SustainabilitySustainable clothing supports and nourishes the earth and the lives of all people involved in the processes of growing, manufacturing and distributing the clothing. It is governed by principles such as reuse and recycling, organic fibers and fair trade worker conditions - practices that are ethical and reduce the carbon footprint of the consumer and the adverse impact on the environment. Manufacturing clothing using fewer resources helps to maintain a more sustainable Earth. It all goes back to what we all learned in elementary school: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
While different in their focus, ethical clothing, organic clothing and sustainable clothing are united in their fundamental respect for the earth and all creatures. The ethical shopper will seek out natural, organic clothing that was grown or raised lightly and sustainably upon the earth without poisonous and toxic pesticides or herbicides, by farm and garment workers who received a fair and livable wage under safe and healthy working conditions, using ecologically-friendly manufacturing processes.
Fabrics commonly used by Elroy Apparel:
ORGANIC COTTON:
Organic cotton is the version of its conventional counterpart grown without pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals. This makes it extremely different, especially considering that cotton (organic or otherwise) provides about half of all the world's fiber needs. Conventional cotton is one of the most chemically-dependent crops, sucking up 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals and 25 percent of insecticides on 3 percent of our arable land; that's more than any other crop per unit. That adds up to 1/3 of a pound of chemicals to produce enough cotton for a t-shirt, and 3/4 of a pound for a pair of jeans. And that's just not bad for the planet; 20,000 deaths occur each year from pesticide poisoning in developing countries.
BAMBOO:
Bamboo, a type of tropical grass, has an extensive rooting system that grows on average four to six new shoots a year, naturally replenishing itself. It is also 100% biodegradable, one of the most renewable resources on our planet, and provides an abundance of usable oxygen making it a crucial element in the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The plant grows and flourishes in the wild without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.
Bamboo fabric is similar to the softness of silk. Since the fibers are without chemical treatment, they are naturally smoother and rounder with no sharp spurs to irritate the skin, making bamboo fabric hypoallergenic and perfect for those who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers such as wool or hemp. On that same note, bamboo is also antibacterial and antifungal. This beneficial quality of the plant remains in its textile form, killing all bacteria keeping the wearer feeling fresher and odor free for longer, making the garment healthier and more hygienic.
Unlike many of the other fabrics, bamboo is extremely breathable. The natural bamboo plant keeps itself cool in the heat and like its other properties, is also maintained in its fabric form. The cross-section of the bamboo fiber is covered with micro-gaps giving the fabric better moisture absorption and ventilation. As a result, it is able to keep the wearer almost two degrees cooler in the heat and noticeably warmer in the cold. Bamboo fabric is also anti static and UV protective as it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays providing the wearer with another beneficial quality from bamboo made clothing.
TENCEL:
Tencel is a natural, man made fiber which is also referred to as lyocell. It is made from the natural cellulose found in wood pulp from sustainable tree farms. The fiber is economical in its use of energy and natural resources, and is 100% biodegradable. This eco fabric has natural breathability and 50% greater moisture absorption than cotton.
Due to its moisture management, tencel is also anti-bacterial. The end fabric is soft, breathable, lightweight and comfortable. Tencel has an extremely smooth, soft surface that drapes beautifully to flatter every figure. Tencel’s smooth surface feels soft and supple against the skin and its incredible wicking abilities keep the skin dry, making tencel a great fabric for sensitive skin. This super fiber can hold up to a beating when both wet and dry, and is most conveniently resistant to wrinkles.
LINEN:
The process for cultivating linen is just as clean as organic cotton, but uses less water. Linen fiber grows naturally from the flax plant. Flax needs no chemical fertilizer to grow. Once the fiber has been extracted from the plant, it supplies a number of useful by-products, including flax oil (used to produce soap, cosmetics, paints, printing inks etc) and fibers (paper and even the American dollar contain flax fibers.) Nothing is wasted. Linen breaths, it is non-allergic, it absorbs moisture well and it resists stains like no other material.
HEMP:
Hemp is strong, warm, and long wearing. Once known as a superior industrial fiber due to its ruggedness and coarseness, today the hemp as a modern textile fabric provides all the warmth and softness valued by fashion designers in organic clothing but with remarkable durability seldom found in other materials. Hemp is most often grown without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides.
When compared to other natural fibers, Hemp is an extremely fast growing crop that can yield 250% more fiber than cotton per acre and about 500% more pulp fiber than the forest wood on same area of land.
WOOL:
Wool is composed of the same protein that makes up the outer protective layer of your skin and wool works in total harmony with your body's own protection mechanisms. Wool has naturally developed a higher level of in-built UV protection than many other fibers. Wool also has natural recovery. Each fiber is resilient and springy, thanks to its complex internal structure, giving clothes a beautiful drape and greater crease resistance.
Wool is a renewable resource that can be shorn from sheep annually. It is biodegradable and kinder to the environment than oil-based synthetics, which contribute to global pollution. Wool fabrics are durable. Properly cared for, they will last a very long time, making wool garments a good investment.
Wool's natural insulating quality and its ability to shed water results in a fabric that keeps the body warm even in the rain. Wool has the most absorbent fibers of all fabrics. Wool fabrics can absorb up to 30% of their weight without feeling heavy or damp. The absorbent fibers "breathe" by wicking away moisture from the body and releasing it into the air. This quality makes wool fabrics comfortable to wear in warm and cold weather. Science has tried but, so far, has not succeeded in producing a fiber with all of the qualities of the natural wool fiber.
RAW / WILD SILK:
Raw, wild silk lets the silkworm live out its full life cycle. It is raised and processed differently than commercial silk. Rather than being boiled and killed in their cocoons in the conventional manner, the moths are allowed to emerge from their cocoons to live out their full life cycle. The production of wild silk involves venturing into the wild to gather cocoons that moths have naturally left behind. The silk is degummed and spun like other fiber, instead of being reeled. The results are the same, if not better. The yarn is flexible, soft, and airy.
PINEAPPLE:
Introduced centuries ago using traditional hand craftsmanship. Nowadays, the fiber is nearly impossible to find - only a handful of aging weavers currently work for its survival. Pineapple fiber is extracted from pineapple leaves by hand scraping. After extracting, the fibers are left out to dry in the open air. Dried fiber is knotted and bound into yarn, then woven into fabric. The simple yet elegant fabric is soft and delicate with high luster. Hand loomed by artisans with love and patience
