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.
Civilizations in ancient India had the concept that each type of fabric or textiles possesses its own characteristic energy. In Sanskrit the word "Ayurvastra" translates to mean "healthy clothes" which implies that clothing has the power to influence one's health and well-being. The unique texture, physical and chemical properties, and source of the material all play a part in determining its overall qualities.
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.
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 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.
Fabrics truly possess a life of their own and should not be viewed as a lifeless, inanimate object, since they can benefit the health and mindset of the wearer. Today people also have more clothing choices than ever before which take the protection of the environment into consideration, and as more become aware of its importance, they make a point of recycling used clothing instead of dumping them in already overcrowded landfill sites.
Civilizations in ancient India had the concept that each type of fabric or textiles possesses its own characteristic energy. In Sanskrit the word "Ayurvastra" translates to mean "healthy clothes" which implies that clothing has the power to influence one's health and well-being. The unique texture, physical and chemical properties, and source of the material all play a part in determining its overall qualities.
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.
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 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.
Fabrics truly possess a life of their own and should not be viewed as a lifeless, inanimate object, since they can benefit the health and mindset of the wearer. Today people also have more clothing choices than ever before which take the protection of the environment into consideration, and as more become aware of its importance, they make a point of recycling used clothing instead of dumping them in already overcrowded landfill sites.
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