Product

SUSTAINABLY SOURCED MATERIALS

Sun behind clouds in an orange sky over the sea

At COS, we believe in investing in the now to design for the future. That’s why we are committed to sourcing quality materials that range from organic to recycled, responsible to regenerative.

So far in 2024, 95% of the base fabrics in our collection are more sustainably sourced, according to our Material Environmental Benchmark. We’re also working towards making all the trims we use more sustainable, too.

There are all kinds of fabrics in our collections that are more sustainably sourced, and we highlight these so you can make considered choices when you shop.

Regenerative or organic

Regenerative farming practices improve soil matter and microbiology to enhance the soil's capability to capture carbon. 


Organic materials are grown from organic seeds that have not been genetically modified in any way. The cultivation process requires no synthetic fertilisers, protecting both our planet and its people. 


We’re also exploring new technologies and production methods, such as processes that use less water and regenerative organic farming that prioritises restoring soil health to help fight climate change. 

So far in 2024: 28.6% 


*Though this figure is lower than in previous years, this season we are introducing more responsibly sourced fibres into our collection. Watch this space for regenerative cotton and greenhouse-grown cotton by Materra. 

Responsible

Responsibly sourced materials cover three areas: the environment, animal welfare and social responsibility. We partner with independent certification programs to bring you ethical and responsibly sourced materials that are fully traceable. 

So far in 2024: 53.1% 


Textile exchange logos

Recycled & repurposed

By giving a new life to leftover fabrics through recycling and repurposing, we can reduce our demand on the planet’s limited natural resources. 


Recycled fabrics are made using the waste from both the pre- and post-consumer stage of a product’s life. 


The pre-consumer stage happens before the product is made, gathering waste from yarn spinning and cuttings from the production process. Post-consumer refers to the stage at the end of the product’s life. This could be unused clothing, textiles or even things like carpets, all of which can be made into new clothes. All the recycled materials we use are certified according to the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).

 

Repurposed fabrics are made from gathering our own cutting waste, recycling it to make new repurposed pieces from the cotton, wool and cashmere in our collections. 


Due to the complexity of the repurposing process, there aren’t many brands of our size doing this. There's lots more we can do but we’re proud to be leading the way. 


We seek out new production methods and innovative ways to bring a higher proportion of recycled fibres into our compositions and retain the quality feel you love.

So far in 2024: 13.3%


Conventional

We believe every piece should have a long lifespan. To make sure the materials in our collections meet our exacting standards, we use conventional fabrics such leather – selected for its luxurious softness and enduring quality – and silk, while constantly searching for better alternatives and pushing the industry to improve. 


Most of the synthetics we use have been converted into recycled alternatives and we are making the transition to organic silk as well. As part of our work with the H&M group, we are also pleased to announce our commitment to promoting responsible leather manufacturing practices worldwide as a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG).

So far in 2024: 5% 


Natural vs synthetic

When choosing our fabrics at COS, we don’t just select them because they’re natural or organic, we look at how they will perform when our customers wear them, too. That’s why we need a balance between using natural fibres, such as cotton and wool, and man-made synthetics, such as elastane and polyester. 


Synthetic fabrics often add very functional elements to a garment. For example, adding a small percentage of elastane to cotton jeans will give them a slight stretch – making them less rigid and more comfortable to wear. Or, blending polyamide with wool can help the piece last longer, especially if it’s a product designed to be worn repeatedly, like a winter coat. 


We’re aware that blending natural and synthetic fibres makes them harder to break down and recycle into new fabrics. This is something we’re currently exploring with new partners and innovative technologies. However, synthetic fibres can add strength to a garment – meaning it can be worn more and live a longer life. 

Further reading

Woman smiling while standing in cotton field

MATERIALS THAT MATTER: REGENERATIVE ORGANIC COTTON

Cultivated the way Mother Nature intended, meet the highest organic standard fibre that puts back what it takes from the soil.

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Cotton plant

MATERIALS THAT MATTER: MATERRA

Pioneering technology company Materra talk us through their ground-breaking innovation: greenhouse-grown cotton.

Read moreArrow pointing right
Cotton plant

MATERIALS THAT MATTER: MATERRA

Pioneering technology company Materra talk us through their ground-breaking innovation: greenhouse-grown cotton.

Read moreArrow pointing right