9 Most Sustainable T-Shirt Materials for Personalised Printing

Sustainable T-shirt materials are eco-friendly fabrics made from renewable or recycled sources like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials reduce environmental impact by using less water, fewer chemicals, and producing lower carbon emissions. They’re durable, biodegradable or recyclable, and ethically sourced for minimal harm to the planet.

Sustainable T-shirt materials for custom printing include 100% organic cotton, recycled cotton, bamboo, TENCEL lyocell, organic hemp, and organic linen. They all stand out for eco-friendliness without compromising printability. They use less water, avoid harmful chemicals, and are biodegradable, making them better for the planet. These fabrics also hold up well to screen printing, DTG, and heat transfers, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting prints. Unlike bamboo viscose, which often involves heavy processing, these options offer genuine sustainability without greenwashing.

The 9 most sustainable T-shirt materials in 2025 are recycled cotton, organic cotton, organic hemp, organic linen, TENCEL™ Lyocell, bamboo, recycled wool, ECONYL®, and recycled fabric blends. The 9 most sustainable T-shirt materials in 2025 are listed below.

• Recycled Cotton: Recycled cotton is a smart pick for T-shirt manufacturing, offering the comfort of cotton without the environmental cost of farming. It’s made from textile waste, conserving water and energy in the process. Although supply is still catching up with demand, it prints well and supports circular fashion.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is often used for ultra-soft, breathable T-shirts that feel great to wear and print beautifully. However, most bamboo tees on the market are chemically processed into viscose, which lowers their true sustainability. Always check if the fabric was mechanically processed or responsibly manufactured.
• Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is a popular fabric for eco-conscious T-shirt brands. It’s grown without synthetic pesticides and is compatible with screen printing, DTG, and heat transfers for personalised T-shirts printing. While certifications can sometimes be misleading, organic cotton remains a practical, low-impact entry into sustainable tees.
• Organic Hemp: Hemp makes tough, breathable T-shirts that soften with each wear. It’s ideal for warm climates and suits print-heavy designs thanks to its strength and absorbency. For truly eco-conscious tees, go with certified organic hemp and check that no synthetic fertilisers are used.
• Recycled Wool: Though not your everyday tee fabric, lightweight recycled wool blends are emerging for trans-seasonal and winter T-shirts. They regulate temperature naturally, reduce reliance on virgin animal fibres, and add a unique feel. Ideal for layering or elevated basics.
• ECONYL: Used in athletic and compression-style T-shirts, ECONYL® is made from ocean and landfill waste like fishing nets. It’s strong, sleek, and stretch-friendly—perfect for activewear branding. Just note that synthetic microfibre shedding can be a downside during washing.
• Organic-Linen: Linen T-shirts are perfect for breathable, loose-fit styles that suit the Aussie climate. Organic linen is made with minimal inputs and is fully biodegradable. It holds screen and heat transfer prints well, though it’s not ideal for fine DTG detail due to its texture.

Recycled Blends: Tees made from recycled polyester and cotton blends are practical and printer-friendly. They offer durability and softness while reusing waste, but they may shed microplastics. Best used with washing bags like Guppyfriend to manage environmental impact.

TENCEL™ Lyocell – Luxe Tees That Don’t Cost the Earth: TENCEL™ Lyocell tees offer a silky-smooth finish that feels premium while being completely biodegradable. It’s ideal for hot climates, activewear-inspired tees, and fashion-forward basics. With great print absorption and no microplastic issues, it’s a modern favourite.

1. Recycled Cotton

Cotton is a plant-based fibre that has long been a wardrobe essential thanks to its soft, breathable nature—but growing it is resource-intensive. Conventional cotton is notorious for guzzling water and relying heavily on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which damage ecosystems and put farming communities at risk. Organic cotton was developed as a more ethical option, eliminating harmful chemicals and promoting better soil health. However, organic certifications have occasionally come under scrutiny for inconsistent standards and greenwashing, making it difficult for consumers to fully trust what’s truly “clean.”

Enter recycled cotton—the most responsible alternative in the cotton family. Made from post-industrial offcuts or post-consumer textile waste, recycled cotton gives discarded fibres a second life. Compared to both conventional and organic cotton, it uses significantly less water and energy and avoids the environmental toll of farming altogether. There’s no need for additional land use or chemical inputs, which dramatically cuts down its carbon footprint. While the fibres are shorter and often blended with other materials for durability, they remain highly suitable for screen printing, DTG, and heat transfers.

The only trade-off? Availability. Recycled cotton is still less common than organic cotton due to gaps in textile-to-textile recycling infrastructure. But as circular fashion solutions continue to gain traction, recycled cotton is fast becoming the top pick for brands and consumers seeking sustainability with substance—not just a green label.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo fabrics for tees are often marketed as eco-friendly, and while the plant itself is fast-growing and regenerates quickly without much water or pesticides, the story changes when it’s turned into fabric. Most bamboo used in clothing—especially T-shirts and everyday garments—is chemically processed into viscose using harsh solvents that pose serious risks to both factory workers and the environment. Mechanically processed bamboo (sometimes called bamboo linen) is a cleaner alternative, but it’s rare and expensive. On the bright side, the bamboo fabric does feel luxuriously soft and prints beautifully, which makes it appealing for custom tees and loungewear. Just keep in mind that when it comes to sustainability, bamboo garments aren’t always as green as they seem.

3. Organic Cotton

Organic cotton for tees eliminates synthetic pesticides and fertilisers from its production process, offering a lower-impact alternative to conventional cotton. However, concerns about certification reliability mean that organic isn’t always a guaranteed win. Still, when sourced from transparent suppliers, it offers softness, breathability, and reliable results with all major printing methods. It’s widely available, making it a practical choice for those transitioning toward greener practices.

4. Organic Hemp

Hemp is having a well-earned moment—and for good reason. Often called marijuana’s “sober cousin,” this incredibly versatile plant has been used for everything from food and skincare to building materials and, of course, fabric. When it comes to sustainability, hemp is hard to beat. It grows fast, uses very little water, and doesn’t need synthetic pesticides thanks to its natural resistance to pests. Better still, it actually improves the soil it’s grown in, acting like a natural fertiliser—talk about giving back to the planet.

Now, not all hemp is created equal. Some farmers still rely on chemical fertilisers, so if you’re serious about sustainability, opt for organic hemp and do a little digging into the brand’s sourcing practices. The fibres themselves are incredibly strong and only get softer with each wash, making hemp tees a long-lasting favourite in any wardrobe. They’re breathable, UV-resistant, and built to handle regular wear without your printed designs fading or falling apart—making hemp a smart pick for both comfort and customisation, especially in the Aussie sun.

5. Wool

Wool for shirts has been loved for ages for its warmth, durability, and natural comfort—but producing virgin wool comes with a hefty environmental price tag, not to mention ethical concerns like mulesing. That’s where recycled wool steps in. By reusing pre-loved wool tees or offcuts, it cuts down on waste, saves water and energy, and slashes the carbon footprint compared to virgin wool.

Here in Australia—where wool’s part of our heritage—recycled wool is gaining traction with eco-conscious shoppers. And while you might not think of wool for T-shirts, lighter blends of recycled wool are now being used for trans-seasonal tees. These animal-derived fibres are breathable, temperature-regulating, and perfect for layering—great for those cooler days without going full jumper. With modern recycling tech, the quality’s come a long way too—so you’re not sacrificing comfort or finish.

Choosing recycled wool tees means you’re backing a circular economy, reducing environmental strain, and supporting better animal welfare. It’s a top pick for anyone who wants a smart, sustainable wardrobe that still looks and feels great.

6. ECONYL

ECONYL® for t-shirts is a game-changer in recycled synthetics. Made by Italian company Aquafil, this regenerated nylon is crafted from waste like discarded fishing nets, industrial plastic, and old fabric scraps—most of it pulled straight from oceans and landfills. Through a clever chemical process, this waste is broken down and turned into high-quality nylon yarn that performs just like the virgin version.

When it comes to T-shirts, ECONYL isn’t the first fabric that comes to mind—it’s more commonly used in swimwear, activewear, and outerwear due to its strength and stretch. That said, lightweight ECONYL blends are making their way into everyday garments too, offering durability and a sleek finish. Just one catch: like most synthetic fibres, it sheds microplastics when machine-washed. If you’re using ECONYL-based shirts regularly, it’s worth investing in a Guppyfriend washing bag to help trap those tiny particles.

While not perfect, ECONYL is a big step up from standard nylon and offers a solid option for brands looking to cut down on virgin plastic use while keeping performance front and centre.

7. Organic Linen

Linen has been around for centuries—and for good reason. Made from the flax plant, it’s one of the most sustainable fabrics out there. It doesn’t need much water, grows well in poor-quality soil, and makes use of the entire plant, so nothing goes to waste. Compared to other crops, it’s a low-fuss, low-impact champion.

What makes linen great for T-shirts? It’s naturally breathable, absorbent, and quick-drying—ideal for warm Aussie weather. It’s also strong, moth-resistant, and fully biodegradable when left untreated. The only catch? Pure white linen often goes through a heavy bleaching process, so unbleached versions (typically beige or grey) are the more eco-conscious option. And while the slightly textured surface may blur fine detail in DTG printing, it takes well to screen printing and heat transfers. For anyone chasing a relaxed fit with a genuinely low footprint, organic linen is a timeless, no-fuss fabric worth considering.

8. Recycled Blends

Some sustainable tees are made from recycled blends—often mixing polyester and cotton to balance comfort and performance. While these fabrics repurpose existing waste and offer great durability for custom printing, they do pose a risk of microplastic shedding during washing. If opting for blends, look for options made with traceable post-consumer recycled materials and use washing bags like Guppyfriend to limit fibre release.

9. TENCEL™ Lyocell

TENCEL™ Lyocell is one of the smartest innovations in sustainable fabric today. Made by Austrian manufacturer Lenzing AG, it’s a man-made cellulose fibre (MMCF) created from responsibly sourced wood pulp—typically eucalyptus or beech trees. What sets it apart is its eco-friendly production process: a closed-loop system that recycles almost all of the water and solvents used, keeping harmful chemicals out of the environment and drastically lowering pollution compared to viscose or bamboo rayon.

It’s incredibly absorbent—more so than cotton—and comes with moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, making it a great pick for activewear or warm-weather gear. TENCEL feels soft like silk, yet it’s durable enough for regular wear, and it holds print detail beautifully, delivering clean, vibrant results. It’s also fully biodegradable, non-toxic, and doesn’t shed microplastics during washing—unlike synthetic fibres. For brands or consumers looking for a premium-feel T-shirt that’s easy on the planet and performs well with custom printing, TENCEL Lyocell ticks all the boxes.

Australian-Made Sustainable T-Shirt Fabric Innovations

While global brands like ECONYL® lead the charge in recycled synthetics, Australia has its own impressive line-up of homegrown materials making waves in eco-conscious fashion:

• The Common Good Company – The Common Good Company are the makers of recycled T-shirts using 60% recycled cotton and 40% rPET (recycled plastic bottles). Perfect for reducing textile and plastic waste in one go.
• Paire – Paire are creators of innovative blends like BioFlex™ (made from corn waste) and CoolBlend™ (a mix of organic cotton and Aussie merino wool).
• Sustainable Living Fabrics – Sustainable Living Fabrics is Melbourne-based and known for their carbon-neutral Australian wool textiles, mostly used in upholstery but paving the way for low-impact design.
• Wicked Fabrics: Wicked Fabrics offers organic cotton, bamboo, and TENCEL™ knits, catering to indie brands and small-batch makers.
• Zeoform – Zeoform is a next-gen material made from cellulose and water, offering a plastic-free alternative for future-forward garment tech.

The Common Good Company – Recycled Cotton & rPET Tees

Melbourne-based The Common Good Company is redefining what a T-shirt can be with its blend of 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled polyester (rPET). By turning textile offcuts and single-use plastics into wearable, high-quality fabric, they’re reducing waste on two fronts. Their tees are Global Recycled Standard certified and built for comfort, printability, and longevity. The fabric works well with common printing methods like screen printing and heat transfers. It’s a great option for businesses looking to make environmentally conscious merchandise without sacrificing design. Aussie-made and fully circular—what’s not to love?

Paire – BioFlex™ and CoolBlend™ Fabric Innovations

Paire is an Aussie brand shaking up the basics with smart, sustainable fibres like BioFlex™, made in part from corn waste, and CoolBlend™, a combo of organic cotton and Australian merino wool. These materials are naturally odour-resistant, breathable, and temperature-regulating—making them perfect for all-day wear. What makes Paire stand out is how they’ve merged performance with planet-friendly sourcing. Their tees are soft, durable, and ideal for everyday staples or activewear. Whether you’re printing or wearing, these blends balance comfort and conscience. It’s local innovation with global impact.

Sustainable Living Fabrics – Carbon-Neutral Aussie Wool

Based in Melbourne, Sustainable Living Fabrics is leading the way in ethical wool with its range of GECA-certified, 100% carbon-neutral textiles. While traditionally used for upholstery, their Australian wool fabrics set a strong example for future fashion applications. Their commitment to climate-conscious production supports both local industry and broader sustainability goals. Wool naturally regulates temperature and resists odours, making it a great fabric to explore for winter tees or blends. As demand grows for lower-impact materials, brands like this are raising the bar. Eco-friendly doesn’t get more Aussie than this.

Wicked Fabrics – Sustainable Knits for Creatives

Wicked Fabrics is a go-to in Australia for sustainable knits, offering organic cotton, bamboo, and TENCEL™ blends to designers, makers, and ethical brands. Their fabrics are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring they’re free from harmful chemicals and safe for sensitive skin. These textiles are perfect for T-shirts and casual garments, with great stretch, breathability, and printing compatibility. Whether you’re producing locally or starting a small label, they offer low-MOQ, high-quality options. Their range makes eco-conscious garment making more accessible in the Aussie market. A dream for creators who care.

Zeoform – Next-Gen Cellulose-Based Innovation

Zeoform is an Australian-made material that’s pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. Made entirely from cellulose and water, it’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and strong enough to rival plastic in certain applications. While still in early stages for apparel, its potential in trims, accessories, or durable overlays is enormous. Zeoform could play a key role in future-forward fashion collections that want to avoid synthetics altogether. Think buttons, patches, or stiff panels—all made without petroleum-based inputs. It’s sustainability from the ground up, engineered right here in Australia.

What fabrics are used to make sustainable T-shirts?

Sustainable T-shirts are commonly made from recycled cotton, organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic linen, bamboo (responsibly processed), and recycled blends like cotton-polyester mixes.

Which materials are best for making sustainable clothing?

The best sustainable materials for clothing include organic hemp, recycled wool, TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton, and recycled synthetics like ECONYL®, as they minimise environmental impact while offering durability and comfort.

What is the most eco-friendly material for T-shirts?

Recycled cotton is often considered the most eco-friendly T-shirt material as it eliminates the need for new farming, uses minimal water and energy, and reduces textile waste.

Are 100% cotton shirts biodegradable?

Yes, 100% cotton shirts are biodegradable—as long as they’re not treated with synthetic dyes, finishes, or blended with other non-natural fibres. Pure cotton is a natural plant-based material that can break down in compost or landfill over time, typically within a few months under the right conditions. For best results, choose untreated or organically dyed cotton to ensure the garment decomposes safely and completely.