Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Understanding The Meaning Of Fashion Alchemy And Best Clothing 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.

The natural softness of cotton is believed to have the ability to attract positive energy to the wearer and help keep negative vibrations away. Silk possesses numerous healing abilities such as preventing infections and keeping skin healthy, as it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Organically grown bamboo is also antibacterial in nature and repels odors.

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.

Fabrics can act as a source of comfort, energy, and even benefits to one's health. It's best to select clothes made from those materials which have undergone less processing because they don't damage the environment as much when they are being manufactured. Recycling garments in used clothing stores rather than throwing them out is another way people can do their part to look out for the environment.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment