What Touches Your Skin Matters: A Guide to Sustainable Fabrics at Sömn
At Sömn, we believe true wellness begins with the choices we make, starting with what we wear and what we sleep in. That’s why every textile we use is carefully chosen not only for how it feels on your skin but for the impact it has on the planet.
From your bed to your body, the fabrics in our lives shape how we rest, recover, and reconnect. And while most of us know that synthetic materials aren't ideal, few realize just how harmful they are—especially here in Canada.
The Hidden Cost of Conventional Fabrics
Globally, the fast fashion industry is the third-largest source of pollution and the second-largest polluter of water. It relies on synthetic fibres like polyester, spandex, and nylon—materials that are cheap to produce but incredibly costly for the environment.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada:
-
Textiles account for around 4.4% of residential waste in Ontario, translating to roughly 176,000 tonnes of textile waste per year across Canada—or 12 kg per person annually.
-
In 2020, synthetic textiles made up 6% of Canada’s plastic waste, and 98% of that waste went straight to landfill.
That’s hundreds of thousands of tonnes of discarded fabrics leaching microplastics and chemicals into our ecosystems. At Sömn, we’re committed to doing better, starting with the raw materials.
A few of our Favourite Sustainable Fabrics—And Why They Matter
Linen
Why we love it:
Linen is one of the world’s oldest and most sustainable fibres, derived from the flax plant. It requires minimal water, zero artificial irrigation, and no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Linen is naturally breathable, antimicrobial, and fully biodegradable, making it the perfect textile for wellness-focused living.
At Sömn, we elevate this natural wonder by exclusively using Masters of Flax FIBRE™ certified materials. This guarantees our flax is 100% grown and processed in Europe—from field to yarn—under strict environmental and social standards.
Why it matters:
- 100% traceable and grown in Europe
- No genetically modified seeds or artificial irrigation
- Low carbon footprint due to local sourcing and closed-loop manufacturing
- Ensures a clean, ethical supply chain and exceptional fabric quality
You’ll find it in:
Our signature linen bedding, summer-weight robes, and effortless loungewear that softens with every use—designed to last, not landfill.
Organic Cotton
Why we love it:
Our GOTS-certified organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. Meaning it’s better for farmers, ecosystems, and your skin. Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton uses up to 91% less water and emits less carbon during production. It’s soft, safe, and made to last.
You’ll find it in:
Our plush towels, layering essentials, and anything you want to wrap yourself in daily.
Alpaca
Why we love it:
Alpaca fibre is known for its exceptional softness, breathability, and insulating properties. Warmer than sheep’s wool but lighter and gentler on the skin. Unlike traditional wool, alpaca contains no lanolin, making it naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
Even more, alpacas have an impressively low environmental impact:
- Their soft padded feet are gentle on terrain
- They consume less water and food than other grazing animals
- Their fleece requires minimal processing and no harsh chemical treatments
Sustainability notes:
Alpaca is a renewable, biodegradable fibre that supports small-scale farming communities across South America—especially in Peru and Bolivia. When responsibly sourced, alpaca fibre contributes to heritage farming and slow fashion values.
You’ll find it in:
Limited-run throws, winter layering pieces, and cold-season accessories made to last a lifetime and feel better with every wear.
Deadstock Fabrics
Why we love it:
Instead of letting perfectly good materials go to waste, we work with premium deadstock fabrics; leftovers from other designers or mills to create thoughtful, limited-edition collections. It’s a circular way of making something new, without demanding new resources.
You’ll find it in:
Design-driven capsules and seasonal accessories like our upcycled scrunchies, coasters and cocktail napkins.
Recycled Polyester (RPET)
Why we use it sparingly:
RPET is made from recycled plastic bottles and requires far less energy than virgin polyester. While it’s not biodegradable, it’s a more responsible choice for utility fabrics that require durability.
You’ll find it in:
Materials for linings and functional products, crucial for performance and durability, such as bags and shoes.
How to Shop for Sustainable Fabrics
As designer Lottie Bertello reminds us:
“Sustainability is not something that can be bought—it’s a holistic shift toward living in harmony with our environment.”
Even the most sustainable fabric isn’t a perfect solution. The best thing you can do? Buy less, choose well, and care for what you have. Ethical brands won’t shy away from questions about sourcing or certifications. Look for verifiable standards like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, Fair Trade, and Masters of Flax FIBRE™. These are more than buzzwords—they reflect accountability in action.
Still unsure? Ask us. We love when our customers want to learn more.
The Sömn Standard: Low-Impact, High-Comfort
We don’t believe in fast anything. At Sömn, we create for longevity—using exceptional fabrics, designed for everyday life, that age beautifully and waste less. By prioritizing quality over quantity, and transparency over trends, we offer something that feels good in every sense of the word.
Because true luxury is sustainable. And sustainability begins with every thread.
Wrap yourself in better materials.
Explore Sömn Bedding, Living, Bath & Loungewear