Eco-Friendly T-Shirts: Your Sustainable Choice for Customization

By ShirtSpace | Aug 06, 2024 |  Updated Aug 15, 2024

Have you been curious about sustainable t-shirts? Or perhaps you’ve been on the eco-friendly wagon for quite some time, but are looking for some new styles and brands to try out. You’ve come to the right place, since we have compiled our top picks for the best eco-friendly t-shirts.

Hero image shirts pictured from Allmade

Best Sustainable Shirts for Eco-Friendly Custom Apparel

Whether you are searching for the most stylish eco-friendly tee, or a great budget-friendly option, we have just what you need. But first – let’s discuss what makes a t-shirt sustainably made and the different options available when it comes to materials and dyes. 

The Importance of Eco-Friendly T-Shirts

Shirt pictured: econscious EC100 in the color “beehive”.
 

Eco-friendly is the future! Or at least it looks that way, with consumers become increasingly aware of the better apparel options available to help preserve our environment. Farming of organic cotton and sourcing of recycled materials are becoming commonly used by eco-conscious brands, with business processes straying away from use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, utilization of less water, and a reduction in waste. These practices result in a decreased carbon footprint and prevention of soil degradation. 

Beyond resource management and sustainable operations, eco-friendly apparel brands typically adhere to fair trade principles, so that the workers are paid a fair wage and comfortable working conditions. The combination of environmental and social impacts that sustainable clothing brands make results in products that shoppers can feel good about investing in, as it matches their own personal set of values.

What Makes a T-Shirt Eco-Friendly?

Sources and materials used to make sustainable apparel.
Top left: Organic cotton from Allmade apparel’s manufacturing facility in Honduras
Top right: Plastic water bottles used for rPet polyester
Bottom left: Plants, fruits and vegetables used as natural fabric dyes
Bottom right: A beech tree, which is used to make modal fabric. 
 

• Organic Cotton: This is cotton grown using non-GMO seeds that are not treated with pesticides or insecticides throughout the growing process. This lowers the crop's carbon footprint, makes the fiber completely hypoallergenic , and gives it the USDA organic stamp of approval. The cotton is then sold to be made into various products like sustainable t-shirts, socks, and underwear and other items such as coffee filters, packing materials, and more. 
   
• Recycled Polyester (rPet): Created from post-consumer plastic water bottles and other recycled materials. The process of creating this material includes collecting, sorting and then melting materials, which are then transformed into fibers. The fibers are then spun into yarn and then woven to create fabric. The environmental impact of creating recycled polyester fabric is two-fold in that it eliminates the need to use raw petroleum-based materials for manufacturing and keeps already existing plastic out of our ecosystems, whether that be land or waterways. Plus, you still enjoy the same amazing benefits of polyester fabric, such as durability, resistance to shrinkage, moisture-wicking properties and color retention. 
   
• Eco-Friendly Dyes: Often derived from natural sources, such as plants, minerals or insects – these dyes are designed to eliminate environmentally unfriendly chemicals that can sometimes be used to color clothing. Many of these sustainable dyes require less water and energy, and produce less harmful runoff. You won’t have to worry about heavy metals, formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals. It is totally possible to utilize natural dyes and still yield rich, vibrant and lasting colors. Eco-friendly dyes include:
  • Natural Dyes: Indigo, turmeric, henna, walnut hulls, pomegranate rinds, onion skins, beetroots, carrots, spinach, tea leaves, elderberries, black beans, saffron, marigold flowers, hibiscus flowers, chamomile, coffee grounds, goldenrod
  • Low-Impact Dyes: Fiber-reactive dyes, cold water dyes, plant-based dyes, water-based pigments
  • Non-Toxic Synthetic Dyes: Azo-free dyes, heavy metal-free dyes, formaldehyde-free dyes
  • Mineral-Based Dyes: Ochre, iron oxide, umber, graphite, cinnabar, azurite
     
• Modal: This semisynthetic fabric is created using fibers from beech tree pulp, making it a fantastic fabric in terms of sustainability. It’s created in a similar fashion to rayon, but uses less water and chemicals during processing, also resulting in less overall waste. Modal fabric is characterized as being drapey, breathable, moisture-wicking, and long-lasting due to its resistance to shrinking and fading. 

Criteria for Selecting the Best Eco-Friendly T-Shirts

When deciding which eco-friendly tee is the best one for you, you should ask yourself the following question: 

• What is most important to you when looking for environmentally friendly t-shirts?
   
  • Materials Used: Are you looking for 100% cotton for your sustainably sourced tee? Then ensuring you find an organic cotton t-shirt is probably the best. Some shirts may mention “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” in the product title, but only include a small percentage of organic or recycled materials, so be sure to read the product description, to ensure you are getting exactly what you are looking for.
     
  • Price Point: Sustainably made apparel often comes with a bit of a higher price tag, due to increased costs in materials and processing methods. This does not mean you can’t find affordable options, but do expect to pay a bit more for most Earth-friendly tees. A great budget-friendly option is the Threadfast Apparel’s 100A, described in more detail below.
     
  • Color Options: Eco-friendly apparel typically comes in fewer color options than conventionally dyed clothing, so sometimes you have to shop around between styles if you have a unique color in mind.
     
  • Environmental Impact: Opting for brands, such as Allmade and econscious, that make great strides in lowering their energy output or counteracting carbon emissions is an intelligent way to shop. This is because you can purchase any of these brands' products with the peace of mind of knowing that manufacturing is carried out using extremely energy-efficient processes. 
     
  • Compatibility With Chosen Decorating Method(s): Perhaps you would like to tie-dye, so you are looking for an organic 100% cotton shirt. Or maybe you would like to sublimation print, and need a light-colored shirt with enough polyester in the mix (see the Bella+Canvas 3001ECO in “white”). Embroiderers often opt-for heavyweight tees, making the Next Level 4600 which is featured below a top choice. These decorating methods will likely impact the shirt that you choose.   

Top Eco-Friendly T-Shirts for Customization

There are so many great blank t-shirts available, especially Earth-friendly tees. This makes it pretty difficult for us to select our favorites, but these also stand out for a reason! 

Allmade AL2004 Unisex Tri-Blend Tee

Shirts pictured clockwise: Allmade’s A2004 in the colors “white”, “aluminum gray”, “olive you green”, “enviro green”, “azure blue”, “rebel blue”, “space black”, “vino red” and “rise up red”. 
 

• Made from 50% recycled polyester, 25% organic ringspun cotton and 25% modal
• Uses an equivalent of up to 6 recycled plastic water bottles
• A C-FREE™ product
  • Carbon footprint neutralized through Carbonfree® certification, which purchases third-party, verified carbon offsets through Carbonfund.org

 

Allmade AL2015 Women's Relaxed Tri-Blend Scoop Neck Tee
 

Shirt pictured: Allmade’s AL2015 in the color “olive you green”.
 

• Made from 50% recycled polyester, 25% organic ringspun cotton and 25% modal
• Uses an equivalent of up to 6 recycled plastic water bottles
• Also known as the “unicorn tee” due to its unique and fashionable fit
• A C-FREE™ product
  • Carbon footprint neutralized through Carbonfree® certification, which purchases third-party, verified carbon offsets through Carbonfund.org
     

Bella+Canvas 3001ECO Unisex ECOmax T-Shirt

Shirt pictured: Bella+Canvas 3001ECO in the color “eco black”.
 

• Made from 65% recycled polyester and 35% recycled airlume combed and ringspun cotton scraps
• WRAP-certified and Fair Labor Accreditation (FLA Accredited)
• The “white” color option is perfect for sublimation printing
   

District DT8000 Re-Tee™

Shirt pictured: District DT8000 in “ruby red”.
 

• Made from 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled polyester
• “Light Heather Gray” color is a triblend: 54% recycled cotton/40% recycled polyester/6% recycled rayon
• A C-FREE ™ carbon-neutral product
• Companion Re-Tee™ t-shirts:
  • District DT8003 Re-Tee® Long Sleeve
  • District DT8001 Women's Re-Tee™ V-Neck
  • District DT8000Y Youth Re-Tee®
     

econscious EC1090 Unisex Committed CVC T-Shirt

Shirt pictured” econscious EC1090 in the color “picante heather”. 

 

• Made from 52% organically grown cotton and 48% recycled polyester
• Made in Mexico at a SEDEX SMETA audited facility

 

Kastlfel K2010 Unisex RecycledSoft™ T-Shirt

Shirt pictured: Kastlfel K2010 in the color “ice blue”.

 

• Made from 60% combed ringspun certified organic cotton and 40% certified recycled polyester
• Eco-enzyme finish
• Dyed with low impact OEKO-TEX® certified dyes
• Water-based pad printed neck label, with sustainability data
• Companion RecycledSoft™ t-shirts:
  • Kastlfel K2021 Women's RecycledSoft™ T-Shirt
  • Kastlfel K2015 Youth RecycledSoft™ T-Shirt
  • Kastlfel K2016 RecycledSoft™ Long Sleeve T-Shirt
  • Kastlfel K2011 Women's RecycledSoft™ V-Neck T-Shirt
  • Kastlfel K4022 Unisex RecycledSoft™ Hooded Long Sleeve T-Shirt
     

Next Level 4600 Unisex Eco Heavyweight T-Shirt

Shirts pictured: Next Level 4600 in the colors “royal pine” (closeout) and “heather pacific”. 
 

• Made from 60% organic cotton and 40% recycled RPET polyester
• Zero dye
• Zero water usage
• Perfect for embroidery

 

SoftShirts SS400 Organic T-Shirt

Shirt pictured: SoftShirts SS400 in the color “graphite”. 

 

• Made from 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) organic combed ringspun cotton
• Low-impact DyStar reactive dyes

 

Threadfast Apparel 100A Unisex Ultimate CVC T-Shirt

Shirt pictured: Threadfast Apparel 100A.
 

• Made from 60% cotton and 40% recycled polyester
• Recycled polyester fiber in this blend is made from recycled content, including plastic bottles
  • Recycled poly helps reduce water usage, energy consumption and co2 emissions when producing this garment
• Threadfast is a proud member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). 
• Cotton products from Threadfast support more sustainable cotton farming. 
  • Better cotton is sourced via a system of mass balance
• Cationic heathers
  • The ultimate tee heather colors are dyed using 70% less water, 65% less energy and fewer dangerous chemicals
• Every Threadfast product contributes to the Plant with Threadfast Program
• Budget-friendly

 

US Blanks US4001 Men's Hemp Crewneck T-Shirt

Shirt pictured: US Blanks US4001 in the color “natural”.
 

• Made from 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton jersey
• Made in USA (lower carbon footprint due to reduced product transport)
  
   

ComfortWash by Hanes GDH11B Unisex Botanical Dye T-Shirt

Shirt pictured: Comfort Colors GDH11B in the color “Botanical Nimbus”.
 

• Garment-dyed with botanical dyes 
• Made with sustainably sourced USA-grown cotton
• “A-” list status from CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)
• ComfortWash by Hanes has been named Energy Star partner of the year (14 consecutive years)
   

Benefits of Choosing Sustainable T-Shirts

• Lessen your environmental impact and carbon footprint: Eco-friendly practices reduce destructive greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
   
• Lessen water consumption: Although cotton is a natural fiber to farm, standard practices do require a lot of water. Sustainable organic cotton farming requires less water. 
   
• Promote biodiversity: By avoiding farming with pesticides and fertilizers, natural ecosystems, including both plant and animal life, are able to thrive. 
   
• Waste reduction: With so much waste in the fashion industry, it’s refreshing to know that sustainable apparel items are designed to last longer and with durable, high-quality materials. Eco-friendly brands are usually very conscious of waste, and in turn, develop efficient practices that minimize fabric scraps, and make use of the extra materials do that are produced in some form or fashion. 
   
• Reduction or complete elimination of harmful chemicals: Traditional apparel production sometimes includes harsh chemicals and dyes that are not good for the earth and water supply, as run-off and excess dye is disposed of. According to State of the Planet, the conventional dyes used in the fashion industry account for an astonishing 17-20% of commercial water pollution globally. The use of natural dyes and chemicals significantly reduces the damaging effects to our natural ecosystems. Additionally, the end consumer can sit with the peace of mind that the natural dyes will not harm or irritate sensitive skin or impact overall health. 
   
• Support businesses with the same eco-driven values that you might hold dear: For individuals or businesses that highly value sustainability, responsibility and ethical behavior – investing in sustainable brands is a great way to put your money where your morals lie.
   
• Appeal to eco-motivated shoppers: Using eco-friendly apparel and packaging is another way to appeal to like-minded customers, if you own your own custom apparel line. Using this as a marketing tool can enhance your branding and possibly increase your profits. You can include this information in your online marketing, social media campaigns, packaging or even custom-branded labels that you affix within the clothing itself. 
   
• Hypoallergenic materials: Organic cotton and modal are both non-allergenic, so those with sensitive skin can be comfortable and irritant free while wearing sustainable clothing. Just be mindful that although recycled polyester is very eco-friendly, it is not naturally hypoallergenic, so avoid this material if your skin is easily irritated by fabrics, or you have a skin condition.
   
• Quality pieces that last: The goal of sustainable clothing is to reduce ecological and social impact, while reducing consumerism. With this in mind, eco-minded brands aim to create durable pieces of clothing that are meant for longevity. This means more wears per item, which lowers the cost per wear, and aids in helping wearers take a more minimalistic approach to their wardrobes.
   

Embrace Sustainability with Custom Eco-Friendly Tees

Eco printing on a t-shirt.
Image credit: Anna Sullivan

When it comes to customizing environmentally friendly t-shirts, there are ways to make the decorating aspect more sustainable as well. 

• Take screen printing, for instance. First, you can make screen printing more sustainable by using water-based versus plastisol inks, which are much better for the environment. When it’s time to dispose of the chemicals used for your screen printing project, investing in filtration systems and professional chemical disposal systems are very responsible options that help lessen the environmental impact.
• For tie-dye, start with an organic 100% cotton tee, as this is the leading choice for eco-minded tie-dyers. When it’s time to dye, be sure to use eco-friendly dyes, which are less harmful to the environment when bleeding occurs during the first wash-out and subsequent washes. 
• And for embroidered designs – you can use both sustainable t-shirts and organic cotton thread for your designs for an eco-friendly custom tee!
• Eco printing: Print on shirts using flowers and plants. 
   

Green Threads, Golden Future

Are you convinced that Earth-friendly fashion is the new way to shop for apparel? The future of the blank and custom-decorated apparel industry is looking bright to us! Tell us your favorite eco-friendly styles or any sustainable decorating tips in the comments below. 

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• What is Organic Cotton?
• How Organic T-Shirts are Made
• What Is Modal Fabric?
• Allmade Apparel and the Evolution of Sustainable Clothing
• Gildan Named 32nd Most Sustainably Managed Company in the World
• How to Increase Sustainability in Screen Printing
• 7 Great Ideas For Repurposing Your Old T-Shirts
• Upcycling Your Old T-shirts