Sourcing materials that are better for the planet is a foundational part of how we operate at Work+Shelter. In the early days of Work+Shelter, sourcing eco-friendly materials wasn’t easy. We started with a mission to help women but we didn’t think it made sense to empower women at the cost of harming the environment. As we witnessed the growing impact of industrial pollution, we committed to being part of the solution. And year after year we seek to improve our fabric usage and we share the results publicly as part of our commitment to transparency.
Fabric Usage Over the Years
Operating in India also gives us a unique advantage, providing direct access to a rich landscape of eco-friendly textiles and a deep-rooted culture of recycling. By utilizing local innovations like recycled polyester, which diverts plastic waste from incineration, we are able to offer high-quality, eco-conscious fabrics and custom solutions that meet both our ethical standards and our clients’ needs.
Our In-Stock Sustainable Materials
To accommodate shorter timelines and maintain quality control, we stock high volumes of our core fabrics in various weights, ready to be custom-printed or dyed to order. For orders with shorter timelines, we recommend using our in-house materials:
Organic and Recycled Cotton
Our primary focus is GOTS-certified organic cotton, available in both woven and knit. We offer woven weights ranging from 2oz (lightweight) to 12oz (heavy-duty canvas).
Great For: Zip pouches, Totes, Aprons, Tea Towels, Hoodies, Tees, Bandanas and more!
Recycled Polyester (rPET)
A durable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, diverting waste from landfills and incineration.
Great for: Zip Jacket, Fold-Up bags, Accessories, and Athleisure.
Tencel and Modal
These soft fabrics are sourced from sustainably harvested wood pulp. They are exceptionally soft, breathable, and biodegradable.
Great for: Robes and pajamas.
Silk
We celebrate India’s rich textile heritage through our silk options which include handwoven varieties and even upcycled Saris that add a touch of luxury to any design.
Great for: Scarves, Scrunchies, Robes, Eye Masks, Accent Details.
Additional Fabric Options
In addition to our core materials, we also specialize in custom and niche fabrics. Whether you’re looking to scale a project or create something special, we work closely with you to source the perfect fabric that aligns with both your design vision and sustainability values.
Scaling with Certified & Artisan Fabrics
For larger projects, we provide custom-milled fabrics that are GOTS, Fair Trade, BCI, or OEKO-TEX certified. By partnering with larger mills, we can leverage their investments in solar power and water purification systems to ensure your scaled production is as green as possible.
One of our vendors, KG Denim, made this video to provide insight into their sustainable production process.
Artisan and “Deadstock” Sourcing
We also specialize in artisan and “deadstock” sourcing. Our team frequently recovers high-quality “leftover” fabrics from large-scale luxury producers in Delhi. This allows our clients to access top-of-the-line materials that would otherwise go to waste, supporting artisanal heritage while maintaining a lower environmental footprint.
GOTS-Certified Printing
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the fabric. In 2026, we are proud to further close the loop by working with a GOTS-certified printing vendor utilizing GOTS-certified machinery. This ensures that your custom graphics and branding are applied using the same rigorous environmental and social standards as the textiles themselves.
Why It Matters
When you choose Work+Shelter, you’re not just choosing sustainable materials, you’re celebrating India’s rich textile heritage and supporting a supply chain that upholds fair wages, ethical labor practices, and a greener, brighter future for all.
Ready to start your next sustainable project?
Let’s connect at hello@workshelter.co to explore our fabric options and bring your vision to life.
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