Right now, being fashionable is all about being eco-friendly. So, if you're a nature lover at heart, this fashion trend is all about you. If not, you might want to get with the times. The fashion world is always changing to reflect the moment and this is one good example. Even many celebs are going green and donning eco-friendly garb. To some, eco-friendly and fashion may not seem like a good fit, but wait just a second. Don't judge just yet. Eco-friendly fashion has come a long way since its inception. In fact, you may even have worn a few eco-friendly outfits without even trying or knowing.

With designers getting more creative than ever, it's tough to tell the eco-friendly fashion from the not-so-green clothing anymore. In fact, eco-friendly clothing often sets its own trends. From lounging clothes, to business clothes and even designer gowns for a formal evening, eco-friendly designers have got it covered. To pick the best in eco-friendly clothing, don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure what you are getting really is eco-friendly.

Most have likely heard about (and maybe even used) eco-friendly bags for groceries. But, what about eco-friendly handbags and purses? It's true. Purses have gone green, too (no, this is not in reference to what's inside the wallet). Going green with purses can involve hemp, crochet, and more, all in varied shapes and sizes. Just like with any other handbag, make sure you are buying one that goes with something and that you actually will use it. Otherwise, it may be a little wasteful. A little counterproductive to the eco-friendly goal.

Don't worry, shoes are not left out of the eco-friendly fashion world. From recycled canvas to bamboo, shoe manufacturers are constantly thinking up new ways to go green with shoes. It may seem that eco-friendly shoes would be uncomfortable, but sometimes they can be even more comfy. Green shoes come in many styles, including sandals, tennis shoes, and even heels. As with any other shoes, be sure you've got something to wear them with and that they feel good on your feet.

Sometimes it can be difficult to shop for green clothing. However, it is possible -- even during this economy -- to find reasonably priced green clothing. Here are some tips for buying inexpensive green clothing:

1. Have a shopping plan. The first thing you need to do is have a plan. Are there Web sites that sell green clothing? Do you know of stores in town that sell greener clothing? What is your budget? Make sure that you know your price range. Make a plan that reflects your budget and your shopping route.

2. Look to thrift stores. Interestingly, the greenest clothing is not the stuff made from bamboo or that organic cotton t-shirt. Used clothing is the greenest, because it does not require new processes to create and does not use up additional resources. And, of course, thrift stores represent a dramatic savings. Plan ahead and find out when the store puts out the new merchandise (i.e. new things may be put out every Tuesday morning). You can continue the cycle by donating the clothing you no longer wear to the thrift store and getting a tax advantage.

3. Avoid dry-clean-only clothes. Dry cleaning is a process that uses a great many chemicals and pollutes. When shopping, check the labels and try to avoid dry-clean-only clothes. Because dry-clean-only clothing often costs more, you will find that you are saving money by avoiding these clothes.

4. Look for organic clothing. If you prefer new clothing, look for organic clothes. Clothing made from hemp, bamboo and organic cotton are more environmentally friendly than other materials. However, you may have to pay a little bit more. Try looking online for Web stores that sell organic clothing at a discount.

It is possible to have clothing that is friendly to the earth and that does not cost a great deal. With some time and planning -- and some shopping around -- it is possible to green up your closet without breaking the bank.

One of the most "un-green" things you can do with your clothing is taking it to the dry cleaner. In fact, if you are really, really serious about joining the green movement in clothing, you should consider doing away with dry-clean-only clothing altogether. Dry cleaners are the most polluting businesses in many cities, and the chemicals used are harsh and damaging.

For most of us, though, a nice dry clean only dress or blouse or suit is necessary. They look sharp, and the materials used give off an overall impression of professionalism. There are green dry cleaning alternatives (or rather, greener than the traditional method), but you may find that your clothes may not get as clean as if you used the harsh cleaners and chemicals.

Traditional Dry Cleaning vs. Green Dry Cleaning
Traditional dry cleaning makes use of perchloroethylene (perc for short). This is a very toxic chemical that has been shown to depress the nervous system. Perc is very effective, however, at getting out most stains. An alternative method that is not quite so hazardous and polluting is liquid carbon dioxide. It still offers a level of pollution, but it is not nearly as bad.

Finally, there are green dry cleaning alternatives. GreenEarth makes a solvent that is silicone based and can be used in some modified machines. This solvent is much gentler on the environment. However, there are some stains that GreenEarth just can't beat. If you go with green dry cleaning, you will have to make sure that the stains aren't too tough, and some of the stains will not come out at all.

Green dry cleaning is a nice thought, but in some cases it just is not feasible if you want to salvage your outfit. So, carefully consider the care your clothing needs next time you make a purchase. You may decide to get something that is more environmentally friendly than dry-clean-only clothing.

One of the more interesting stories when it comes to green business -- especially in terms of the green movement in clothing -- is that of Patagonia. Patagonia outerwear is famous for its quality and ability to keep you warm. And Patagonia offers more than just clothing that often includes recycled materials. The company also promotes an outdoor lifestyle centered on respect for the Earth through a range of product lines and initiatives designed to raise environmental awareness.

Beyond Green Clothing: Accessories and Surf Boards
Patagonia makes more than just clothing. The company also creates and sells camping gear and other outdoor items. One of the more interesting products developed by Patagonia is a line of environmentally friendly surfboards. It is no surprise that Patagonia is one of the first clothing and outdoor gear companies that come to mind when one thinks of "green business."

In addition to striving to create green products, Patagonia also tries to raise awareness of environmental issues. Patagonia's Web site and catalog include tips and information on environmental issues from overfishing to rainforests to genetically modified foods. The idea is that a company can provide a degree of moral direction in today's world.

Patagonia is also interesting because its moral compass and philosophy of sustainability extend beyond just making clothing and outdoor products and preaching about the environment. Among businesses, Patagonia was the one of the first to offer onsite daycare in the United States. Additionally, flextime is available for paternity leave as well as maternity leave. The idea is to create an entire corporate culture that values humans and the environment.

There are many companies that have since jumped on the green clothing bandwagon. And many more companies that are trying to show they can act in an environmentally responsible manner. However, it is worth noting: years before it was fashionable, Patagonia was including green practices in its fashions.

The end of an old year and the beginning of a new one means resolutions. Many of us set goals at this time, vowing to make the next year better than the last year. If you make green New Year's resolutions, you can also help make the world a better place than it was last year. When you resolve to make your wardrobe greener for 2009, you can help the environment in addition to yourself.

Here are some ideas for green clothing resolutions:

Think about what you need. Vow to consider new purchases. Before buying new clothing, think about what you would wear it for and how it might be used. If you are not planning to wear it a great deal and if you cannot think of several ways to incorporate into outfits using what you already have, perhaps it is not a good idea to buy. After all, new clothing uses a tremendous amount of resources.

Donate unused clothing. If you have clothing that is in good condition, donate it so that it can be recycled. Better yet, resolve to go to at least one fashion swap in 2009. Take your old clothes and trade them for something that is new to you. The best way to be green with your wardrobe is to wear recycled clothing.

Look at where your clothing is coming from. Clothing shipped from far away places uses resources and pollutes the air due to shipping. Additionally, some countries have lax environmental laws, and this means the production of your clothing could be bad for the environment. Instead, try to buy clothing that has been produced closer to home.

Consider what your clothing is made from. In addition to where your clothing is coming from, think about what it is made of. Consider organic cotton clothing and shoes with soles made from recycled tires. These products are less damaging to the environment and offer green clothing alternatives that cannot be had with some of the more traditional materials.

One of the rules of green clothing is to use second hand clothing. This is because clothing that is already made does not use additional resources. Reused clothing is actually the greenest clothing there is, which can seem counterintuitive to some. After reused clothing, clothing that is made from recycled materials is the greenest. In fact, clothing made from recycled materials is often (but not always) greener than clothing made from organically grown materials. The processing needed to turn the organic fibers into cloth uses large amounts of resources.

Recycled Clothing from Man-made Materials
It seems like a contradiction to look for clothing made from man-made materials; so many people know how damaging they can be. However, because of their sturdiness and their specific qualities, man-made materials are often recycled into other things. You may actually end up wearing clothing from man-made materials that is environmentally friendly.

You should consider the processes that clothing has gone through in order to become a wearable product. This is important, since the process that the clothing undergoes can have more of an impact on the environment than anything else. Also, consider that making something new, even if it is made from organic cotton, can be harmful to the environment when compared with something reused or recycled. These types of reused and recycled items, since they have already been produced, aren't usually using additional resources.

However, if you cannot find something suitable from recycled, man-made materials or something second hand, it is a good idea to look for organically grown materials. One of the worst things that you can get -- at least from an environmental standpoint -- is traditionally grown cotton. The pesticides, large amounts of water and other issues associated with regular cotton make it very resource-intensive.

Even though it may seem odd, consider clothing made from recycled, man-made materials, which translates into fewer things going to your local landfill.

As the green movement in clothing catches on, more and more people are interested in doing what they can to be more sustainable in their clothing-related habits and activities. Many people realize that they can buy T-shirts or jeans made of organic cotton, but they do not realize that even shoes can be eco-friendly. There are companies that produce shoes that are eco-friendly and support a more sustainable future.

Eco-friendly Materials Used in Shoes
One of the most common materials used in environmentally friendly footwear is recycled tires. Car tires can be reused as a number of things from pavement to shoes. As one might guess, the materials in car tires make ideal outsoles for shoes. They are tough, provide good traction and are road-ready. Additionally, it is possible to use recycled car tires in the pedbed as well. The processes used for pedbeds turn the car tires into something softer, yet still supportive.

Other materials used in eco-friendly shoes include organic cotton for the lining, as well as suede produced in accordance with the highest of environmental standards. There are other recycled materials that can be used for the uppers as well. The important thing is to make sure that as much of the shoes as possible is produced in a way that is eco-friendly and that supports environmentally friendly practices.

Finally, many people forget that packaging can be a real problem. Packaging takes up a lot of resources. In order to reduce the impact of packaging, choose shoes that come in boxes made from post-consumer products. This way you will further minimize the impact of your buying choices on the environment.

It is possible to be stylish and eco-friendly. As clothing choices, including shoes, become more available, it is possible to replace the harmful clothing in your wardrobe with clothes that are greener and better for the environment.

It has been said that the best way to ensure that your clothing is green is to not buy new clothing. Even organic cotton takes its toll on the environment. If you can get used clothing, that is actually the greenest way to go since you are not creating demand for additional resources by consuming clothing. But you do not have to go to a thrift store in order to get recycled clothing. You can attend a clothing swap and see all the shirts, dresses, pants and accessories that you can think of.

Clothing Swaps
As the economy starts to take its toll on household budgets, the concept of clothing swaps is becoming popular again. When you go to a swap, you take something you own and trade to someone else. There is usually a low fee for entrance to the swap (often between $15 and $50, depending on what is being traded), and you can trade what you have for whatever others are willing to give you. Clothing swaps work the same way.

You can bring your clothes to the swap and trade an outfit, accessory or separate for another. Often, what has become old and boring to you looks fresh and new to someone else - and vice versa. You can find some new clothing to fill your closet, while at the same time living a more eco-friendly life when it comes to your clothes shopping.

The idea of clothing swaps is starting to take hold in the green movement in clothing, because it promotes the recycling of clothing, rather than the consumption of resources and an output of pollution to create new clothing. And it can be a fun way to meet new people and to socialize. In some cases, clothing swaps have grown to include demonstrations of environmentally friendly beauty and personal care products (including makeovers), as well as access to organic food (including chocolate, cheese and wine).

Green clothing doesn't have to be new, and it doesn't have to be expensive. If you have something to offer, you can get recycled clothing at a swap.

Many expectant mothers start thinking about what kind of life they want for their baby, as well as the type of world the little one will be living in. As a result, it is no surprise that many pregnant women are interested in organic maternity clothing. The green movement in clothing is expanding to expectant mothers, and a range of organic maternity clothing is now being offered.

Organic Maternity Clothing: Comfort and style
Organic maternity clothing -- especially green clothing made from organic cotton -- can be very comfortable for expectant mothers. In many cases, organic cotton breathes well and provides comfort. This is especially important during the summer. Additionally, organic maternity clothing is free of harmful dyes that can irritate the skin. For those with sensitive skin, having an organic option can really help improve comfort as the pregnancy progresses and clothing options become more limited.

Additionally, it is nice to know that you will be protecting your child. While most people believe that harmful chemicals in dyes used on clothing probably will not affect fetal development, many receive peace of mind from knowing that they are not taking any chances. With organic clothing, you do not have to worry about chemical exposure.

It is true that on an environmental note, buying used clothing is best. But it can be difficult to find used maternity clothing in good condition. Many women keep their maternity clothes, looking forward to the next pregnancy. In cases where you have a hard time finding used clothing, organic maternity clothing can be a good, green alternative. Look for clothing made from natural fibers, and clothing that is free of manmade chemicals and dyes. Round Belly is one of the best sites for organic maternity and children's clothing.

Your new child will live in the world you helped create. The choices we make now affect our children and grandchildren. We can take a stand by making lifestyle changes, and organic clothing is just one part of the equation.

There are many companies out there taking advantage of the green movement in clothing. One of these companies is the Green Tee Clothing Company. This company creates t-shirts from organic cotton and bamboo materials. The idea is to produce stylish t-shirts that are also environmentally friendly and help raise awareness for environmental causes.

Organic Clothing From Green Tee

Green Tee creates shirts from 100 percent organic cotton, bamboo and recycled material. It is important to note that not actually producing clothing is the most helpful thing for the environment, but people want new clothes. Organic cotton t-shirts are becoming more popular, and Green Tee saw an opportunity in that. The company strives to do the next best thing for the environment by producing clothes that are fairly green.

In addition to using organic and recycled materials in the fabric itself, Green Tee uses water-based inks, rather than dyes that use synthetic chemicals and can be harmful. The company also takes steps to make its operations as green as possible, joining the movement of some companies striving to reduce their carbon footprints. Green Tee is also a member of 1 Percent for the Planet, an organization that helps companies donate a portion of their earnings to environmental and conservation causes.

Another goal of Green Tee is to make green clothing more accessible in terms of price. The company tries to make its clothes stylish and attractive (so people will want to wear them), as well as reasonably priced (so people can afford them).

Jumping on the green movement in clothing bandwagon is common, especially for those who want to capitalize on a trend. However, few companies that make environmentally friendly clothing really try to make a difference through contributions of their earnings and putting into practice other principles. Green Tee is a company that is trying to make the green clothing more than fad; the goal is to make environmentally friendly clothing part of a lifestyle.

One of the trends right now in the green movement in clothing is organic cotton products. Many people think that the "organic" label is a true indicator of environmental friendliness. But is organic cotton really as environmentally friendly as we assume? The answer depends.

The Different Degrees of Environmentally Friendly Cotton
While organic cotton is certainly "greener" than conventionally grown cotton, it is not the most environmentally friendly cotton clothing product. In fact, used clothing is the greenest form of cotton, followed by recycled cotton. Organically grown cotton is only third on the list, just ahead of conventional cotton.

Why is organic cotton third out of the four cotton options?
The answer is in what is needed to grow the cotton. Cotton -- even if organically grown and pesticide free -- requires a great deal of water to grow. Additionally, it is resource intensive, taking many nutrients out of the ground. Essentially, the main different between organic cotton and conventional cotton is the fact that no pesticides are used to protect organic cotton.

Watching for Dyes
Another thing to be aware of is that the lack of regulation means that companies do not have to label whether or not the dyes used on the clothing are organic or "green." A shirt could be made of organic cotton (or partially made of organic cotton), and the company could claim the "organic" label. But that does not account for the type of dye used. In many cases, organic cotton is being colored with conventional chemicals and dyes that may be harmful to the environment.

The bottom line is that there are many companies trying to take advantage of the green movement in clothing. You need to be a discerning shopper and consider your options carefully. And keep in mind that the most environmentally friendly option for clothing -- such as buying your clothes used -- may not be what you first think of.

One of the major trends in the green clothing movement is bamboo fabricclothing. Through a process, it is possible to transform bamboo stalks into fabrics that can be used to make a wide variety of products, including bamboo fabric shirts.

Environmental Friendliness of Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo has long been recognized as a preferred material for many things. It is environmentally friendly and is in abundance. It has been used in flooring, furniture and to make other wood products. Now it is being used to make clothing. Right now, there are questions about the "greenness" of the process used to transform bamboo fibers into clothing fibers. Chemicals used in this process may be of a dubious nature, and there are other issues. However, even with these concerns, the Green Guide points out that bamboo is still more environmentally friendly than wholly synthetic fibers or even cotton. This is due to the unique characteristics of bamboo:

• Requires very little water
• Naturally resistant to pests
• Very hardy and requires no fertilizer
• Grows quickly (up to a foot per day)
• Grows in the wild (although some are starting to cultivate it due to its popularity).

There are hopes that the process will become greener, but right now a greener process would mean sacrificing comfort.

Benefits of Wearing Bamboo Fabric Clothing
Toasted bamboo fabrics have benefits to the wearer, beyond the knowledge that he or she is wearing something that is better for the environment. Bamboo fabric provides wicking, which keeps moisture away from the skin. It is antibacterial and absorbent. These qualities mean that bamboo fabric has a high level of comfort and performance. It seems a little odd to be wearing bamboo fabric, but it really is comfortable and environmentally friendly.

In the end, it may not be a bad idea to look into bamboo fabric clothing for your next new clothes purchase.

When you decide to join the green movement in clothing, it does not mean that you should get rid of what you have and run out to buy new threads. Quite the contrary. It is important to note that the greenest clothing is using the stuff you already have for as long as you can. One way you can preserve your clothing -- and the earth -- is by changing the way you wash your clothes. This goes beyond just using earth-friendly detergents. It also includes laundering in cold water and line drying your clothes.

Most clothing, if you check the label, can be washed in cold water. This means that you are losing less energy to heat the water used in the wash. Additionally, if you hang your clothing to dry, you will be saving energy (and money) by using less gas or electricity. If you do buy new clothes, check labels to make sure that they are cold wash garments. Do your best to avoid dry-clean only clothing, since the chemicals and processes used can damage the environment.

Line drying your clothes

Line drying your clothes can be a great way to save energy, making your clothing "greener." Plus, it gets you outside. Your children can play outside while you do some of your chores. Hang shirts from the bottom (use two pins) and pants from the waistlines. You can make your clothing softer by either using a fabric softener in the wash cycle, or by fluffing the clothes in the dryer on "air" setting. Since heat is not used, not much electricity or gas is utilized, and clothes only needs about 10 minutes.

For the winter months, you can use an indoor dryer rack. This can be a great way to humidify your home as well, since heaters can make the air dry. This way, you can save money on a humidifier.

With some careful planning, you can make the clothing you have greener, just by changing how you launder your clothes!

When one thinks of hemp, for some reason often the first thoughts that come to mind are of marijuana. Nothing could be further from the truth. (No, you can't smoke hemp fabric and get high.) Instead, hemp clothing provides a durable natural fiber that can make comfortable clothing that is also eco-friendly. This is why hemp has such a prominent place in the green movement in clothing.

Characteristics of hemp clothing:

Strong. A tensile strength that is three times that of cotton.

Lightweight. Hemp clothing is very light. It is also absorbent.

Versatile. There are many uses for hemp material. It can be easily blended with other natural fibers, including silk.

Weather resistant. Hemp clothing is durable and tough. It resists mold and it blocks harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Better for the environment. Hemp farming requires little water, and hemp is resistance to pests, so pesticides are not needed. Additionally, hemp grows very well, so fertilizers are not usually used. Hemp is very renewable.

Cost-effective. Because of its ease of growth, hemp is easy (and less expensive) to grow.
It is important to note that in some countries (notably China) the production of hemp clothing does include harmful chemical processes. However, there are other manufacturers that use enzymes with a biological basis in order to maintain the earth-friendly hemp clothing process.

Hemp clothing can be rougher than cotton, which is why it is often blended with cotton for shirts. However, hemp is used a great deal in the manufacture of sandals and shoes.
Hemp clothing is mostly available online, although some offline retailers are starting to sell hemp as part of the green movement in clothing. Local clothing boutiques and Fair Trade shops also usually carry hemp clothing.

Here are some online places where you can find hemp clothing:

Hemp Sisters.com, Spirit Stream Trading.com, Faerie's Dance.com, Peopleshemp.com

One of the trends picking up steam in the green clothing movement is the use of organic cotton. Organic cotton provides a more environmentally friendly clothing product, while at the same time increasing your health by decreasing your exposure to the harsh chemicals found in pesticides.

Conventional Cotton vs. Organic Cotton
Conventional cotton is grown using vast amounts of pesticides. Indeed, among crops, cotton is one of the most pesticide-dependent. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown naturally, using practices that are earth friendly. Pesticides can cause all sorts of problems. They are toxic, and some people with sensitive skin find that conventional cotton is uncomfortable because of these chemicals. Organic cotton, though, does not have allergens or toxins. (You still have to be wary of dyes, however. Try to find organic cotton products that use natural dyes for color.)

Organic cotton feels soft on the skin, and many companies now make tag-less articles of clothing so that there is no itching or scratching. Additionally, you have the good feeling that comes with knowing that your clothing choices are fairly sustainable.

Clothing Made from Organic Cotton
Several companies, including Faerie's Dance, Butterfly Maidens, Lotus Organics, Nubius Organics, Go Natural Baby and more offer clothing, towels, bathrobes and other products made from organic cotton. For babies, organic cotton is becoming especially popular, since crib sheets, onesies and more can be made from organic cotton -- creating an ideal textile environment for newborns.

It is possible to buy organic cotton jeans, a variety of shirts made from organic cotton, as well as accessories like handbags and organic cotton totes. All of these products are a little more earth friendly. It is true that in some cases participating in the green movement in clothing means that you may have to pay a little more for your clothes. However, prices for organic cotton clothing are coming down as it becomes more popular.