Going 100% Organic

Why We Made The Switch and Why You Should, Too!

The clothing industry is experiencing a revolutionary shift toward sustainable materials, and for good reason. At Outsider Supply, we've made the conscious decision to transition to 100% organic cotton for our t-shirts, hoodies, and a growing variety of products. This change reflects growing awareness about how synthetic fabrics impact both human health and environmental sustainability. Understanding the difference between synthetic and organic materials can help you make informed choices about the clothes you wear daily and make immense improvements to your health.

Synthetic Clothing Harms Your Health

Your skin, spanning approximately 22 square feet, acts like a sponge that absorbs everything it comes into contact with. Meanwhile synthetic fabrics contain a multitude of different synthetic chemicals, including formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, and chlorine bleach. These chemicals can penetrate your skin, especially in warm environments or highly absorbent areas of your body which can negatively impact your health.

Physical Health Impacts

Synthetic fibers cause several immediate and long-term health issues:

• Skin irritation: Low breathability increases sweat retention, leading to rashes, dermatitis, and fungal infections.
  

• Microplastic exposure: Wear-and-tear releases microplastics linked to cardiovascular risks, chronic inflammation, and hormonal disruption.

• Respiratory problems: Factory workers exposed to synthetic materials show chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function.
  
  

Environmental Impact of Synthetic vs Organic Materials

Synthetic Fabric Environmental Damage

Synthetic fabrics represent 70% of global clothing materials but create significant environmental problems:

• Petroleum dependency: A single synthetic t-shirt requires 1.5 cups of crude oil to produce.
• Waste accumulation: 85% of synthetic textiles end up in landfills annually, with less than 1% recycled into new garments.
• Chemical pollution: Production involves thousands of synthetic chemicals that contaminate water systems and harm ecosystems.
  

Organic Materials: A Sustainable Alternative

Organic clothing materials offer superior environmental benefits when processed responsibly:

• Biodegradable fibers: Cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and wool naturally decompose without harming ecosystems.
  

• Reduced chemical usage: Organic farming eliminates synthetic pesticides and insecticides.
  

• Sustainable processing: OEKO-TEX certified dyes and closed-loop processing minimize environmental impact.
  
  

Health Benefits of Organic Cotton Clothing

Superior Comfort and Safety

Organic materials provide numerous health advantages:

• Breathability: Natural fibers allow better airflow, reducing moisture retention and skin irritation.

• Hypoallergenic properties: Organic cotton is ideal for sensitive skin and reduces allergic reactions.

• Chemical-free: Eliminates exposure to harmful synthetic chemicals that can disrupt hormones and cause health issues.

Specific Organic Material Benefits

Different organic materials offer unique advantages:

• Hemp: UV-resistant, antimicrobial, and eight times stronger than cotton when wet.

• Bamboo: Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial with rapid growth requiring no pesticides.

• Linen: Naturally antibacterial with excellent cooling properties for warm climates.
  
  

How to Care for Your Organic Cotton Clothing

Washing Guidelines

• Use cold water (30°C/86°F or below) to preserve fiber integrity and reduce energy consumption.

• Choose eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents without harsh chemicals.

• Wash similar colors together to prevent bleeding.

• Turn garments inside out to protect surface fibers.
  

Drying and Storage Tips

• Air dry when possible to extend fabric life and reduce energy usage.

• Avoid direct sunlight which can fade organic dyes.

• Store in breathable cotton bags or cedar-lined drawers.

• Use natural moth deterrents like lavender sachets.
  

Why Outsider Supply Chose 100% Organic Cotton

At Outsider Supply, our transition to 100% organic cotton t-shirts represents our commitment to both customer wellbeing and environmental responsibility. We believe organic materials not only feel better but create a healthier future for everyone. We will work to ensure our future collections will incorporate additional sustainable materials like linen and wool, continuing our dedication to sustainable fashion.

Making the switch to organic cotton clothing benefits your health, comfort, and the environment. By choosing brands committed to sustainable practices, you're supporting a movement toward cleaner, healthier fashion. Explore Outsider Supply's 100% organic cotton t-shirt collection and experience the difference that truly sustainable clothing makes for your wellbeing and our planet.