Our Materials
At COS, we are committed to sourcing quality materials that range from organic to responsible animal fibre standards, regenerative cotton and wool and increasing our share of recycled materials.
So far in 2024, 95%* of the base fabrics in our collection are more sustainably sourced or recycled. Our definition of more sustainably sourced materials has evolved from evaluating a material’s environmental factors compared to conventional alternatives to taking a more holistic approach that also includes social factors.
We highlight these materials in our collections so you can make considered choices when you shop.
So far in 2024: 24.6%*
So far in 2024: 17.7%*
So far in 2024: 39.2%*
We partner with organisations that invest in improving farming practices and forestry management. Here are some of the highlights.
So far in 2024: 13.7%*
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 by-product 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) or Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).
We also collect our own cutting waste and have recycled it to make new pieces from the cotton, wool and cashmere in our collections. Due to the complexity of this process, there aren’t many brands of our size doing this.
SO FAR IN 2024: 4.8%*
We believe every piece should have a long lifespan. To make sure the materials in our collections meet our quality standards, we use conventional fabrics, such as leather for its durability and silk for its luxurious softness.
Most of the synthetics we use have been converted into recycled alternatives and we have introduced recycled silk as well. As part of 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). This includes increased due diligence on the issues of deforestation and animal welfare.
leatherworkinggroup.com
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 a pair of 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 is 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.
*Figures are updated twice a year.