Top 19 'Bio-Fabric-Pioneering' Sustainable Brands to explore for a Post-Polyester Wardrobe in 2025
The closet of the future is growing, not woven from fossil fuels. For decades, our wardrobes have been dominated by polyester, nylon, and acrylic—fabrics derived from petroleum. They’re cheap, durable, and versatile, but they come at a steep environmental cost, from microplastic pollution in our oceans to a heavy reliance on a finite resource. It’s time for a conscious uncoupling.
Welcome to the dawn of the "post-polyester wardrobe." This isn't about throwing everything out and starting from scratch. It's a mindful shift towards materials that work with nature, not against it. We're talking about bio-fabrics: innovative textiles derived from plants, algae, fungi, and even fruit waste. These materials are pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be—luxurious, high-performing, and truly sustainable.
As we look towards 2025, the landscape of sustainable fashion is more exciting than ever. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that the most stylish choice is a conscious one. To help you navigate this green revolution, we’ve curated a list of 19 pioneering brands that are crafting the future of fashion from the ground up. Get ready to explore a wardrobe that feels good on your skin and even better for the planet.
1. Pangaia
Pangaia isn't just a clothing brand; it's a materials science company with a mission to "design a better future." Their collections of vibrant, minimalist loungewear are a Trojan horse for some of the most advanced bio-fabrics on the market. They are radically transparent about their processes, treating each garment like a science experiment for a healthier planet.
They use a breathtaking array of innovations. Their signature C-FIBER™ blends eucalyptus pulp and seaweed powder for a silky-soft, water-saving fabric. For warmth without the cruelty, they developed FLWRDWN™, a down-fill alternative made from dried wildflowers. This is the brand to watch for a glimpse into what mainstream fashion could look like in ten years.
- Explore This: Start with their iconic 365 Hoodie. It’s a cult favorite for a reason, offering supreme comfort and a a vibrant color palette, all while being a conversation starter about material innovation.
2. Stella McCartney
A lifelong vegetarian and sustainability advocate, Stella McCartney has been pioneering luxury vegan fashion since before it was trending. She has never used leather, fur, or feathers in her collections and continually pushes the industry to find better alternatives. Her commitment proves that high fashion and high ethics are not mutually exclusive.
McCartney’s most groundbreaking collaboration is with Bolt Threads on Mylo™, an unbelievable "un-leather" grown from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. It looks and feels remarkably like animal leather but is created in a lab with a fraction of the environmental impact. She was the first to send a Mylo™ garment down the runway and create a commercially available Mylo™ bag.
- Explore This: While a Mylo™ bag is an investment piece, explore her collections for ready-to-wear made from forest-friendly viscose, organic cotton, and regenerated cashmere.
3. Allbirds
You probably know Allbirds for their impossibly comfortable wool runners, but their innovation extends deep into the plant kingdom. Their core philosophy is using nature's genius to create simple, beautiful footwear and apparel. They are B Corp certified and transparent about the carbon footprint of every single product.
Their hero bio-fabric is a textile spun from FSC-certified eucalyptus tree fiber, which they use in their Tree Dasher running shoes and breezy apparel line. It's light, breathable, and uses 95% less water than traditional cotton. They also developed SweetFoam® for their shoe soles, a carbon-negative green EVA derived from sugarcane.
- Explore This: The Tree Runners are a perfect entry point. They’re versatile, machine-washable, and showcase the cooling comfort of eucalyptus fiber, making them ideal for travel or daily wear.
4. Patagonia
The original authority on ethical outdoor gear, Patagonia has built its empire on creating durable products designed to be repaired, not replaced. While they are leaders in using recycled polyester, their commitment to bio-fabrics is equally impressive and sets the standard for the entire performance-wear industry.
For years, they’ve championed the use of organic cotton and industrial hemp, a durable, breathable fiber that requires minimal water and no pesticides. More recently, they developed Yulex®, a natural rubber derived from FSC-certified sources, as a replacement for petroleum-based neoprene in their wetsuits, dramatically reducing CO2 emissions.
- Explore This: For surfers, a Yulex® wetsuit is a game-changer. For everyday wear, check out their hemp-blend workwear and pants, which are notoriously tough yet soften beautifully with age.
5. Outerknown
Co-founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown infuses a laid-back, coastal aesthetic with a radical commitment to sustainability. They are one of the few brands to be Fair Labor Association accredited, ensuring their entire supply chain is ethical. Their goal is to prove that you don't have to sacrifice style for responsibility.
While famous for their S.E.A. JEANS and use of ECONYL® regenerated nylon, Outerknown is also a huge proponent of bio-fabrics. Their collection is rich with organic cotton and rugged hemp, which they blend into everything from their famous Blanket Shirts to durable chore coats.
- Explore This: The Blanket Shirt is their hero product. It's ridiculously soft, versatile, and made from 100% organic cotton. It’s the kind of piece you’ll own and love for a decade.
6. Veja
The French brand Veja has become synonymous with the "cool-girl" sustainable sneaker. Their minimalist "V" logo is a subtle signal of conscious consumerism. From the start, they’ve focused on transparency, fair trade, and mixing ecological materials to create a product that is as ethical as it is stylish.
Veja’s material sourcing is a masterclass in bio-innovation. They purchase wild rubber directly from seringueiro communities in the Amazonian rainforest at a premium price, helping to combat deforestation. They’ve also developed C.W.L., a vegan leather alternative made from a cotton canvas coated with a polymer derived from corn waste.
- Explore This: The V-10 C.W.L. is a classic model that showcases their innovative corn-based material. It’s a stylish, versatile sneaker that goes with everything from dresses to jeans.
7. Mara Hoffman
For those who love bold colors, elegant silhouettes, and impeccable tailoring, Mara Hoffman is proof that sustainable fashion can be high art. After a personal awakening about the industry's impact, she completely transformed her brand to prioritize responsible practices, from material sourcing to packaging.
Her collections are a beautiful showcase for plant-based luxury fabrics. She heavily features TENCEL™ Lyocell (from eucalyptus) and TENCEL™ Luxe for their fluid drape and silky feel. She also incorporates organic cotton, linen, and hemp, choosing fabrics based on their beauty, feel, and environmental credentials.
- Explore This: Invest in one of her stunning TENCEL™ dresses. The fabric’s graceful movement and rich color saturation are on full display, making it perfect for a wedding or special event.
8. tentree
The premise of tentree is simple and powerful: for every item purchased, they plant ten trees. This Canadian brand has built a global movement around accessible, comfortable, and Earth-first apparel. As a certified B Corp, their commitment to the planet is baked into their entire business model.
Their product line is a textbook example of great bio-fabrics. You'll find super-soft basics made from TENCEL™ Lyocell, durable staples crafted from hemp, and cozy essentials from organic cotton. Their designs are clean and nature-inspired, perfect for everyday adventures.
- Explore This: Their Destination Hoodies are incredibly popular. Made from a blend of organic cotton and recycled materials, they are a cozy way to support reforestation.
9. Jungmaven
If you think of hemp as a rough, scratchy material, Jungmaven is here to change your mind. Founded by Robert Jungmann, who has been advocating for hemp since the 90s, this brand is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and potential of this miracle crop. Hemp regenerates the soil, requires little water, and creates a uniquely durable textile.
Jungmaven’s core product is the perfect t-shirt, available in various hemp blends that range from a sturdy 100% hemp feel to a softer hemp/organic cotton mix. The quality is exceptional, creating timeless basics that are designed to be worn, loved, and passed down. The fabric gets softer and more comfortable with every wash.
- Explore This: A Jungmaven tee is a wardrobe non-negotiable. Start with their 55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton blend for a perfect balance of softness and durability.
10. Boody
Boody is built on the promise of everyday essentials that are "good for you and our planet." They specialize in creating incredibly soft basics, activewear, and underwear from one primary material: organically grown bamboo.
Their signature bamboo viscose fabric is thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. The bamboo is grown without pesticides or fertilizers and is processed in a closed-loop system where water is recycled and reused. The result is clothing that feels like a second skin.
- Explore This: Upgrade your underwear drawer with their bamboo basics. Once you experience the softness and breathability, it’s hard to go back to regular cotton.
11. Amour Vert
With a name that translates to "Green Love," Amour Vert combines Parisian chic with a deep commitment to sustainability. Their philosophy is built on a zero-waste mindset and a partnership with American Forests—for every tee you buy, they plant a tree.
The brand is renowned for its use of TENCEL™ Modal, a fiber made from sustainably harvested beechwood trees. This fabric is incredibly soft and drapes beautifully, making it perfect for their signature effortless tops and dresses. They also utilize mulberry silk (which is biodegradable and uses less water than cotton) and organic cotton.
- Explore This: Their striped tees made from TENCEL™ Modal are a wardrobe staple. They offer a classic Breton stripe with an ethical, luxuriously soft twist.
12. Frank And Oak
This Canadian B Corp is a one-stop-shop for stylish, sustainable menswear and womenswear. Frank And Oak is driven by innovation, constantly experimenting with new low-impact materials and circular business models, like their in-store recycling program.
Their material library is fascinating. They use SeaCell™, a fiber derived from seaweed and wood pulp that is rich in antioxidants. You'll also find kapok, a silky fiber from the ceiba tree that is naturally buoyant and water-resistant, blended with cotton for their flannels. Of course, hemp, linen, and TENCEL™ are also staples.
- Explore This: Check out their SeaCell™ t-shirts. They are soft, lightweight, and offer the unique skin-caring benefits of seaweed.
13. Thought
Based in the UK, Thought creates easy-to-wear, timeless pieces with a focus on natural and sustainable fabrics. Their motto is "Wear Me, Love Me, Mend Me, Pass Me On," encouraging a slower, more considered approach to fashion consumption.
Their collections are a celebration of bio-fabrics. They are masters of bamboo, using it to create incredibly soft socks, leggings, and tops. They also have a deep love for hemp and organic cotton, crafting them into beautiful dresses, trousers, and knitwear with unique, artistic prints.
- Explore This: Their bamboo socks are legendary. They come in fun, creative patterns and are a small, affordable way to bring the comfort of bio-fabrics into your daily life.
14. Nae Vegan Shoes
"Nae" stands for "No Animal Exploitation," and this Portuguese footwear brand lives up to its name. Nae Vegan Shoes is on a mission to offer stylish, high-quality, and completely animal-free alternatives for men and women, pushing the boundaries of what vegan leather can be.
They are one of the most prominent users of Piñatex®, a natural leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fiber waste. This creates a durable, breathable, and unique-looking material. They also use cork, recycled PET, and other innovative vegan materials to craft their stylish boots, sneakers, and sandals.
- Explore This: A pair of boots or sneakers made from Piñatex® is a fantastic statement piece. The material has a distinctive texture that is both beautiful and a great story.
15. Vitamin A
Sustainable swimwear might seem like a niche dominated by recycled synthetics, but Vitamin A proves that plant-based materials have a place by the water, too. Founder Amahlia Stevens designs chic, minimalist swimwear and apparel with a deep commitment to female empowerment and environmental protection.
While their core swimwear uses recycled nylon, their resort wear collection is a treasure trove of bio-fabrics. They use organic linen, TENCEL™, and even a unique BioSculpt material made from plant-based fibers. This focus on après-swim pieces makes them a holistic sustainable vacation brand.
- Explore This: Their linen cover-ups and wide-leg pants are the epitome of effortless beach elegance. They are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for throwing on over a swimsuit.
16. Alternative Apparel
The name says it all. Alternative Apparel offers a sustainable alternative to conventional basics. Their focus is on creating the softest, most comfortable wardrobe staples—tees, hoodies, and joggers—using eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing.
Their catalog is full of bio-fabric blends designed for ultimate comfort. They are heavy users of TENCEL™ Modal, which gives their garments a signature silky softness and beautiful drape. They also use organic cotton and hemp blends, always prioritizing feel and fit.
- Explore This: Their Modal-blend tops and loungewear are a must-try. They feel incredibly luxurious against the skin and are perfect for creating a polished yet comfortable weekend look.
17. prAna
Born from a love of yoga and climbing, prAna designs clothing for positive change. They create versatile, durable apparel for active lifestyles, with a deep-rooted commitment to fair trade and sustainability that has been part of their DNA from the beginning.
prAna has been a long-time champion of hemp. They blend it with other materials to create activewear that is breathable, odor-resistant, and incredibly resilient. They are also major users of TENCEL™ Modal and Lyocell, bringing their sustainable softness to everything from travel dresses to everyday tops.
- Explore This: Try their Halle Pant II, a fan-favorite for hiking and travel, or explore their hemp-blend yoga tops for a breathable, durable practice session.
18. Boyish Jeans
Denim is one of fashion's thirstiest industries, but Boyish Jeans is rewriting the rules. This women's denim brand focuses on vintage silhouettes, a super-soft feel, and a radically sustainable production process that uses one-third the amount of water as traditional denim manufacturing.
Their secret weapon is TENCEL™ Lyocell. They blend this plant-based fiber with cotton to create jeans that are not only better for the planet but also have a soft, comfortable feel from the very first wear—no breaking-in period required. All their cotton is either organic or recycled.
- Explore This: Pick any of their vintage-inspired styles, like The Ziggy or The Billy. You'll get a timeless look with a modern, sustainable edge and unparalleled comfort.
19. Harvest & Mill
For the ultimate purist, Harvest & Mill offers radical transparency. This brand produces 100% of its clothing in the USA, from the organically grown cotton to the sewing of the final garment. They create simple, dye-free basics that celebrate the natural beauty of the materials themselves.
Their primary material is USA-grown organic cotton, including heirloom varieties that naturally grow in shades of brown and green, eliminating the need for dyes altogether. This focus on a clean, local, and non-toxic supply chain is what makes them truly pioneering. This is slow fashion at its finest.
- Explore This: A pack of their undyed organic cotton t-shirts or socks is the foundation of a truly clean wardrobe. It’s a connection to the material in its purest form.
Your Wardrobe, Reimagined
Stepping into a post-polyester wardrobe is an exciting journey, not an overnight switch. It's about being curious, asking questions, and falling in love with fabrics that tell a story of innovation and respect for our planet. As my friend and mentor Goh Ling Yong often says, progress is made one conscious choice at a time. By supporting these 19 brands—and the many others like them—you're not just buying clothes; you're investing in a healthier, more beautiful future.
Start small. The next time you need a t-shirt, consider one made from hemp or organic cotton. When you’re looking for a special occasion dress, feel the beautiful drape of TENCEL™. Every choice is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. Which of these brands are you most excited to explore? Do you have a favorite bio-fabric brand that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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