sustainability
- Holistic approach: from raw materials to shipping
- Materials: Organic, certified & selected deadstocks
- Transparency: Origin & certifications are listed with the product.
- Quality: durable fabrics instead of short-lived trends
- Stance: fair treatment of people, animals & the environment
THE VALUE CHAIN
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RAW MATERIAL PRODUCTION
The textile chain begins with the production of the seeds, the cultivation of organic cotton, the harvesting, and the industrial ginning, i.e., the separation of fiber bundles and seeds.
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SPINNING
In the spinning mill, the cotton bales are opened, the fibers are combed, cleaned, and finally spun into thread, which is then wound onto spools. Learn more
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KNITTING/WEATHERING
In the knitting mill, we produce knitted fabrics such as jersey, interlock, and sweatshirt fleece. In the weaving mill, we produce fabrics such as satin, poplin, and cretonne. Learn more
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FINISH
A knitted or woven organic cotton fabric undergoes finishing processes. This includes dyeing, pre-shrunk, finishing, and optionally printing. Naturally, our processes adhere to the highest environmental standards and are GOTS certified. Learn more
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GOODS INSPECTION
All Lebenskleidung fabrics undergo a double quality control process. First, at the respective production site, and then a final quality control check at our warehouse and in our laboratory in Germany. Learn more
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SHIPMENT
At the end of the textile supply chain, we send your chosen fabrics on their way to you. And we do so climate-neutrally with our partners DPD and UPS. Now, our fabrics begin a new life in your studio or garment factory.
OUR MATERIALS
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ORGANIC COTTON
LEARN MOREAt the heart of our portfolio are durable fabrics made from organic cotton. That's why we want to give this important raw material ample space – and explain to you in detail what makes organic cotton so important and special, what distinguishes it from conventional cotton, and why choosing organic cotton is also a political decision. Unlike conventional cotton, the organic cotton used in our fabrics is grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides.
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LYOCELL
LEARN MOREOur Tencel™/Lyocell fabrics have been with us since 2019 and are our answer to the huge demand for one of the most comfortable materials currently available! The Lyocell process used in the production of Tencel™ is a very sustainable method that takes place in only two process steps using a non-toxic solvent, and in which 99% of the solvent as well as the water used can be continuously recycled back into the production process.
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ORGANIC WOOL
LEARN MOREOur wool is so-called "kbT" (controlled organic animal husbandry) wool. Wool is designated as such when it comes from animals raised organically. This also means that artificial fertilization of the pastures, genetically modified feed, and animal meal are prohibited. Another sensitive issue is the mulesing procedure, which is used to combat parasite infestations in animals – at the cost of causing the animals excruciating pain. Naturally, sheep that are used for "kbT" wool are not subjected to this treatment.
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LINEN
LEARN MOREFlax fibers, which form the basis of linen fabrics, are among the oldest fibers with textile properties. Initially relegated to second place by cotton, linen fabrics have been firmly established in the fashion world again for several decades. Our linen fabrics are made from flax grown under controlled organic cultivation. This type of cultivation avoids treated seeds and herbicides. Organic farming is therefore closer to nature and more resource-efficient. The smooth fiber has a cooling effect, is absorbent and moisture-regulating, making it a must-have for year-round wear.
TEXTILE SEAL
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GOTS SEAL
Please note: not all of our products are GOTS certified. We do offer GOTS-certified fabrics, which are marked separately.
GOTS – which stands for Global Organic Textile Standard – is a minimum standard that is essential for us and takes ecological criteria into account as well as social standards. Many of our fabrics are GOTS-certified, ultimately providing both us and you with security and reliability.
GOTS conducts a comprehensive audit once a year, thoroughly examining our production processes. You can find our current GOTS certificate under this link. But what exactly does GOTS entail, and what areas does it cover? Learn more -
FAIR FOR LIFE SEAL
The Fair For Life seal is awarded by the Swiss Organic Foundation, which was founded in 1987 and is active in the areas of environmental awareness, organic farming, fair trade, and social justice. It only awards the seal if both the raw materials and the manufacturing process meet socially fair standards. Unlike Fairtrade International, this standard-setting organization relies solely on certification fees – and is therefore not caught in the dilemma between stringent requirements and licensing revenue.
ENGAGEMENT
COOPERATIONS & FRIENDS
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As a Berlin-based fabric agency, it's only natural for us to support our friends at VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub. VORN connects sustainable fashion labels, designers , and creative professionals , creating visibility for future-proof fashion and promoting exchange on fair, innovative textile and production processes. Most recently, we jointly ran a booth in London in the summer of 2025 – a great example of how Berlin's sustainability networks collaborate and grow internationally.
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For several years, we have supported the Bonn-based organization FEMNET – because we believe that realities can only improve with consistent support. FEMNET provides political education and consulting services and supports women in the textile and garment industry in asserting their rights globally. At its core, the organization advocates for greater corporate accountability, binding political action, and stronger support for NGOs and trade unions in India and Bangladesh.
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The Sustainable Angle, based in London, UK, is a non-profit organization and the founder of #FutureFabricsExpo. The Future Fabrics Expo, organized by Sustainable Angle, is the largest trade fair for sustainable materials for the fashion and textile industry in Europe. The Sustainable Angle initiates and supports projects focused on sustainability in the fashion and textile industry.
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Common Objective (CO) is a smart network for the fashion industry based in London, UK. Common Objective members share a common goal: building successful businesses with a positive impact on people and the environment. Their main objective is to move sustainable fashion from a niche market to the norm. CO builds on ten years of work by the Ethical Fashion Forum, which has now established a global network in 141 countries. Lebenskleidung is the proud winner of the 2019 CO Leader Award in the Sourcing category.
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On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza building complex, housing several garment factories, collapsed in Bangladesh. The disaster claimed over 1,100 lives and injured thousands. Since then, people around the world have commemorated the tragedy with Fashion Revolution Day . Fashion Revolution Day serves as a reminder and a call for change to ensure such a catastrophe never happens again.
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The Good Garment Collective is a clothing production agency with its own pattern-making studio. Transparent production processes are paramount. Every step, from the initial design concept to the final production, is overseen.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
What does sustainability mean in the context of everyday clothing?
We understand sustainability as an interplay of ecological, social, and qualitative aspects. This includes responsibly sourced raw materials, fair working conditions, transparent supply chains, and durable fabrics that are used consciously.
Are all fabrics used in Lebenskleidung certified?
Not all fabrics are certified. We carry both certified materials and selected deadstock items. Whether and which certifications are available is always clearly indicated directly with each product.
Why do you also offer deadstock fabrics?
Deadstocks are high-quality surplus materials from existing production lines. Their reuse conserves resources and avoids waste – without consuming new raw materials.
How transparent are your supply chains?
We work with selected partners whom we know and regularly review. We provide product-specific information on origin, processing, and certifications, rather than making general statements.
Does sustainable automatically mean "perfect"?
No. Sustainability is a continuous process for us. We make conscious decisions, question existing structures, and develop step by step – transparently and realistically.