11/25/2014

Discover Your Personal Fashion Alchemy And Make Conscious Fabric Choices

By Tom Brady


Some people choose clothing based solely on its appearance without considering the unique energy of the garments and how they can actually impact one's emotions and whether the production of them doesn't jeopardize the environment. One key aspect of fashion alchemy is the art of consciously selecting clothing for the positive energy or other characteristics of the fabrics to produce a holistically positive wearing experience.

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.

Each material possesses its own special attributes. Cotton is a natural fiber, believed to draw divinity from one's surroundings and ward off negative vibrations. Silk, another natural material, is rich in healing power, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial nature gives skin a healthy glow and wards off infections. Bamboo, a popular organically grown material, is also antibacterial and good for repelling odors.

The synthetic material polyester has traditionally been made using petroleum byproducts, although today a greener version of this fabric has been developed that uses recycled plastic which makes it a good eco-friendly choice. Recycling used polyester and other clothing in second-hand and vintage shops is another way to recycle. Lyocell is a newer type of fabric which can be made using wood pulp in a green way, and it is naturally wrinkle-free.

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.

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.

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.

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.




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