Clothing | Habit Magazine

Jack Wolfskin does away with PFOA

September 23, 2012 by Jerome 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.

Filed Under: News, Reviews Tagged With: apprarel industry, Clothes, Clothing, Jack Wolfskin, outdoor clothes, outdoor clothing, outdoor wear

SAC Launches the Higg Index

July 29, 2012 by Jerome Leave a Comment

As a trade association consisting of brand names, retailers, government and non-government agencies, academic institutions, and manufacturers, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) plays a vital role in the setting the standards and certifications of sustainable and eco-friendly fashion and apparel products.

With its role as an industry arbiter, the SAC recently launched its highly anticipated Higg Index, which is essentially a tool geared for sustainability measurement, applicable for various aspects in the fashion and apparel industry.

The Higg Index is originally developed by SAC certified members, based on a number of effective evaluation tools and modes. These modes would include evaluation tools such as Nike’s Material Assessment Tool and the Outdoor Industry Association’s Eco Index.

As a whole, the Higg Index is positioned to offer a more comprehensive measurement tool in assessing the social and environmental impact of footwear and apparel products, allowing fashion industry stakeholders the chance to easily and readily identify avenues where the reduction of waste and better long-term sustainability strategies can be implemented.

“The Higg Index marks the most thorough and complete attempt at measuring environmental performance data from material sourcing through end of life. We are confident it will have a positive impact on product sustainability over time, and become a model for how industries can collaborate in making a positive impact on value chain performance,” shares Jason Kibbey, Executive Director, Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

Given the number of certifications which abound in the eco-sensible industry, the Higg Index is primed as a consolidated measurement and assessment body, one which comes as great news for manufacturers and consumers who are prone to “get lost” in finding out which is what when talking about sustainable standards.

With it, brands and consumers no longer have to be confused when talking about certifications and standards.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Clothing, Fashion, higg index, sac, sac higg index, sustainable apparel coalition

Eco-fashion Criteria – Brief Definition of Terms

July 16, 2012 by Milchom Leave a Comment

As broad and as generic the term “eco-fashion” is, a number of terms linked to its production, development and release have come about, geared to help users better understand the products offered to them.

However, as many and as diverse as these terms are, many consumers find themselves confused over these criteria.

If you’re among the many who are lost with what eco-fashion criteria terms mean, here’s a brief definition of terms touching up on the most commonly encountered eco-fashion terms/criteria.

Artisan/Craft-Class Products – Artisan or Craft-class eco-fashion products are products which involve the skills of talented artisans, like embroidery or traditional fabric/textile staining processes.

As eco-fashion products, they are often valued because of the non-involvement of machinery in their creation.

Vegan – to the tune of vegan sensibilities, vegan eco-fashion products are made without the involvement of any animal-derived materials like leather or any form of animal tissue.

One popular eco-friendly vegan eco-friendly product would be “vegetal leather jackets”, which are derived from the use of rubber plants, in the creation of a leather substitute.

Fair Trade Certified – when a given eco-fashion brand/product is “Fair Trade Certified”, the certification means that the brand/product don’t advocate the exploitation of workers, promoting the codes and standards of ideal international labor terms.

Fair Trade primarily focuses on how goods are exported to developed nations from developing nations, and ensures that production facilities and production manpower terms are well within fair and humane grounds.

Organic – as the definitive criteria for eco-fashion products, organic items are simply identified as products made with natural materials, whose development/harvesting doesn’t involve any chemicals and/or pesticides.

Recycled – with recycled eco-fashion products, anything that is made with reused materials falls into the recycled criteria. From fibers to reworked clothing items, recycled eco-fashion products are often paired with organic standard products.

So there you have it. A brief description of the most commonly encountered eco-fashion terms. Do well in keeping the abovementioned definitions in mind when you’re out to beef up your eco-fashion wardrobe.

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes Tagged With: Clothing, Criteria, eco fashion, Eco Wear, Eco-fashion Criteria, Eco-friendly, Fashion, Organic Clothes, organic clothing, organic fashion

Fabrics as Power Sources for Electronics

July 11, 2012 by Revy 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: Clothes, Clothing, Fabrics as Power Source, Fabrics as Power Sources for Electronics, Organic, Organic Clothes, organic clothing

Suno’s sustainable fashion views

July 4, 2012 by Revy Leave a Comment

As a relatively young eco-friendly fashion and apparel brand, Suno has done well for itself, with its diverse range of products, with eco-friend fashion wear and footwear being the brand’s more known featured items.

Established in 2008, Suno was founded by Max Osterweis with Erin Beatty heading its designs and collection creations, a proud New York-based brand catering to women’s wear.

With its initial Spring 2009 collection featuring products made utilizing vintage Kenyan textiles, Osterweis’ second home, Suno’s 2009 collection had drawn a lot of attention towards the brand, defining it as a brand which focuses on quality, at the same time committed in helping communities with a means of earning a living.

With production ties based in India, Peru and Kenya, Suno’s products combine traditional local techniques with modernized tailoring systems, utilizing fabrics which are sourced from eco-friendly views.

Giving emphasis and focus on fabric quality and fit, Suno’s women’s wear line are made to be flattering, with cuts and designs standing out as new trends in the approaches and norms of luxurious wear.

Also highlighting a jewelry collection, Suno collaborates with Lizzie Fortunato Jewlels, in the design and creation of interesting jewelry pieces.

Footwear by Suno is also a brand highlight, developed and produced with Loefler Randall shoes, with Suno incorporating and implementing the fabric/textile patterns into shoes.

With its brand and product presences felt in over 60 retail venues in different parts of the world, sensible women in search for quality clothing items can find Suno’s products in Lane Crawford, Browns Focus, Ikram, Opening Ceremony and in Barneys New York.

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes Tagged With: Clothing, eco friendly clothing, Eco-friendly, organic clothing, Organic Cotton, organic dress, Suno sustainable, Suno sustainable fashion, Suno sustainable fashion views

Removable Ink – A Different Take on Eco-Fashion Norms

June 28, 2012 by Milchom 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: Clothes, Clothing, Eco-friendly, organic cloth, Organic Clothes, organic clothing, Refinity Removable fabric ink, Removable fabric ink, Removable Ink

The Soul Flower Edge – Organic Brand Review

June 24, 2012 by Milchom 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.

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes, Reviews Tagged With: Clothes, Clothing, Organic, Organic Clothes, organic clothing, Soul Flower Edge, The Soul Flower Edge

Going Ayurganic

June 15, 2012 by Milchom 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.

Filed Under: Buying Organic Clothes, News Tagged With: Ayurganic, Ayurganic fabrics, Ayurganic materials, Clothes, Clothing, Eco-friendly, Fashion, Going Ayurganic, Organic, Organic Clothes, organic clothing, organic wears

Topshop and Reclaim To Wear

June 14, 2012 by Milchom Leave a Comment

In response to the on-the-rise demand for organic fashion, clothing and apparel items, Topshop and Reclaim To Wear have joined forces in offering a collection that is worthy of praise, given that the individual collection features are made from discarded materials.

Topshop, a high-street retailer, and Reclaim To Wear, an eco fashion brand, have taken the initiative of utilizing production cut-offs and re-utilizing stock surpluses in the creation of unique dresses, bleached denim shorts and more.

Given the eco-friendly standards and norms focused towards the fashion and apparel industry as a whole, the collaboration is one which comes as no surprise, considering the respective statuses of Topshop and Reclaim To Wear.

“This is the first step towards the creation of zero waste design collections. I trust that the Topshop team’s commitment to new sustainable solutions will lead to the reconsidering of consumption versus disposal throughout the whole fashion industry supply chain,” shared Orsola de Castro, Creative Director, Reclaim To Wear.

The recent endeavors of Topshop and Reclaim To Wear follows after the launch of the Glamour Conscious Collection by H&M, the brand’s response in offering sustainable eco-friendly fashion and apparel products.

As a brand, Reclaim To Wear was established in 1997, standing up as one of the 90’s generation pioneers in the production of eco-friendly clothing and apparel alternatives an solutions.

Sharing their increased knowledge in the making of sustainable eco-friendly products with Topshop, the Reclaim To Wear and Topshop union proves to be a healthy collaboration, one which benefits both entities, customers and Mother Earth.

So if high fashion made with organic sensibilities is what you’re after, look no further than over what Topshop and Reclaim To Wear has to offer for you.