Terms such as "sustainable", "eco", "green" or "conscious" are ubiquitous today - on labels, in online shops and in advertising. At the same time, many consumers ask themselves: What do these terms actually mean? And how can you tell how a garment was made?

There is no single answer to this question, as the production of clothing consists of many individual steps - from fibre extraction to processing and manufacturing, right through to the finished garment.

In this article, we want to take a look at the various aspects that play a role in the production of high-quality clothing. The aim is not to evaluate individual materials or manufacturing processes as "good" or "bad". Rather, we want to explain the properties of different fibres, the importance of certifications and why garments can differ in quality and price.

The term "sustainable" – why it's worth taking a closer look

The term "sustainable" is used today in many different contexts. However, unlike protected certifications, for example, it is not a uniformly defined quality standard for clothing.

Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look and not just paying attention to individual advertising claims. A garment consists of many components and goes through numerous production steps. Materials, workmanship, certifications, production sites and the quality of the manufacturing all contribute to the finished product.

Those who want to compare clothing should therefore consider several aspects together and obtain as much information as possible.

Materials – the foundation of every garment

The choice of material influences many properties of a garment. Wearing comfort, care, durability, appearance and area of application largely depend on the fibre used.

In addition to classic natural fibres, modern cellulose fibres are also used today. Each fibre has its own properties and is suitable for different applications.

Organic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most important textile fibres worldwide. For many of our collections, we use organic cotton from controlled organic cultivation (kbA).

Controlled organic cultivation avoids synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers. At the same time, depending on the certification, further requirements apply to cultivation and processing.

Many of our cotton products are manufactured according to the requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The standard covers not only requirements for the natural fibres used, but also criteria for processing along the textile supply chain.

Properties of organic cotton

• pleasantly soft
• breathable
• versatile
• hard-wearing
• comfortable on the skin

These properties make organic cotton suitable for almost all garments – from shirts and dresses to trousers, knitwear and baby clothing.

Linen

Linen is obtained from the flax plant and is one of the oldest known natural fibres.

The fibre is characterized by its typical structure and high durability. At the same time, linen has temperature-regulating properties and is therefore often used for summer clothing.

Compared to many other cultivated plants, flax often requires less artificial irrigation and can – depending on the growing area and climatic conditions – be cultivated with comparatively little use of pesticides.

Properties of linen

• lightweight
• breathable
• durable
• temperature-regulating
• characteristic natural structure

Linen is often used for blouses, dresses, trousers and light summer jackets.

TENCEL™ Lyocell

In addition to classic natural fibres, modern cellulose fibres are also used today.

TENCEL™ is a branded fibre from Lenzing AG and is made from wood. According to the manufacturer, production takes place in a closed production process in which a large proportion of the solvent used is recovered.

The material is characterised by its soft feel, fluid drape and pleasant wearing comfort.

Properties of TENCEL™ Lyocell

• particularly soft
• breathable
• pleasant moisture management
• flowing drape
• smooth surface

TENCEL™ is often used for dresses, blouses, shirts and light trousers and can be easily combined with natural fibres.

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is a branded viscose from Lenzing AG.

According to the manufacturer, the wood used comes from certified or controlled sources. The fibres have traceable raw material evidence and are particularly suitable for flowing fabric qualities.

Properties of LENZING™ ECOVERO™

• soft feel
• flowing drape
• pleasant feel on the skin
• lightweight material

ECOVERO™ is often used for blouses, dresses, shirts and skirts.

Hemp

Hemp is one of the oldest known cultivated plants and has been used as a textile fibre for centuries.

The fibre is particularly robust and is often combined with other natural fibres. This creates durable fabrics with a natural structure.

Properties of hemp

• hard-wearing
• durable
• breathable
• dimensionally stable

Hemp is suitable for shirts, blouses, trousers and light knitwear, among other things.

Virgin Wool

For selected models, LANA uses mulesing-free virgin wool from controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT).

Wool naturally has temperature-regulating properties and can absorb moisture without immediately feeling damp. This makes it particularly suitable for knitwear and warm clothing.

Properties of virgin wool

• temperature-regulating
• soft
• elastic
• durable

Certifications – important guidance

In addition to the materials used, certifications can help to better classify garments. They create comprehensible criteria and make it easier for consumers to find their way around.

One of the most well-known certifications in the textile sector is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

The standard defines requirements for the processing of textiles made from organically produced natural fibres. These include, among other things, specifications for the materials used, the use of certain chemicals and social requirements along the textile supply chain.

For many consumers, GOTS is therefore a helpful guide when buying clothes. At the same time, a certification does not replace personal research into materials, workmanship or a company's working methods. A comprehensive picture often only emerges through the combination of various pieces of information.

Production – many steps to the finished garment

A garment is not created in a single work step. Between the fibre and the finished product lie numerous stages that influence quality, wearing comfort and workmanship.

These include, among others:

• the selection of materials
• the production of yarns
• the weaving or knitting of fabrics
• finishing
• dyeing
• cutting
• manufacturing
• quality control

Each of these steps requires experience and expertise. Therefore, many manufacturers work long-term with specialized partner companies.

At LANA, too, we accompany the development of our collections together with long-standing production partners in Germany, Portugal and Turkey. The personal exchange enables us to continuously develop materials, workmanship and fits.

Why do garments differ in price?

A question we are often asked is:

Why do garments cost different amounts?

The price is made up of numerous factors and includes much more than just the fabric of a garment.

These include, for example:

• the quality of the materials used
• yarn and fabric production
• pattern development and fit
• manufacturing
• quality controls
• certifications
• transport and logistics

Smaller production quantities or elaborate processing steps can also influence the price.

Therefore, garments often cannot be compared solely on the basis of their selling price. Materials, workmanship and features differ from product to product.

Timeless design instead of short-term trends

In addition to material and workmanship, design also plays an important role.

Timeless cuts can be combined over many seasons and worn independently of short-term fashion trends. Many people therefore consciously choose garments that are versatile and can be combined with existing clothing.

Since 1987, LANA has been developing collections with the aim of creating timeless women's fashion that can be worn in many ways in everyday life. Classic colours, high-quality materials and carefully developed cuts are at the heart of this.

How we work at LANA

Since 1987, LANA has been developing women's fashion as a family business, using high-quality natural materials and selected cellulose fibres.

Our most important materials include:

• Organic cotton
• Linen
• Hemp
• TENCEL™ Lyocell
• LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose
• mulesing-free virgin wool from controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT)

Many of our products are manufactured according to the requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Together with our long-standing production partners, we oversee the development of our collections – from material selection and pattern development to final manufacturing. Information on materials, certifications and care instructions can be found transparently on the respective product pages.

What should you look for when buying clothes?

Everyone has different requirements for clothing. For some, wearing comfort and fit are paramount, for others, material properties or certifications.

A close look at the product information can help to better classify garments. Information on:

• materials used
• material composition
• certifications
• care instructions
• product origin
• workmanship

This provides a more comprehensive picture than advertising statements or individual keywords alone.

Conclusion

The quality of a garment arises from the interplay of many factors. Materials, workmanship, fit, certifications, and the careful development of a collection each contribute to the finished product.

Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look when buying clothes and informing yourself about materials and their properties. Natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen, hemp or virgin wool, as well as modern cellulose fibres such as TENCEL™ Lyocell and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose, offer different advantages and are suitable – depending on the area of application – for various garments.

By considering materials, workmanship, and certifications together, you can better compare garments and make an informed purchasing decision.