, test materials, and document your findings. Over time, build a sourcing directory you can return to as you grow.

🧾 Document & Communicate Your Choices

Keep detailed notes about every material you use—fiber content, source, certifications, and treatment processes. This documentation is essential for both internal clarity and external trust.

Pro tip: Use this information in your marketing to show consumers you're walking your talk. Share behind-the-scenes photos, origin stories, and impact stats.

Transparency isn't about perfection—it's about progress and honesty.

📘 Conclusion: Build Your Sustainable Sourcing Library

Sourcing consciously doesn't mean sacrificing creativity. In fact, it opens up a whole new world of innovative materials, thoughtful partnerships, and meaningful storytelling.

Ready to get started?

👉 Download our FREE Sustainable Sourcing Guide for ifd Insiders  to build your conscious material library.

🌿 Sustainable Sourcing Guide — What You’ll Gain

• Source responsibly and confidently—without overwhelm or greenwashing

• Make smarter choices around materials, certifications & ethical production

• Vet suppliers with clarity using proven questions + red-flag indicators

• Discover low-MOQ sourcing options that actually work for small brands

• Take the next step with templates, tools & continued support inside Inside Fashion Design

  
  

Designed to help you build a supply chain that aligns with your values and supports a profitable, sustainable business. Find the guide inside our community platform under RESOURCES/FABRIC GUIDE

Free sourcing Guide

Thanks for reading today! What resources are you looking for? Let us know in the comments!