Cotton fabrics are the cornerstone of the global textile market. We sleep on them, wrap our children with them, and wear them throughout the day. However, beneath our everyday reliance on cotton for comfort and utility lies a troubling reality — ordinary cotton production is dangerously unsustainable.

THE PROBLEM WITH CONVENTIONAL COTTON

Inorganic cotton harvesting practices contend with two major issues: Excessive water usage and reckless pesticide/chemical use. Cotton is a notoriously water-intensive crop. Requiring extensive irrigation, the cultivation of this crop can strain water sources to the point of catastrophe. To give you a modern example of the devastating effect, the Aral Sea Disaster in 2010 was caused by unsustainable irrigation for, primarily, cotton production. Once the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world, the Aral Sea has lost about 90% of its original size since the 1960s, a vast expanse of sand and desert, and a poignant reminder of one of the gravest environmental disasters on a global scale (source by the UNCCD).

Due to the careless use of pesticides over more natural pest managing methods, the world faces endangering multiple keystone species that our ecosystem relies on. Notably in the United States, the well-known decline in bee populations is attributed to pesticides being used without discretion. "We know neonicotinoid pesticides (note: these are common farm and garden pesticides) are a major cause of bee decline and are working to ban them... That reform must start with the EPA replacing its long, troubling embrace of pesticide makers with a truly independent review process for assessing these dangerous poisons.", informed Tara Cornelisse, an entomologist and senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity (source by the Center for Biological Diversity).

ORGANIC & REGENERATIVE COTTONS: WHAT ARE THEY?

If inorganic cotton is so negative, yet so prevalent, then what is the solution and how can I support it? A change in attitude for consumers worldwide to look for more sustainable farming methods is the BEST current resolution. Organic Cotton is produced without synthetic chemicals to keep pests at bay, but instead opts for eco-friendly, natural deterrents such as introducing natural pest predators or using "companion planting" with natural pest-repelling plants. In order to avoid over irrigation issues, organic cotton is also typically rain-fed water which reduces water waste and improves long term soil health. Through maintaining soil health with compost and crop rotations, organic cotton naturally requires less water usage than its inorganic counterpart.

If organic cotton is a 5 star alternative, then regenerative cotton should be considered a Michelin Star method. Regenerative Cotton goes beyond organic practices by actively restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and improving ecosystems while also producing cotton. It mimics natural processes to build resilient farms, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance farmer livelihoods (source by Cotton Today on regenerative practices, source by SAN on 'The Future of Cotton Farming').

For more info, please check out these sources below if interested:

Open case study on the 'Ecological and Social Costs of Cotton Farming'

Sustainability impact report by the WWF organization's Better Cotton Initiative

Materials Matter

As a family-owned brand on Florida's west coast, we deeply care about preserving our natural environment. That’s why we prioritize using eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and recycled materials—not just to protect our coastal ecosystem, but to honor the values of our community, who cherish our beaches and wildlife as much as we do. By choosing responsible materials, we’re doing our part to keep our oceans clean and beautiful for future generations to enjoy.

Regenerative Cotton

Regenerative cotton refers to a sustainable farming approach aimed at restoring soil health and biodiversity while producing cotton. Unlike conventional cotton farming, which often involves heavy pesticide and fertilizer use, regenerative cotton farming focuses on regenerating the ecosystem through practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, minimal tillage, and composting. These methods help improve soil fertility, retain water, reduce erosion, and support biodiversity. Overall, regenerative cotton aims to create a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.

Amni Soul Eco

The world's first biodegradable yarn. Amni Soul Eco is designed with the planet in mind. The yarn's decomposition speed is 10 times faster than traditional nylon when/if the garments end up landfills and 20 times faster in oceans and other marine environments. This reduces the accumulation of textile waste on the planet and leaves a gentle fingerprint on the environmental impact of the textile chain.

Lenzing Ecovero Rayon

Certified in meeting the highest environmental standards throughout its lifecycle, Lenzing EcoVero™ fibers promote building a cleaner and greener world by taking less from the environment, maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste in the production process. These fibers are derived from sustainable wood and pulp, which come from certified and controlled sources that generate up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to generic rayon.

Linen

Linen fabric stands out for its strong sustainability profile due to its natural origin from flax plants and biodegradability, making it an eco-friendly choice compared to synthetic fabrics. It requires significantly less water consumption during cultivation, along with providing excellent durability and longevity, which further minimizes the need for frequent replacement.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and from seeds that are not genetically modified. The methodologies used to grow organic cotton use beneficial habitat planning and frequent crop rotation to protect the groundwater quality, reduce pests, and prevent the diseases that arise when ecosystems are artificially manipulated.

Oeko-tex Certified

The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is a worldwide consistent, independent testing & certification system that tests for harmful substances used during all stages of production (raw materials, intermediate, and end product). Extensive product checks and company audits further ensures that the industry has a globally sustainable awareness of the responsible usage of chemicals.

Ethical and Sustainable Production

At Shore, we’re proud to partner with GOTS-certified facilities that align with our commitment to sustainability and ethical production. These partnerships ensure that every step of our process, from sourcing organic fibers to the final product, meets the highest standards for environmental care and fair labor practices. By choosing GOTS-certified factories, we’re not just making high-quality clothing—we’re making a positive impact on the environment and the people who bring our products to life.

AMALFI DRESS - SCRIPTED BLOOM - XS

Printing for a Better Planet & Products

We've chosen digital fabric printing because it’s better for the environment and offers clear benefits for you. Our process uses eco-friendly inks and significantly less water, ensuring that our fabrics are produced with minimal environmental impact. Digital printing also means we can create high-quality designs with minimal waste, allowing us to offer unique, on-demand products without overproducing. This not only supports a healthier planet but also ensures that you're receiving sustainable, thoughtfully crafted garments you can feel proud to wear.

  • Our Materials

    We carefully select eco-friendly fabrics like linen, organic cotton, and Ecovero rayon, all certified for sustainability. These high-quality materials, sourced from responsible suppliers, not only reduce emissions and water usage but also ensure you feel great wearing them.

  • Dye Process

    To conserve water, we reuse it during the dyeing process, especially with lighter colors. Our methods include treating water to remove harmful substances before it returns to the environment. Plus, our digital printing process is efficient and uses less dye and water compared to traditional methods.

  • Apparel Lifespan

    Fast fashion contributes to millions of tons of textile waste each year. At Shore, we’re committed to reducing this waste by creating long-lasting, high-quality garments. Since 2008, we’ve focused on using durable, eco-friendly fabrics and expert craftsmanship to ensure our styles stand the test of time.

  • Our Materials

    We carefully select eco-friendly fabrics like linen, organic cotton, and Ecovero rayon, all certified for sustainability. These high-quality materials, sourced from responsible suppliers, not only reduce emissions and water usage but also ensure you feel great wearing them.

  • Dye Process

    To conserve water, we reuse it during the dyeing process, especially with lighter colors. Our methods include treating water to remove harmful substances before it returns to the environment. Plus, our digital printing process is efficient and uses less dye and water compared to traditional methods.

  • Apparel Lifespan

    Fast fashion contributes to millions of tons of textile waste each year. At Shore, we’re committed to reducing this waste by creating long-lasting, high-quality garments. Since 2008, we’ve focused on using durable, eco-friendly fabrics and expert craftsmanship to ensure our styles stand the test of time.