ABOUT THE FABRICS & CERTIFICATIONS
Our Sustainable Fabrics & Materials Glossary
At Rita Row, we are committed to ethical fashion and responsible sourcing. This glossary provides insight into the sustainable fabrics and certifications we use, ensuring transparency and integrity in our materials. From organic and recycled textiles to innovative plant-based alternatives, each fabric and certification reflects our dedication to eco-conscious design and fair production practices.
Explore our selection below to learn more about the sustainable choices shaping our collections.
(01) CERTIFICATIONS
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Ensures organic cotton meets ecological and social criteria.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
Certifies recycled materials and responsible processing.
OEKO-TEX
Guarantees textiles are free from harmful substances.
BSCI & SMETA
From this season on, we have produced select garments in China—a decision driven by the region’s advanced industrial technology, which allows for the creation of designs and materials that cannot be replicated in Europe with the same finishes and quality. To maintain our commitment to ethical fashion, we work exclusively with suppliers who hold reputable certifications, ensuring fair and responsible working conditions.
Our first supplier is BSCI-certified, complying with the Business Social Compliance Initiative’s Code of Conduct, which fosters social compliance and continuous improvement across global supply chains.
Our second supplier holds BSCI, SMETA, and additional quality control certifications, implementing lean manufacturing practices and rigorous quality checks at every stage of production. By sourcing premium materials and enforcing strict production standards, they ensure both ethical responsibility and exceptional quality, fully aligning with our brand’s values.
(02) FABRICS
ACETATE
A combination of natural and synthetic fibers, acetate is a renewable and environmentally friendly fabric.
ALPACA
A luxurious fiber known for its softness, warmth, elasticity, and hypoallergenic properties. It provides excellent insulation while remaining lightweight.
BAMBOO
A sustainable alternative to cotton, bamboo fabric is breathable, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking. It is biodegradable and hypoallergenic.
BCI COTTON (Better Cotton Initiative)
A cotton production standard that promotes sustainable farming, efficient water use, and better livelihoods for farmers.
CASHMERE
A premium wool known for its exceptional softness and warmth. It is obtained from Cashmere goats and is often blended for durability.
COMBED COTTON
A refined cotton type where shorter fibers are removed, resulting in a softer, stronger, and more durable fabric.
COTTON
A widely used natural fiber valued for its softness, breathability, and durability. It is biodegradable and requires minimal processing.
CUPRO
A sustainable plant-based fabric made from recycled cotton linters. It is breathable, durable, and biodegradable.
ECOVERO™ / RECYCLED VISCOSE
A more sustainable viscose option derived from FSC or PEFC-certified renewable wood sources.
ECOTEC COTTON
An innovative Italian yarn made from pre-consumer textile waste, significantly reducing water and energy consumption.
ELASTANE
A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity and durability, commonly blended with other fibers for stretch and flexibility.
FSC VISCOSE
A responsibly sourced viscose certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring sustainability and ethical production.
GRS RAYON
A semi-synthetic fabric certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), made from regenerated cellulose fibers with recycled content. It combines the softness and lightness of rayon with a more responsible process that ensures environmental and social criteria throughout the supply chain.
LEATHER
Ethical leather alternatives that avoid animal exploitation while maintaining a durable and stylish finish.
LINEN
A durable, breathable, and eco-friendly fabric derived from flax plants, offering excellent moisture-wicking properties.
LYOCELL
A biodegradable fiber made from sustainably managed eucalyptus forests using a closed-loop production process.
MERINO WOOL
A soft, fine wool with natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties. It is biodegradable and sustainable.
MODAL
A rayon-based fabric known for its softness, breathability, and sustainability. It is made using an environmentally responsible process.
MOHAIR
A luxury wool obtained from Angora goats, offering softness, elasticity, and a natural sheen.
NYLON
A synthetic fiber with high durability and elasticity, commonly used in swimwear and sportswear. Recycled versions help reduce waste.
PC ACRYLIC
A lightweight and warm wool alternative with a soft texture, often blended with natural fibers for added durability.
POLYAMIDE (PA)
A strong and lightweight synthetic fiber used in activewear and swimwear. It is durable and quick-drying.
POLYESTER
A widely used synthetic fabric known for its durability and wrinkle resistance. Recycled polyester reduces environmental impact.
POLYURETHANE (PU)
A water-resistant synthetic material known for its durability and versatility. Polyurethane provides a smooth, protective finish that withstands everyday wear. In this collection, it has been used to craft a waterproof jacket, combining functionality with a contemporary aesthetic.
RAFFIA
A biodegradable, plant-based fiber used for weaving accessories such as baskets, hats, and mats.
RAYON
A versatile semi-synthetic fiber that mimics the properties of silk, cotton, or wool while remaining breathable and lightweight.
RECYCLED COTTON
Cotton that has been repurposed from pre- or post-consumer waste, reducing the demand for virgin cotton and minimizing textile waste.
RECYCLED FABRICS (Wool + Polyamide)
A sustainable approach to textile production, reducing landfill waste and extending fabric lifecycles.
RECYCLED POLYESTER (PET)
A more eco-friendly alternative to virgin polyester, requiring fewer resources and emitting less CO2.
SEAQUAL (Upcycled Marine Plastic)
A fabric made from plastic waste collected from the ocean, promoting sustainability and ocean cleanup.
SILK
A natural fiber known for its luxurious texture, durability, and antibacterial properties. It is biodegradable and long-lasting.
Spandex
A synthetic fiber with exceptional elasticity and strength, similar to elastane. It is used in small percentages blended with natural or recycled fibers to provide comfort, stretch, and shape retention without compromising durability.
TENCEL
An eco-friendly fiber derived from sustainably sourced eucalyptus trees, processed using a low-impact closed-loop system.
VIRGIN WOOL
Wool that has not been processed or recycled, offering superior strength, resilience, and natural temperature regulation.
VISCOSE
A semi-synthetic fiber derived from renewable wood sources, known for its breathability and silk-like texture.
WOOL
A naturally durable and insulating fiber, wool is biodegradable and long-lasting, making it one of the most sustainable textiles available.