Since slow, sustainable fashion has been distancing itself from plastic-based acrylic materials and animal by-products, you might have spotted unusual fabric names on the labels of your new eco-friendly clothes. One of these is probably cupro, which we have been totally obsessing over at Noumenon. Let us tell you all about the origin, benefits and innovations of this magical fabric that breathes like cotton and feels like silk.

What is cupro fabric?

Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fabric that is made from recycled cotton linter, the fluffy fiber around the plant’s seeds. Since linter fibers are too small to be spun, they’re usually thrown away during cotton production. Cupro, on the other hand, is created by dissolving them into a viscous solution of copper oxide called cuprammonium, hence the name’s origin. Linter can then be spun into new fibers and woven into this smooth fabric. Given its cellulose origin and production process, it’s part of the same family of fabrics as Tencel, rayon, Modal and Lyocell. 

Cupro has actually been around since the 1890s, when it originated in Japan, but it has gained popularity in the past few years thanks to its unique properties and the difference that it can make in slow fashion.

Since it’s soft, smooth and doesn’t contain any animal by-products, cupro is also known as vegan silk. It’s a truly game-changing fabric because it’s also hypoallergenic, anti-static, stretch-resistant, incredibly durable and, being thermo-regulating, it dries quickly. Basically, it combines the softness of natural fibers with the practicality of synthetic ones, without their terrible toll on the environment, of course. True fabric goals!

How is cupro sustainable and cruelty-free

While the beauty of the garments made from cupro is also undeniably striking, what we love the most about it is the fact that it’s cruelty-free and more eco-friendly than most fabrics. Here’s why.

• Reduced waste: being a by-product of cotton, cupro helps find a purpose to fibers that would otherwise be chucked away;
• Biodegradable: cupro is made from 100% plant-based materials, which biodegrade naturally instead of sticking around in landfills for up to a thousand years like synthetic clothes;
• Less dye: thanks to the way it absorbs color, cupro dyes more easily than other fabrics;
• Produced in a closed loop: much like Tencel, the chemical used in its production can then be extracted and recycled many times, whilst the water can also be reused;
• Easy to wash: no need for dry-cleaning like you would with silk garments and, being all-natural, cupro won’t shed any plastic microfibers when washed in machines;
• Cruelty-free: unlike silk, no worms are involved in its production and boiled alive inside their cocoons; silk is actually believed to be one of the worst fabrics for the environment, second only to leather.

What is cupro used for?

Lots, lots of different garments! Thanks to its unique properties and intrinsic elegance, cupro can be used for several types of clothing items, from tops to shirts. We believe that it’s particularly stunning in long dresses and jumpsuits, given its flowy look and breezy feel. At Noumenon we’ve completely embraced the eco-friendly benefits of this versatile vegan silk, and it’s now one of our most popular fabrics. Be part of the change by switching to this sustainable, cruelty-free silk: discover and shop our timeless cupro products.