From Cotton to Cactus: Exploring the Best Sustainable Fashion Materials

6 May

A Conscious Designer’s Guide to Eco-Friendly Textiles

Sustainability in fashion isn’t just a goal—it’s a daily decision. At Marcí, we believe that what we wear should reflect what we stand for. That’s why I’ve spent the past years researching and exploring materials with purpose, care, and curiosity. In this piece, I’m sharing some of that research: the sustainable fabrics I’ve learned about, and why they continue to inspire me.

Why materials matter

Every fabric tells a story. I’ve always been drawn to materials not just for their texture or look, but for what they represent. Our relationship with textiles can be transformative when we understand their origins, their life cycles, and the possibilities they open up for a better industry.

Organic vs Recycled Cotton

Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which protects ecosystems and the farmers who cultivate it. I’ve found it to be one of the most accessible starting points for sustainable fashion, offering softness and breathability with a significantly lower impact. Recycled cotton, meanwhile, is a fascinating solution—repurposing pre- and post-consumer waste into new yarns. It uses less water and energy, though its strength and finish can vary depending on the source. Both have their place, and exploring their differences has taught me that even familiar fibres carry complex stories.

Tencel™ Lyocell

Tencel was one of the first materials that truly caught my attention in the early stages of building Marcí. It’s made from sustainably harvested wood pulp and produced in a closed-loop system that recycles nearly all water and solvents. The result is a fabric that’s soft, durable, and elegant—one we’ve used in various garments with great results. I continue to be impressed by its versatility and low-impact production.

Innovative Plant-Based Alternatives

Lately, I’ve been diving into the world of next-gen textiles—bio-based materials that offer creative and sustainable alternatives to leather and synthetics.

Piñatex® (Pineapple Leather): This one holds a special place in my journey, as it was part of our very first capsule collection. Derived from pineapple leaf fibres, it’s biodegradable and requires no additional land or water. I love its raw texture and the idea of waste transformed into something beautiful.
Vegea: A material made from grape skins and seeds left over from wine production. I haven’t worked with it directly, but I admire its circularity. Turning food industry waste into soft, leather-like textiles feels like a glimpse into the future.
Desserto® (Cactus Leather): Made from nopal cactus, this one’s grown with minimal water and no pesticides. I’m intrigued by its softness and resilience, and look forward to experimenting with it in the future.

What’s next?

My material research is always evolving. I’m curious about algae-based yarns, banana fibre textiles, and the blend of digital innovation with natural processes. I believe that transparency and storytelling are just as important as the fabrics themselves. It’s not just about what we wear, but how and why we choose it.

A message from Jill

Textiles aren’t just raw materials. They’re personal. They’re emotional. They carry stories, legacies, and dreams.

Whether it’s the structured feel of pineapple leather or the fluid drape of Tencel, every fibre I study connects back to a bigger mission: to help fashion move forward—slowly, consciously, and creatively.

Thanks for being on this journey with me.

If you’re exploring sustainable materials for your own collection—or simply want to dive deeper into the world of conscious fashion—I’d love to connect. Reach out for a chat, explore our consulting services, or join the conversation on Instagram.