The Environmental Impact of Tights and Sustainable Alternatives
Tights have been a wardrobe staple for many years, as they add warmth and style to outfits, especially during the colder months. However, the environmental impact of tights is often overlooked. From the materials used in their production to their short lifespan and disposal issues, tights contribute significantly to plastic pollution and other environmental concerns. But don’t worry! I got you covered, with this post, as I’ll explain this in detail and suggest eco-friendly alternatives to conventional tights, so you don’t have to give them up for good.
THE MATERIALS USED IN TIGHTS
Most tights are made from synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. These materials, while offering stretch and durability, are derived from petrochemicals—non-renewable resources that contribute to environmental degradation during extraction and production.
Nylon: This is a primary material used in tights, created through a process that releases greenhouse gases. The production of nylon also requires significant use of energy and water, contributing to pollution and resource depletion.
Polyester: Like nylon, polyester is another plastic-based fiber. The production of polyester involves oil extraction, refining, and significant water use, leading to carbon emissions and chemical runoff that can harm local ecosystems.
Elastane (Spandex): Often blended with other materials to provide stretch, elastane is also synthetic and contributes to the overall plastic content of tights.
WHY TIGHTS CONTRIBUTE TO PLASTIC POLLUTION
The use of synthetic materials in tights has a direct connection to plastic pollution. When tights are washed, microfibers—tiny plastic particles—are released into waterways. These microplastics are not only harmful to marine life but can also enter the food chain, impacting human health. According to research, a single wash can release thousands of microfibers into the environment, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Furthermore, tights are typically designed for short-term use and are notoriously prone to damage. Most people wear them a few times before they snag or tear, leading to significant waste, as they basically become useless and are thrown in the trash. In fact, it’s estimated that 8 billion tights are thrown away each year, adding to the global plastic waste crisis. Unfortunately, many people throw them away without considering recycling options.
Once they are disposed of, most tights end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. The breakdown process releases harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater, contributing to environmental pollution.
EFFECTS OF TIGHTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The cumulative impact of tights on the environment is significant. The most important points to consider, especially if you’re considering buying tights are the following:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production of synthetic materials used in tights emits substantial greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
Water Pollution: Microfibers from tights, when washed, pollute rivers and oceans, threatening marine ecosystems and wildlife.
Landfill Waste: The short lifespan of tights leads to increased landfill waste, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TO CONVENTIONAL TIGHTS
Fortunately, there are several sustainable alternatives to conventional tights that can help mitigate these environmental impacts. Here are some options to consider:
Organic Cotton Tights: Made from cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, these tights are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.
Bamboo Tights: Bamboo is a sustainable resource that grows quickly and requires little water. Bamboo tights are soft, breathable, and biodegradable.
Recycled Nylon Tights: Some brands now offer tights made from recycled nylon, helping to reduce plastic waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste.
Tights with a Take-Back Program: Some companies offer programs that allow you to return worn tights for recycling, ensuring that they are responsibly given a second chance.
Tights made of ECONYL: to reduce the production of tights made from virgin plastics, as this material is made with synthetic waste.
Slow down: just buy less! Take care of the tights you already have. Be mindful when you put them on and when you wash them and focus on sustainable and high-quality tights if you’re buying new.
8 BEST SUSTAINABLE BRANDS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY TIGHTS
Note: I won’t recommend wool tights, even though some of these brands sell them, because I’m a vegan. The companies on this list offer plenty of vegan alternatives, so check them out!
Their tights are made from recycled materials and natural fibers from their suppliers in Italy, and they are committed to quality, as well as sustainability. This brand also has a recycling program that focuses on collecting old and discarded tights to make new ones, without making the environment pay for it.
Founded in Copenhagen in 2010, this ethical company offers tights made from recycled materials, like GRS-certified recycled polyester, and Q-Nova recycled polyamide. Additionally, they offer a lifelong repair guarantee.
3. Dear Denier
This brand’s focus is on durability and longevity, to offer a quality product and embrace a slow-fashion model. They have several certifications and standards they comply, like ISO9001 and GOTS.
4. Thought
Thought is an eco-brand that is committed to responsible sourcing, promotes taking good care of clothes as a big part of sustainable fashion, and uses several fibers that are either natural or recycled; you can find recycled nylon and bamboo tights, great alternatives to nylon tights.
Based in Selbitz, Living Crafts develops, manages, and stores their products locally. They participate in CO2 compensation programs and are a carbon-neutral company, focusing on quality, and they use recycled polyamide and organic cotton in their tights.
6. Cloeco
A brand that offers plant-powered Tencel tights and participates in environmental projects that aim to reduce pollution and save trees. They also offset their emissions.
On their website you will find sustainable tights, made from recycled yarns, like Q-Nova recycled polyamide, and Roica Eco-Smart recycled elastane. They also provide tips to make them last longer, like hand washing and handling them with care (is there anything trickier and riskier than putting on tights?).
8. Aarrelabel
This brand’s tights are made from Q-Nova recycled material, and offers both classic black tights, as well as some more colorful ones.
The environmental impact of tights is a pressing issue that often goes unnoticed in the fashion industry. From the materials used to their disposal, conventional tights contribute to plastic pollution, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, by choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we can make more sustainable choices that benefit both our wardrobes and the planet.
As consumers, it’s essential to be mindful of the lifecycle of the products we choose and consider their environmental implications. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and opting for conscious alternatives to conventional tights, we can help reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
Let’s start making informed choices about our fashion—because every small change can lead to a bigger impact.
If you’d like to embark on this journey with me and read my future posts, please don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter!
Hi, I’m Melina,
I’m the creator of Sustainable Rookie, and my goal is to share what I learn throughout my sustainability journey, so that I can help other people live a more conscious life.
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