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.
The concept of textiles and fabrics possessing their own distinct energies which can affect the wearer dates back to thousands of years ago in India. The Sanskrit word "Ayurvastra" basically means "healthy clothes" and refers to clothing having the ability to influence vitality and spirituality. Qualities embodied in a particular fabric are determined by numerous factors such as its source, texture, physical and chemical properties.
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.
As a synthetic textile, polyester is derived from petroleum, but today some manufacturers are producing a variation that is made from recycled materials that is more eco-friendly. Many vintage shops will resell classic polyester fashions too, which is another form of recycling itself. Lyocell is a fabric made from wood pulp that is processed in a environmentally friendly way and it does not wrinkle, so no ironing is required.
Soy can also be used to manufacture a lovely soft fabric with long fibers give it a texture similar to silk which is ideal for undergarments. Hemp can be grown without any chemicals, making it a good eco-friendly option that is very versatile and can be used to produce both durable and soft fabrics. There is some speculation that it also has antibacterial properties.
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.
Fabrics can act as a source of comfort, energy, and even benefits to one's health. It's best to select clothes made from those materials which have undergone less processing because they don't damage the environment as much when they are being manufactured. Recycling garments in used clothing stores rather than throwing them out is another way people can do their part to look out for the environment.
The concept of textiles and fabrics possessing their own distinct energies which can affect the wearer dates back to thousands of years ago in India. The Sanskrit word "Ayurvastra" basically means "healthy clothes" and refers to clothing having the ability to influence vitality and spirituality. Qualities embodied in a particular fabric are determined by numerous factors such as its source, texture, physical and chemical properties.
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.
As a synthetic textile, polyester is derived from petroleum, but today some manufacturers are producing a variation that is made from recycled materials that is more eco-friendly. Many vintage shops will resell classic polyester fashions too, which is another form of recycling itself. Lyocell is a fabric made from wood pulp that is processed in a environmentally friendly way and it does not wrinkle, so no ironing is required.
Soy can also be used to manufacture a lovely soft fabric with long fibers give it a texture similar to silk which is ideal for undergarments. Hemp can be grown without any chemicals, making it a good eco-friendly option that is very versatile and can be used to produce both durable and soft fabrics. There is some speculation that it also has antibacterial properties.
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.
Fabrics can act as a source of comfort, energy, and even benefits to one's health. It's best to select clothes made from those materials which have undergone less processing because they don't damage the environment as much when they are being manufactured. Recycling garments in used clothing stores rather than throwing them out is another way people can do their part to look out for the environment.
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