Edition Nine: Better fashion, not faster fashion: how using preferred materials builds a better apparel business

  Ralawise  •  12 March 2026

Sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s expected and influences buying and business decisions. Clients care about where garments come from, how they’re made, and what happens when they’re discarded. They want to feel part of the solution, not the problem.

The needle is moving on circularity, durability and responsible supply chains – part of the product DNA, alongside performance, quality and finish. Decorators who can provide decorated apparel made from preferred materials gain a genuine commercial advantage. Responsibility sells.

Certifications that stand for something important

Cutting through the noise is key. Businesses and governments are cracking down on greenwashing. Credible certification now isn’t just valuable – it’s essential.

Examples include:

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – verifies organic fibres and responsible production from field to finished garment.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – confirms textiles are tested for harmful substances, assuring chemical safety and compliance (e.g., REACH).
• BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) – supports more sustainable cotton farming practices at scale.

Each certification tells a story and gives you something concrete to share with customers seeking more than words. They provide integrity, credibility, and proof of sustainability commitments.

Why longer-lasting garments are the real sustainable choice

The most responsible garments are those that don’t need replacing. A cheap polo that falls apart after a few washes creates waste, costs your client money, and reflects poorly on your recommendation. A quality polo that holds its shape, colour and structure, wash after wash, is a much easier sell and a genuinely sustainable choice.

This is particularly true for workwear. Polos that withstand industrial laundering, maintain a smart look, and are built to last aren’t just better products – they’re more sustainable. Less waste, lower total cost, happier clients.

For more on high-performance polos, see High Performance Polos.

Sustainable apparel brands decorators can trust

Brands are putting sustainability at the forefront of their values, giving you responsible products to offer.

Stanley/Stella uses GOTS-certified organic cotton with full supply chain traceability, and as Fair Wear Foundation members, they’re committed to ethical working conditions. Their Creato tees and Coaster polos are go-to choices for decorators prioritising provenance and premium organic quality.

Fruit of the Loom CiCLO technology tackles microplastics with synthetic fibres designed to biodegrade naturally.

B&C Inspire is OCS-certified for organic cotton traceability, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, and backed by Fair Wear Foundation membership. Ringspun organic cotton gives a denser, more consistent weave for sharper prints, smoother embroidery, and a premium feel.

These aren’t niche eco products – they’re mainstream options that perform brilliantly and are made sustainably. For a deeper dive into fabric performance and decoration, see Understanding Fabrics.

Helping clients choose more responsible products

Most clients aren’t sustainability experts. They want to do the right thing without complications. When you can explain why one product is more responsible than another, backed by certifications and evidence, you’re adding genuine value. You make their life easier and help them feel good about their purchase.

Increasingly, this approach wins business. Not the lowest price, but the smartest recommendation from someone who really knows their stuff.

Certifications explained

Quickly decode certifications, materials, and key sustainability terms with Ralawise’s easy-to-use Sustainability Glossary.

If you need further information, the sales and sustainability team is always available. Whether matching the right product to a client brief or understanding which certifications matter most, we provide all the information you need to get it right. Responsibility in fashion is now part of everyday business.

Build better. Sell smarter. Leave fast fashion behind.

👉 Explore tees and polos at Ralawise