Jack Wolfskin does away with PFOA

September 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

As a leader in the outdoor wear and apparel industry, Jack Wolfskin recently revealed that they would no longer be utilizing PFOA-based (fluorine-based) materials in the making of their outdoor wear line.

Forecasted to halt the making of PFOA-based products by 2014, the initiative comes as part of the brand’s commitment in staying true to the causes and initiatives of eco-friendly and sustainable advocacies.

Over the years, the brand has been keen on standardizing or regulating chemical thresholds “in a company list of hazardous materials”, with the process of changing PFOA use with alternatives being among its initiatives, to be completed by 2014.

As a brand, Jack Wolfskin remains to be recognized for its take on quality outdoor wear products, including weather proof jackets.

Given that such products have been traditionally made with non-organic materials, a number of moves dedicated in making organic such products more eco-friendly in their orientation have been steadily ongoing.

From recycled materials to the implementation of production techniques which involve the least amount of energy consumption and more eco-friendly dyeing techniques, attentions drawn towards going more eco-friendly and sustainable with outdoor weather-proof items have been steadily gaining momentum.

A number of brands, such as Jack Wolfskin, have taken the initiative of no longer using PFOA-based materials in the making of their products. Also known as Perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA is part of a group of fluorinated surfactants, which can be utilized in enhancing the water repelling coating surfaces of fabrics and textiles.

With newer developments in going eco-friendly with outdoor wear products, it can be assumed that more brands will most likely be taking on a more sustainable approach in the making of their products.

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Fabrics as Power Sources for Electronics

July 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Though not exactly something which can be described as made with organic materials, Xiaodong Li and post-doctoral associate Lihong Bao of the University of South Carolina are exploring the potential of fabrics as power sources for low-power devices such as mobile phones.

“We wear fabric everyday. One day, our cotton t-shirts could have more functions: for example, a flexible energy device that could charge your cell phone or your iPad,” shares Li, pertaining to the work he is developing with Bao.


Li, Bao and the rest of the team have invested studies and research pertaining to the extended functional aspects of clothing items, delving into its potential as a power source for charging the batteries of mobile consumer electronics.

With one study utilizing a regular t-shirt purchased from a discount venue, the researchers had immersed the shirt in a fluoride solution, followed by drying and baking it at high temperature degrees, ensuring that oxygen wasn’t present in the baking process to prevent the fabric from burning up.

The result, as viewed through an infrared spectroscopy, leaves behind a fabric with activated carbon, yet maintains its inherent material flexibility. With activated carbon on textiles acting like double-layer capacitors or supercapacitors, the fabrics are promising as energy storage mediums, given the fact that such capacitors can accumulate and store high energy densities.

Though far from being done, Li and Bao’s research promises a lot of upsides in the utility of fabrics, making them more than just items for protection against the elements, but also items of utility which wearers will find truly handy.

All in all, what Li and Bao are looking into is developing a shirt that can be used to charge a mobile phone.

How convenient is that?

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes, News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Removable Ink – A Different Take on Eco-Fashion Norms

June 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Sustainable fashion standards have now built a closer, more converged relationship with the fashion industry, with organic cotton and hemp slowly becoming expected notes in labels of different brands.

However, given the fashion industry’s transitory nature, the fact remains that – no matter how eco-friendly a given shirt of a pair of jeans is, once its “trend” is done, it is done.

An innovative approach in the situation has recently been unveiled, taking shape in removable fabric inks, developed by Refinity.

What Refinity’s Removable fabric ink can do

The Dutch fashion consultancy firm, Refinity, with its removable fabric ink, allows for a simple “solution” when talking about the relevance and timing of designs: removable ink which can be applied on a given clothing item, then later removed for an “updated” design or slogan.

The ink, being machine washable, can be easily removed utilizing a special detergent which effectively removes the ink from fabrics, making its implementation in the fashion industry a versatile one.

For one, the use of the removable ink negates the necessity for manufacturers in developing print and cut systems often required from permanent ink setups. Also, the use of the ink maximizes digital printing technologies, and allows for the creativity of wearers in churning out unique t-shirt designs which can’t be found in any store.

Also, because of its non-permanent nature, the use of the removable fabric ink results to the lessening of fashion item volumes, since a wearer, when a design becomes “too old” or “irrelevant”, can easily update designs whenever they choose.

Simple and straightforward, the practical applications of a removable fabric ink in the fashion industry is one which promises a lot of potentials, and strongly adheres to keeping the Earth’s ecologic balance.

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Soul Flower Edge – Organic Brand Review

June 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

When talking about organic brands for fashion items and accessories, Soul Flower maintains a certain edge – a norm, even – in its featured line of organic clothing options: the 60’s feel and sense of aesthetic style.

Established in 1999, Soul Flower started as bohemian eco-friendly fashion item brand, housed in a shop based in Minnesota, in Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, which was once the hangout of college students with hippie styles and flairs.


Now no longer having its “MacGroove ‘hood” retail venue, Soul Flower went on a mail order business model, and now works with the internet in the distribution of quality organic fashion pieces and accessories, which covers organic wear options for women, children and men.

Featuring tops and blouses, t-shirts and dresses, tank tops and pants, hoodies and jackets, yoga wear and also “plus size” clothing items, Soul Flower also highlights fashion jewelry and accessories, which includes bags, wallets and more.

With its headquarters still in Minnesota mostly geared for warehouse and inventory stocking purposes, Soul Flower’s presence, with the internet, is virtually everywhere, catering to the varied needs of the brand’s loyal and soon to be loyal patrons.

With online catalogs showcasing the brand’s newest releases, Soul Flower regularly updates customers over the latest of design incarnations, which are practically revamped and refreshed takes of the classic bohemian vibe.

Though organic fashion doesn’t have to bear the 60’s feel, if the “Summer of Love” is what you’ve often found to be the link for eco-friendly mindsets of peace and love, Soul Flower’s the organic brand that’s certain to fit with your senses.

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Going Ayurganic

June 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Ayurganic materials, as fabrics made from materials which are free from pesticides and toxic substances, take the concept of eco-consciousness to a higher level, integrating intrinsic benefits into their use with beliefs based on Ayurveda traditions, which is basically Hindu in its origins.

Combining special oils and herbs into organically made Ayurganic fabrics, the use of Ayurganic fabrics is ascribed to be more than just advocating eco-friendly and sustainable fabric production standards, but linked in adding value to oneself and the overall environment one is in.


Given Hinduism’s close ties with Mother Nature’s natural cycles, Ayurgnic fabrics are more than just materials used in making fashionable eco-friendly clothing items, but also made because the “body needs to be shielded from the harmful effects of pollution with a material that can protect and even nourish the body”.

With Ayurganic-based fashion lines working on a “slow fashion” philosophy, Ayurganic clothing and apparel makers take their time in creating products, ensuring that they are thoroughly cleansed off toxins and chemical irritants.

Used in the making of various items, including shirts, slacks, dresses, baby blankets, beddings, yoga wear and even lingerie, Ayurganic fabrics are typically soft and luxurious, factors which are often looked for in organic fashion and apparel items.

Often made to come in Earth-toned hues, Ayurganic clothing items are known to focus on the comfort of wearers, giving Ayurganic an edge as eco-friendly organic pieces of clothing.

As the rise of interest in organic fashion is undeniably ongoing, Ayurganic fabrics stand out as unique fabrics, one that isn’t only about the Earth’s well being but also touches up on a wearer’s state of inner calm, given its Ayurveda link.

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Spun

May 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Essentials

Spun started from a father’s entrepreneurial mindset that inspired his daughter to found her own label. Sara Seumae spun her own story by indulging her fashion craving and creating a line of organic basics. Sara’s quality clothing is based on her personal three F’s: it fits, flatters and is fashionable. Her scoop tee, raglan pullover and low V-necks in different colors are the ultimate essentials for everyone aiming for a clean look.

Ethic-Chic

Launched in February 2008, Spun is one of the newest brands on our eco fashion planet. Each piece is proudly made in the United States using high quality 100% Certified Organic Cotton which is dyed using environmentally safe low–impact fiber reactive dyeing processes. Spun is a member of 1% for the planet and supports the Organic Trade Association.

Pictures & Video


Find & Flaunt
Shop online at Fashion Ethic and 90210 Organics or find selected stores at Spun.

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Soham Dave

May 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Essentials

Soham Dave has established his contemporary womens clothing line, followed by a handbag collection and handmade jewelry line. Soham Dave is an eco-friendly lifestyle brand in New York City, fusing the old and the new, classic and contemporary, and ancient organic and urban lifestyles.

Ethic-Chic

Soham Dave combines the dual roles of environmentalist and social entrepreneur by promoting local artisans, using traditional eco-friendly production techniques, and fair trade to offer a contemporary range of lifestyle products for the conscious urban consumer with a focus on biodegradable fabrics, recycled materials, and hand-crafted items.

Soham Dave found his niche in combining fashion and craft during his time at SEWA, an NGO company working with marginalized craft artisans. There he explored heritage Indian skills, including hand embroidery, hand block printing and hand weaving, and creatively applied them to contemporary silhouettes.

Soham Dave currently works closely with local artisans from remote villages in India where workers are paid a fair wage.

Pieces of fabric that are left over from the apparel line are transformed into jewelry items.

Pictures & Video


Find & Flaunt
Check online at Soham Dave.

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sistahood

May 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Essentials

Sistahood is a women’s eco knitwear label inspired by the desire to create comfy, funky street styles in an earth and people conscious way. Simple, soft and playful, the sistahood style ranges from sophisticated mini-dress to street flavored harem pants, tanks, tees and sweatshirts.

All garments are made in limited edition, which makes them unique, hand-designed pieces, made with lots of love and an eye for detail.

Ethic-Chic

All Sistahood garments are made from 100% organic cotton, are custom-dyed with GOTS approved inks, and are printed & manufactured in New Zealand. Sistahood uses as little packaging as possible during production, and merchandising is done on recycled paper whenever possible. Sistahood is committed to exploring and pushing the boundaries towards making 100% sustainable clothing.

Pictures

Find & Flaunt
Check online at Sistahood.

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes, Reviews, Women Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Origin of Organic Fashion

May 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

What the heck is organic fashion? The truth is I didn’t even know what it means until I came across stories about drop dead gorgeous Brad Pitt and other Hollywood celebrities who have actively involved themselves in campaigns for saving the planet and going green. Fashion enthusiasts define organic fashion as a growing philosophy in trend sustainability. To put it simply, it is taking environmental impact and social responsibility into consideration for creating products such as clothes, bags and accessories.

And out of curiosity I began to ask who invented it in the first place. To my surprise, organic fashion is actually not an entirely new fad. Believe it or not, it was introduced just as regular clothing was made known to mankind. This means that this kind of clothing can be traced back in history when cavemen had started wearing clothes and definitely right before harmful substances such as pesticides, antibiotics and other genetic modification were introduced. The most organic of its kind are the skins of the animals that they hunted as well as large tree leaves that women had sewed together during prehistoric times, used to cover their bodies and protect them from the heat of the sun or the cold at night.

However in the modern sense, organic clothing was re-introduced around 1990. Recently, the use of alternative fibers has been accepted as a new trend. Organic bamboo and hemp are being used as fabric. Natural fibers such as cellulose and plant fibers are are also being used as they are abundant and are non-petroleum based. Others use reclaimed fibers made from scraps of fibers collected from clothing factories. These are processed back into short ones for spinning into new ones

Looking back at how this kind of fashion trend has taken flight in the 90’s and how it has become a widely acceptable craze in the market today, I believe that environmentalist cause to save mother earth and battle cry for social responsibility is slowly paying off. Personally, it has opened my eyes to a few realities which includes proactively understanding how my clothes are made and buy those that do not contribute to environmental degradation.

If you have thoughts to share about organic fashion, feel free to put your comments on the box below.

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Sans Soucie

May 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Essentials

What’s in a name? Katherine Soucie calls her label Sans Soucie, a play on the French phrase for ‘without a care.’ The hand crafted clothing and textiles exhibit a rather sincere appreciation of technique and design. Sans Soucie transforms a unique material: recycled hosiery, into whispery garments that float along the body. Offering impressionistic one of a kind and limited run collections, Sans Soucie reflects a modern take on texture and textiles with gossamer-thin layers of expertly dyed and patterned nylon that is both delicate and sensual. The accessories line is equally popular with arm bands, knee high socks, and hand painted footless tights.

Ethic-Chic

Sans Soucie transforms a waste material, nylon hosiery, into durable, machine washable clothing. Fabrics are treated with non-toxic pigments and low impact dyes.

Pictures

Find & Flaunt
Check online at Sans Soucie.

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