While for many shoppers, the main quality of any piece of clothing they are interested in is how it looks, there are other factors which can influence one's selection that should also be considered. Fabrics are each unique from one another, and possess the ability to affect the wearer's emotional and spiritual state, health, and the environment. Making conscious clothing choices which reflect these aspects is part of fashion alchemy.
Ancient Indian civilizations recognized that fabrics and textiles have their own energies several thousand years ago as evidence by the Sanskrit word"Ayurvastra" which translates to mean "healthy clothes" and refers to wearing apparel being able to have an impact on the spirituality and vitality of those who wear it. A fabric's characteristics come from its physical and chemical properties, source, and texture.
Each material possesses its own special attributes. Cotton is a natural fiber, believed to draw divinity from one's surroundings and ward off negative vibrations. Silk, another natural material, is rich in healing power, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial nature gives skin a healthy glow and wards off infections. Bamboo, a popular organically grown material, is also antibacterial and good for repelling odors.
Polyester is a synthetic material derived from petroleum byproducts, although a newer variety can be made using recycled plastic, which is less harmful to the environment. Vintage stores often carry a wide selection of recycled polyester fashions as well. Wood pulp can be used to produce a wrinkle-free fabric called Lyocell which is both environmentally conscious and easy to care for.
Soy oil byproducts are now being used to make soft, silky garments such as underwear and brassieres, its long fibers being naturally suitable for this. Hemp is another crop that is most often grown organically, is possibly antibacterial, and is highly versatile in its uses, being used for both rugged and soft material manufacture.
Cashmere is an elegant, luxurious material most often used for sweaters. It comes from the hair of the Kashmir goat, which is combed out for ultimate softness. Provided the wool is not then processed with dyes and other chemicals, or blended with synthetic fibers, it can last for many years. Natural linen is made from flax which can be grown relatively free of pesticide and fertilizer, and it is lightweight, breathable and comfortable for warm weather.
Alpaca sheep, which are the source of alpaca wool used for clothing, are usually raised without receiving any kind of injections or hormones, making their wool relatively pure and it is also durable and stays looking good for years if well cared for. A fabric called Ingeo can be made from fermented plant sugars, which does not require as much energy to process as cotton does.
The fabric which an article of clothing is made from can play a large role in how it will impact the wearer's health, energy, and comfort. As people become increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, more and more new types of materials are being developed which meet this requirement. Donating or selling used clothes to a store or charity also helps the environment as it ensures that they don't take up landfill space.
Ancient Indian civilizations recognized that fabrics and textiles have their own energies several thousand years ago as evidence by the Sanskrit word"Ayurvastra" which translates to mean "healthy clothes" and refers to wearing apparel being able to have an impact on the spirituality and vitality of those who wear it. A fabric's characteristics come from its physical and chemical properties, source, and texture.
Each material possesses its own special attributes. Cotton is a natural fiber, believed to draw divinity from one's surroundings and ward off negative vibrations. Silk, another natural material, is rich in healing power, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial nature gives skin a healthy glow and wards off infections. Bamboo, a popular organically grown material, is also antibacterial and good for repelling odors.
Polyester is a synthetic material derived from petroleum byproducts, although a newer variety can be made using recycled plastic, which is less harmful to the environment. Vintage stores often carry a wide selection of recycled polyester fashions as well. Wood pulp can be used to produce a wrinkle-free fabric called Lyocell which is both environmentally conscious and easy to care for.
Soy oil byproducts are now being used to make soft, silky garments such as underwear and brassieres, its long fibers being naturally suitable for this. Hemp is another crop that is most often grown organically, is possibly antibacterial, and is highly versatile in its uses, being used for both rugged and soft material manufacture.
Cashmere is an elegant, luxurious material most often used for sweaters. It comes from the hair of the Kashmir goat, which is combed out for ultimate softness. Provided the wool is not then processed with dyes and other chemicals, or blended with synthetic fibers, it can last for many years. Natural linen is made from flax which can be grown relatively free of pesticide and fertilizer, and it is lightweight, breathable and comfortable for warm weather.
Alpaca sheep, which are the source of alpaca wool used for clothing, are usually raised without receiving any kind of injections or hormones, making their wool relatively pure and it is also durable and stays looking good for years if well cared for. A fabric called Ingeo can be made from fermented plant sugars, which does not require as much energy to process as cotton does.
The fabric which an article of clothing is made from can play a large role in how it will impact the wearer's health, energy, and comfort. As people become increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, more and more new types of materials are being developed which meet this requirement. Donating or selling used clothes to a store or charity also helps the environment as it ensures that they don't take up landfill space.
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