Comments on: Are Eco Fabrics Better Than Conventional Cloth?

By: Robin

Robin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:47:10 +0000

I’m glad that this topic is being addressed. As a number of the designers said, there is not a simple answer. First, one needs to define what they mean by “eco fabrics.” To me, it’s a fabric that leaves the smallest carbon/water footprints possible. And people need to see newer man-made fabrics as eco friendly too – recycled PET for example uses very little water, is extremely durable and recyclable. I know I’ve avoided man-made fabrics for ages, but the facts have left me with a new answer to the question of what is an eco fabric.

One should also look at the way the material is dyed and decorated. Traditional manufacturing leaves billions of gallons of polluted water and sickens the workers (not to mention what it does to our skin). There are new technologies such as AirDye (http://www.airdye.com) which can allow designers amazing flexibility and creativity with synthetic fabrics.

The last point I’d like to make is that the sustainable, long-lasting garment is one that’s not tossed out for being out of date in one season. People should buy classic pieces that do not go out of style. Which means of course, that designers need to do a better job of giving us good choices.

By: Hemp Necklaces Fan

Hemp Necklaces Fan — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:54:41 +0000

Wow. What an awesome article. I have a site that sells all sorts of items from hemp, hemp2point0.com. We’re especially in agreement that eco-friendly items can be better than your average traditional cloth in many respects. One we hear from our customers continually is that hemp especially has a much longer lifespan that the average cloth. Great article! Thanks!

By: amyd

amyd — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:38:05 +0000

Your welcome MadameSoybean and thank you for your post.
May your bamboo top last forever…

By: MadameSoybean

MadameSoybean — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:19:53 +0000

As a woman working in environmental stewardship and someone who sews and loves fashion, this article spoke to my heart. Thank you to all the designers & business fashionistas who participated. I wear organic cotton and adore the softness of soy. One of the longest lasting items in my closet is an easy care top of bamboo fiber. While bamboo is controversial in some ways, I’m hoping the deforestation issues can be resolved soon. Anyway…you are seeing and speaking to the future and thank you!!!

By: Ina

Ina — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:28:17 +0000

We value the comments of all the great designers featured here. Even more exciting is hearing the feedback of the end customer. It helps us build our brand into something YOU really desire in the market. Let us know your thoughts and how you weigh in on this topic. Thanks Amy for such a great piece and for including us!

In fashion and friendship,

Ina
Co-Founder M641

By: amyd

amyd — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:22:14 +0000

Thanks Ursula and from talking with you in the past about all this I know you have you’re own feelings on the issue.

Feel free to speak your mind here!

By: modaspia

modaspia — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:37:10 +0000

this was a great article amy. it pulled together known facts about the longevity of eco fabrics as well as the importance of creating something of value to someone – the real test of a garment’s longevity. great group of designers answering here too!