Sunday 23 November 2014

Discover Your Personal Fashion Alchemy And Best Fabric Choices

By Tom Brady


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.

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.

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.

The wool of the Alpaca sheep is another fairly healthy material since these animals do not receive any types of injections or hormones that will be transferred into their wool, which usually lasts a long time with proper care. Plant sugars, mostly those from corn can also be used to make a fabric called Ingeo which can be produced using lower amounts of energy than it takes to process cotton.

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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