Understanding 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.

Civilizations in ancient India had the concept that each type of fabric or textiles possesses its own characteristic energy. In Sanskrit the word "Ayurvastra" translates to mean "healthy clothes" which implies that clothing has the power to influence one's health and well-being. The unique texture, physical and chemical properties, and source of the material all play a part in determining its overall qualities.

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.

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.

Soy can also be used to manufacture a lovely soft fabric with long fibers give it a texture similar to silk which is ideal for undergarments. Hemp can be grown without any chemicals, making it a good eco-friendly option that is very versatile and can be used to produce both durable and soft fabrics. There is some speculation that it also has antibacterial properties.

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.

Fabrics truly possess a life of their own and should not be viewed as a lifeless, inanimate object, since they can benefit the health and mindset of the wearer. Today people also have more clothing choices than ever before which take the protection of the environment into consideration, and as more become aware of its importance, they make a point of recycling used clothing instead of dumping them in already overcrowded landfill sites.




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