Myth #1: Organic clothing is too expensive

Eco-friendly clothing has come a long way in recent years, and today’s consumers are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting garments that fit their style and budget. There are quite a few eco-friendly brands that are moderately priced. A couple of great options that won’t break the bank are Toggery by Kate D’Arcy and Mata Traders. Toggery offers an impressive selection of tank tops, blouses, dresses, leggings, scarves and more for as low as $29. Mata Traders specializes in fair trade fashion, incorporating fabrics such as organic cotton and recycled silk. Their unique, boho chic designs start in the $30-$40 range.

Myth #2: Organic clothing is unattractive

A common misconception that persists, despite all the advances in the eco-fashion industry, is that these garments are simply not stylish. Bland, boring, ill-fitting, baggy, boxy, scruffy, these are some of the unfortunate associations some people continue to make with eco-friendly clothing. At one time, perhaps this was true, but fast forward to the second decade of the 21st century, and eco-fashion gets an A+ for trend-setting style. Eco boutiques around the world now offer a fabulous selection of beautiful colors, unique patterns, creative designs, and elegant, form-fitting pieces.

Myth #3: Buying eco-friendly clothes won’t help our planet

So eco-friendly clothing looks great and is often reasonably priced, but will it really make a difference in the fight against pollution, poverty, and other major issues plaguing our planet? Absolutely! Be patient though, it may take some time. Buying your first pair of organic jeans is not going to instantly reverse global warming. However, every green purchase consumers make is like a vote for the green movement and helps support companies that engage in green and socially responsible business practices.

Different types of eco-friendly clothing can help in different ways. Buying organic cotton clothing, for example, helps our planet because it supports a way of producing cotton that doesn’t pollute the world with harmful pesticides, insecticides, and synthetic chemicals.

Conventionally grown cotton covers only 2.5% of the Earth’s cultivated land, but uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the world’s pesticides (Organic Trade Association). That’s a sobering stat, especially in conjunction with the following. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 3 million people are poisoned by pesticides each year and between 20,000 and 40,000 more die. The Environmental Protection Agency considers 7 of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in the US to be “possible”, “probable”, “probable”, or “known” to cause cancer in humans. Buying organically produced clothing helps because you support an industry that protects our planet and its people from these destructive chemicals.

Sustainable clothing is another type of eco-friendly clothing that is made with an emphasis on using resources that are easily renewable. Clothing made from hemp fabric is a great example. Hemp grows at a fast rate, doesn’t require pesticides, and actually enriches the soil instead of depleting it.

Shoppers also help when they buy clothing that has been fair traded. Fair trade means that the workers who produced the product were paid a fair wage and worked in humane conditions. Too often, especially in countries outside the US, workers are not fairly compensated and live in extreme poverty. When consumers buy fair trade products, they are handing over their business to companies that support the human rights of workers.

Myth #4 – The quality of organic clothing is the same as that of conventional clothing

On the contrary, the quality of organic clothing is superior. For example, organic cotton clothing is stronger than clothing made from conventional cotton because it hasn’t been treated with pesticides or harsh chemicals, such as bleach. When clothing is chemically treated, it leads to a weakening of the fabric. For these same reasons, organically grown cotton fabric is softer to the touch and allows for greater breathability.

Hemp is another favorite when it comes to exceptional quality. Hemp is several times stronger and more durable than cotton, and it grows very quickly without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.

Myth #5 – Organic clothing is hard to find

Eco clothing can be found in many places, consumers just need to know where to look. Big cities offer the most choice, with eco-boutiques popping up in trendy shopping districts across the United States, as well as in Europe, Australia, and Asia. Finding organic clothing online is also a great way to shop. Online shopping offers consumers a huge selection and the ability to easily compare prices and find the best deals.