Fabrics
From www.cool-organic-clothing.com
Organic Cotton Hemp Organic Silk Organic Wool Linen Bamboo Fair Trade
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton has gained popularity the fastest of all the natural fibers and is now is moving full speed into mainstream clothing production. It has been instrumental in raising awareness and spear-heading the change of all fiber production to organic methods.
Natural cotton is the most recognized of all organic fibers because of it's profoundly positive eco-footprint. The crops are free of agrochemicals and organic producers must comply with strict regulation and criteria.
Undeniable Benefits
- No toxic chemicals, carcinogens or toxic gases
- Must be processed and finished without chemicals to maintain organic certification
- Easier on your skin and healthier for your body.
- Hypo-allergenic
- Especially good for people with chemical sensitivities
- Natural softness and comfort
- Breathable
- Absorbs moisture very well
- Naturally grown earth-tone shades of mocha, tan, browns, greens and reddish browns
- Every organic cotton T shirt saves 1/3 of a pound of toxic chemicals from land, rivers, oceans and air. One pair of jeans saves 3/4 of a pound
- You make a difference
Hemp
Organic hemp clothing is here to stay.
Clothing designers have dusted off the hemp of the past and revived it with the creation of amazing modern and stylish garments from this unique eco-friendly plant fiber source.
Hemp clothing is hot AND chic. So greening up your wardrobe is easy and exiting with new styles of timeless elegance, softness and comfort!
Organic Hemp Clothing Benefits
Hemp fabric used to be less than ideal for clothing because of it's coarseness. No longer! New and innovative process in treating the fibers with enzymes produces softness without sacrificing strength.
The result is a finer, softer and smoother fabric that is far more comfortable against the skin.
- Clothes continue to get softer wash after wash.
- Natural ability to block sun's UV rays effectively.
- Hemp yields long fibers which are strong and absorbent. Hemp is 4 times more durable and 8 times more tensile than cotton.
- Infamous durability- fibers are able to last up to three times longer than cotton.
- Hemp fibers hold their shape.
- Resists mold and mildew. Hemp canvas has been used for ships sails for decades.
- Soft and versatile. Anything that can be made from cotton, can be made of hemp.
- Fibers breathe well and wick moisture.
- Stretches less than any other natural fiber
- Natural and very efficient insulator. Fibers keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Untreated hemp is naturally a pale blonde color. It takes both pale and vivid dyes and retains color well.
- Water absorbent
- Naturally resistant to ultraviolet light
- Blends well with other fibers like organic cotton to produce fabric weights from very light to canvas. Even has the flexibility to be used in knits.
- Lack of bleach agents makes hemp a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Perfect for garments that receive a lot of wear and tear (ie: uniforms)
- Hemp doesn't wear out - it wears in.
ORGANIC SILK
Silk has a 3000 year history and has to be one of the most amazing and most beautiful of all of earth's fibers.
It is created by the protein secretions of silkworms which solidify to create the cocoon fibers. If you were to compare fiber by fiber, this remarkable natural creation is stronger than steel.
There is no question that organic silk production is the more environmentally friendly, non-violent and sustainable practice of silk cultivation. Zero chemicals or treatments are required for raw silk, which is readily biodegradable.
Care What You Wear...
Silk has a 3000 year history and has to be one of the most amazing and most beautiful of all of earth's fibers. It is created by the protein secretions of silkworms which solidify to create the cocoon fibers.
This is an amazing phenomenon in itself, but if you were to compare fiber by fiber, this remarkable natural creation is stronger than steel.
Silk fabric has always signified luxury and elegance and is today, still valued highly, dubbing it the "Queen of Fiber."
These days, green silk is taking eco fashion to new heights. You can caress your body in the rich luxury of silk without feeling guilty, while still maintaining your eco values.
What Is Organic Silk
Organic silk (aka raw silk, Tussah silk, Peace Silk) is created without the use of any chemicals or treatments using insecticides, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The silkworms are allowed to live out their full lives and die naturally.
Environmental friendliness utilizes natural and sustainable farming techniques. Of course, raw silk is biodegradable. Natural silk colors are produced but some organic silk is dyed with natural dyes.
Organic Silk Benefits
Raw silk has the versatility to be blended with just about any other fiber.
Blends with cotton and other fibers will produce a silken sheen and added softness.
- luxurious and cool to touch
- slippery soft, smooth and sensual
- hypoallergenic
- lustrous shimmer
- very lightweight
- beautiful drape qualities
- breathable
- offers warmth with superior insulating properties
- resilient
- natural strength and durability
- takes dyes well
- abrasion resistant
- shrinkage can be restored by ironing
Environmental Benefits
Organic silk farming has reaching effects by also promoting the sustainability of mulberry trees, which are the silkworms’ food source. One mulberry tree will feed roughly 100 silkworms. One acre of renewable trees sustains silkworm life to produce 30-35 pounds of raw silk.
Highly sought after natural reddish or golden silk colors are produced, depending on the specific silkworm breed and it’s feed.
These trees, in turn, provide a valuable renewable resource for local production of baskets, furniture even folk remedies.
Organic Wool
Organic wool originates from healthy sheep raised on an organic farm.
As opposed to conventional (non-organic) wool, pure wool goes right from the farm through the manufacturing process without exposure to any harsh chemicals.
Many wool producers are embracing the demand for organic wool. Consumers and designers fuel the fire by being aware of health issues and making a conscious effort to be environmentally responsible.
Benefits Of Organic Wool
Aside from it's natural softness and comfort, organic wool offers up several other benefits:
- Non-allergenic - widely used by people with chemical sensitivities.
- Naturally absorbent - natural wicking abilities. Wools are able to absorb up to 30% of their weight without feeling damp. The coiled fibers wick moisture away from the body to evaporate naturally.
- Mold and mildew resistant - due to the wicking action, moisture is able to pass through the fibers. Mildews require held in moisture to grow.
- Insulation - fibers trap dry, warm air near the skin keeping us warm in the winter. When it's warmer, the breathable fibers pull heat and moisture away from the skin making us feel cooler.
- Water repellent - natural ability to repel liquids, rain and snow.
- Durability - fibers resist tearing and wool clothing will last for years.
- Wrinkle resistant - when fibers are stretched, they will bounce back so clothing keeps its shape well.
- Natural Fire Retardant - unlike synthetic fleece which ignites and melts easily, wool easily resists flame. It doesn't support combustion which is why firefighters wear wool.
- Anti-static - natural fibers don't collect static and dust or dirt can be easily brushed off the surface. Because of the lanolin, wool naturally stays cleaner than most fabrics.
- Colorful - amazing breeds of sheep produce charming natural colors.
- Wool easily accepts dyes and color bonds permanently.
ORGANIC LINEN
If comfort is your desire, then linen clothing will definitely bring satisfaction with it's soft, lightweight breeziness.
Linen is the grand-daddy of all natural fibers.
Linen textiles may be the oldest in the world - flax linen wrappings have been found perfectly preserved in tombs after more than 3000 years.
Linen was highly valued since it represented wealth, and was even used as currency in ancient Egypt.
Organic linen is produced from the plant fibers of flax crops that have been grown without the use of toxic fertilizer and pesticides.
Being one of the strongest vegetable fibers, flax linen has 2 to 3 times the strength of cotton. Line fibers (longer) are used for finer fabrics while tow fibers (shorter) are used for coarser fabrics. The natural color ranges with shades of tan, ecru, ivory, and gray.
Benefits of Linen Fiber
- Highly absorbent
- Good heat conductor
- Feels cool to the touch
- Smooth and lint free
- Softens more with washings
- High natural luster
- Dries quickly
- Ability to wick moisture
- Unlikely to stick to the skin
- Fabric is stronger wet than dry
- Does not stretch
- Resists abrasion damage
- Has low elasticity, therefore keeps it's shape
- Resists dirt and stains
- No pilling or lint tendencies
- Allergy free
- Anti-static and antibacterial
- Elegant and durable
ORGANIC BAMBOO
Bamboo clothing is best thing since sliced bread. There's really no downside to this remarkable material that also delivers great environmental benefits.
So, if you don't already have it on your floor or in your blinds, then your bed, bath and closet are a great place to start!
Clothes That Caress
Bamboo clothes are a gift to the world. Some people say they love bamboo fabric so much, they may never go back to cotton.
Those with tender skin or chemical sensitivities who may experience allergic reactions with other textiles (such as hemp or wool), can usually wear bamboo material without any problems.
Because of this, bamboo is especially well-suited to the delicate skin of babies and children.
Bamboo clothes are perfect for layering, mixing and matching. Adding new pieces to your wardrobe will compliment what's already in your closet.
The fabric is so versatile, you can dress it up or down. It's so comfortable and adaptable that you'll want to wear for everything from going out to dinner to just relaxing around home.
The amazing versatility of bamboo fabric makes it the number one choice for clothing. Bamboo can be spun purely or easily blended with other fibers such as hemp, silk, or organic cotton creating magical fabrics.
Designers are quickly recognizing this, and creating sharp, stylish bamboo fashions. Expect to see even more exciting new styles as this hot new fabric gains momentum.
Bamboo Fabric Benefits
- The fabric is light and strong.
- The material has a natural sheen and feels silky and soft. You have to feel it to believe it.
- The luxurious softness is compared to cashmere. Better yet, you can buy a bamboo sweater for less than half the price you would pay for cashmere.
- It drapes beautifully and is anti-static.
- Has the ability to take colors well.
- Has the ability to make you feel cool. It won't stick to your skin, even when it's hot.
- On the flip side, you can layer it in the winter to keep you warmer.
- The fabric is known for it's breathability and moisture absorption.
- Odourless - Contains a natural antibacterial agent called "Bamboo kun" in the fibre which prevents bacteria growth. That helps you stay fresh and odor free.
- Highly absorbent and ultra soft because of the natural ability to wick moisture from the skin - keeps you dry
- Anti-fungal and hypoallergenic - even after fifty washes.
- Dries quickly - about twice as fast as most other fabrics.
- Resists wrinkling (without the use of formaldehyde which is added to cotton/polyester for this quality)
- Refreshing because it's breathable
- Natural UV protectant - cuts out about 98% of harmful UV rays
- Perfect traveling clothes - the wrinkles fall right out so there's no need to iron.
- Bamboo is biodegradable
Amazing Environmental Benefits
Bamboo is one of our planet's greatest phenomenon. It has the ability to sustain us with our three basic needs - food, shelter, and clothing. Not many plants that have those bragging rights.
Bamboo is so durable, flexible and versatile, that it has endless potential and unlimited uses. The big surprise is that this plant is really the new popular source for clothing, and it's an environmentally friendly choice!
Moso bamboo is the type that's used to produce bamboo fabric. This is the same type that you eat bamboo shoots from, but not the same type that panda bears thrive on.
Bamboo has a less devastating impact on our health and environment from crop growth and harvest to the eco-friendly manufacture of bamboo clothing.
Bamboo fabric is made 100% from bamboo. The woody plant parts are broken down into mush by natural enzymes. The fiber is made by wringing, combing and spinning the fiber into yarn called bamboo linen. The fiber itself is similar to unspun cotton. It looks and feels like a puffball.
- Bamboo is actually a grass species. It's one of the world's fastest growing plants. Some types can grow up to a meter per day and reach maturity in 3 to 4 years. Compare that to the growth rate of trees which don't fully mature for 25 - 75 years.
- It doesn't cause pollution.
- It doesn't need replanting, doesn't require much water for growth, and has the ability to handle either drought or flood.
- Bamboo is naturally resistant to disease and is easily grown without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- The root system anchors and sustains the soil, reducing erosion.
- Because the fibers degrade naturally, soil quality is improved as Mother Nature intended.
- When you examine equal volumes of timber and bamboo, the bamboo takes in five times the volume of greenhouse gasses and generates 36% more oxygen.
- Compared to cotton, the yield from an acre of bamboo is about 10 times greater than the yield from one acre of cotton.
- Chlorine bleach is not necessary. Some companies use bleaching processes to whiten the fibers. Companies producing organic bamboo clothes leave the fibers unbleached.
- Bamboo clothing is 100% biodegradable.
FAIR TRADE
Fair trade clothing and accessories are just two areas of internationally traded goods that require serious attention and commitment to fair trade principals.
What Is Fair Trade?
Fair trade is the movement to alleviate global poverty and promote sustainability. Fair prices, social, and environmental standards are the focus to improve opportunities for disadvantaged people.
The aim is to protect indigenous people from exploitation and protect human rights, social justice and sound environmental practices.
A commitment to sustainable development, transparency, international trade equity, social justice, and respect are at it's core.
So What Is Fair Trade Clothing?
Traditionally, there is a process that is followed to get a garment from the person who made it to the consumer. Often it is passed through middlemen who have most likely paid the artisan just a small fraction of the purchase price.
Under the Fair Trade agreement, less money goes to the intermediaries and more goes directly to the producer. Fair trade clothing is promoted so that these workers can sell their product directly to receive a fair purchase price.
Worker owned associations and cooperatives enable the middleman to be bypassed. These associations are democratically run by the workers themselves, allowing them to make decisions that affect themselves and their communities.
These people end up with more revenues for their hard work by eliminating the intermediaries without raising consumer prices.
The system is in place to promote health working conditions, fair wages and fair prices to workers worldwide who are at a disadvantage.
Exploitation is not accepted and child labor laws are enforced.
Improved environmental practices and responsible production methods are encouraged.
Many of these people are unable to meet the most basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter.
Fair trade enables them to enrich their own lives and improve their communities by being able to maintain independence and improve their quality of life.
Benefits of Ethical Trade
Fair trade means giving a fair exchange. Farmers and artisans are empowered to become self-sufficient to raise themselves and their communities out of poverty be developing long term business relationships based on trust and respect.
They gain skills, acquire experience, and are able to maintain stable, long term trade agreements.
Fair labor conditions are enforced, education is promoted, the environment is protected and equitable international trade is sustained.
Communities are enhanced with improved medical, educational and water facilities.
These local, uplifting changes are brought about by the workers having their own voice to make decisions regarding the use of their profits.