Organic Fashion

by: HeatherRose

We are watching as the world is going green and adapting a natural lifestyle in every form. It is time to bring not only health but knowledge of health to every person. An area that is still overlooked by the general public is organic fashion. This phenomenon is quickly growing and already being embraced by leading designers worldwide.

The term organic fashion means that the material, whether cotton or other fabrics, is without fertilizer, pesticides, chemicals, hydraulic oils, harmful dyes or any resulted carbon footprint. Organic fashion is often referred to as eco-fashion. Eco-fashion considers the environment, health of the consumer and the working conditions of the people who are working in the fashion industry and factories.

It is very important to take organic clothing seriously. The body absorbs all of the harmful ingredients through our skin. Research from organicconsumers.org shows that generic cotton material uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and 10% pesticides. These chemicals block skin and pores. Skin is a living organism and needs to breathe. The responsibility for maintaining good health through fashion, lies with the clothing manufacturers and designers, certainly; but, even more importantly, with the consumer.

Organic does not mean ‘weaker’ or less quality. It is an upgrade from the generic. The truth is that the fabric is stronger, more durable and softer to the skin. After working with the natural and organic fibers, designer Richie Rich told inquiring reporters: “People often perceive the fashion world as superficial, so it’s great to work with materials that are actually good for the environment. I had my doubts, but when we actually saw the fabric swatches we were blown away. They were gorgeous, and it wasn’t hard to design with them.”

Trend Hunter Magazine featured Fashion Designer, Stella McCartney who introduced the first organic resort line of clothing, exclusively, with well known retailer, Barney’s. In addition to organic materials, McCartney recycled fabrics from previous collections. On March 20, 2009, Target announced their latest collaboration with casual brand clothing company Loomstate. Owners Gregory and Hahn are dedicated to “creating demand for certified organic cotton using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production”. Target boasts that this line is created for both men and women and fulfills their commitment “to provide impressive designs for low prices.”

Great alternative fabrics to search for include: organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, organic wool, sasawashi, sea cell and soya. Three of the listed choices are more commonly found and used. The first and most popular choice is the organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown using natural methods like crop rotation. Throughout history, our culture grew cotton naturally and today’s organic farm environment is re-adapting this way of production. The second alternative for fabric choices is Hemp. Hemp is the hardest, strongest and easiest to maintain substitute. It is the most ecological and safe method for creating this end product without the use of any harmful chemicals. The third common alternative is organic wool. This wool must be grown on chemical-free sheep. The proper name for a true organic animal raised in this way is ‘free range’. With the help of natural life all around, these fabrics will become the perfect replacements of tomorrow. This is as predicted by journalists of journalism.nyu.edu.

Applying the methods of living a green life is not as hard as it may sound. The key is knowing where and how to look for acceptable organic clothing. The term organic can be abused in all aspects of the industry today. It is important to know when searching, that some sites may be imposters. To decipher this, search for “organic clothing” on the internet and then look for an ‘about us’ or ‘our mission’ statement. These statements should provide explanations about their company standard regarding organic fabrics. If this information or the label “USDA Organic’ (United States Department of Agriculture) cannot be found, leave the site. There is a probability they are not as they say. A few good examples to serve as role models for your search would include: ‘Urban Hemp’, ‘Of the Earth’ or ‘Little Earth’. These sites offer fashionable, eco-safe, organic clothing.

Whether they choose to adapt organic clothing in its entirety by completely revamping one’s wardrobe or by choosing select pieces, the consumer will be on a path to a healthier life. If you are looking for ways to help the environment as an informed shopper, the information tips provided will equip you to choose your clothing while helping to contribute in a beneficial way to a growing need. When it comes down to the solution of a green life, Danny Seo (also known as the ‘Organic Martha Stewart of Style’) said, “People say they want products that are environmentally friendly, but unless a product is affordable and appealing to the eye, who is going to pay.”