subject: Best Materials For Natural Clothing [print this page] With the global movement today to dispel the use of harmful chemicals and to take better care of ourselves and the earth, natural clothing is becoming more popular than ever before with more people across the globe. Every day that goes by brings more choices and more options for organic materials that are soft, durable, beautiful and also safe. If you are interested in natural clothing but are not sure what type of material to look for, here are a few suggestions and some ideas about the different fibers that make up some of the most popular organic clothes today.
Probably the most common type of fiber for organic clothes is organic cotton. Every bit as durable and soft as traditionally grown cotton, this material is also safe to wear, safe to wash, and even safe for people to be around and produce. The problem of chemically treated cotton is the fact that through the air and from physical contact the toxins are transferred from the cotton plant to the people around it. Those who live near cotton fields are exposed to those chemicals as are those who work in the fields. The workers who harvest the cotton are exposed, the people who manufacture the clothing that is made are exposed, and of course the consumers who purchase and wear the clothing are exposed. Buyers of the clothing often mistakably assume that if they wash the articles that they will wash away any chemicals, but unfortunately that is not the case. Even after several washings the chemicals remain sunken into the clothing, which in turn are absorbed by the skin as people wear them. Organic cotton, on the other hand, has no chemicals or anything toxic in it, so it is a much safer option for people. Even natural clothing that is colored can still be organic not only are organic dyes used in these cases, but sometimes the cotton itself is grown in different colors!
Another popular material for natural clothes is bamboo. Although most people think of the tall hard grass when they think of bamboo, clothing that is made out of the material is incredibly soft (it is often compared to cashmere or silk) and it also is durable and very easy to clean. The fibers of the bamboo are naturally very breathable, which makes clothing from them great in the summer time to whisk away moisture from the wearer. In the winter time they are great too because the fibers have excellent insulating properties. There are also many other types of fibers that are used for natural clothes today and many more that are making appearances so be sure to keep an eye out for them as you shop for environmentally responsible apparel.
