The way clothing looks is usually the number one selling point with most shoppers, however they should also consider other factors such as any special qualities the fabric has and whether it is made in a way that is environmentally conscious. The practice of fashion alchemy involves developing an awareness of what each fabric type has to offer and how it is manufactured to select clothes that will ultimately produce the best experience for the wearer.
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.
Every type of material has features which set it apart from the others. Cotton is a commonly used fiber that is natural, and it has long been attributed with the ability to attract divinity and positivity and keep negative vibrations away from the wearer. Also natural in origin, silk is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory healing powers that keep skin vibrant, and prevent infections. Bamboo can be grown organically and naturally repels odors and may also be antibacterial.
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.
The long fibers of processed soy can be used for making a soft and silky fabric which is very suitable for undergarments. Hemp is another material, easily grown without chemicals, and it is also very versatile in nature so it can be used to manufacture either soft or durable garments. It is believed to have some antibacterial properties too.
The wool of the Kashmir goat is shorn and combed out to produce luxurious cashmere, which is usually used to make sweaters. If it is not processed with chemicals and blended with synthetic fibers, cashmere can be kept for a long time. Flax, another crop which can be grown organically, is used to make linen, another classic fabric that is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for summer weather.
Alpaca wool which comes from the Alpaca sheep is another durable, natural wool that can last many years if properly cared for, and it is typically free of drugs and hormones since these hearty animals are raised without receiving any such injections. Ingeo is a relatively new fabric that is made from fermented plant sugars, mostly from corn, and its main benefit is that it requires fewer energy resources to process it than 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.
Every type of material has features which set it apart from the others. Cotton is a commonly used fiber that is natural, and it has long been attributed with the ability to attract divinity and positivity and keep negative vibrations away from the wearer. Also natural in origin, silk is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory healing powers that keep skin vibrant, and prevent infections. Bamboo can be grown organically and naturally repels odors and may also be antibacterial.
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.
The long fibers of processed soy can be used for making a soft and silky fabric which is very suitable for undergarments. Hemp is another material, easily grown without chemicals, and it is also very versatile in nature so it can be used to manufacture either soft or durable garments. It is believed to have some antibacterial properties too.
The wool of the Kashmir goat is shorn and combed out to produce luxurious cashmere, which is usually used to make sweaters. If it is not processed with chemicals and blended with synthetic fibers, cashmere can be kept for a long time. Flax, another crop which can be grown organically, is used to make linen, another classic fabric that is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for summer weather.
Alpaca wool which comes from the Alpaca sheep is another durable, natural wool that can last many years if properly cared for, and it is typically free of drugs and hormones since these hearty animals are raised without receiving any such injections. Ingeo is a relatively new fabric that is made from fermented plant sugars, mostly from corn, and its main benefit is that it requires fewer energy resources to process it than 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.
About the Author:
See our new selection of online fabrics with a purpose as featured on our website. We would like every conscious fashion fan to check out our homepage today at http://www.chakracenter.org.
