Cotton has always been one of the world’s favorite fabrics. Soft, breathable, and versatile, it finds its way into everything from summer dresses to everyday shirts, sarongs, and pajamas. At ViryaByUrbi, cotton is central to many of our collections. But one question often arises: is cotton truly sustainable?
The answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no. It depends on how it is grown and used.
Why We Love Cotton
Cotton is natural, biodegradable, and comfortable. It keeps you cool in tropical climates like Singapore, absorbs dyes beautifully, and drapes with ease. For both designers and wearers, it remains a timeless favorite.
Yet while cotton feels natural, it is not automatically eco-friendly.
Conventional Cotton: The Challenges
Conventional cotton farming can be resource-intensive:
- A single shirt can require over 2,000 liters of water to produce.
- Heavy use of pesticides can affect soil health and farmers’ well-being.
- Large-scale monoculture farming reduces biodiversity.
This means not all cotton carries the same environmental footprint.
Better Alternatives: Organic and Recycled
- Organic cotton avoids harmful chemicals, relies on natural farming practices, and often uses significantly less water. It is gentler on the planet and safer for farming communities.
- Recycled cotton gives new life to pre- or post-consumer waste, reducing pressure on virgin resources and cutting down textile waste.
Both are excellent options, but they are not the only ways to make cotton more responsible.
Cotton at ViryaByUrbi
Not all the cottons we use are 100 percent organic or recycled, but we choose thoughtfully. Some of our pieces are crafted in organic cottons, while others are made with azo-free printed fabrics or responsibly sourced conventional cottons.
We also focus on designing for longevity and versatility:
- Kaftans that double as beachwear and loungewear.
- Pajama sets with reusable cotton pouches.
- Sarongs that transform into scarves or wraps.
By encouraging multiple uses and longer lifespans, even a simple cotton piece becomes more sustainable.
The Honest Truth
So, is cotton sustainable? It can be, when it is organic, recycled, or used in mindful, versatile ways. At ViryaByUrbi, we are on a journey to balance creativity with responsibility. While not every piece is perfect, each one is thoughtfully designed to reduce waste and maximize joy.
✨ Because fashion is not about perfection. It is about progress, and every choice counts