Organic Clothes - An Unforgettable Mix Of Healthy And Cool




The spotlight is on organic clothes. Consumers want products that are healthy and cool - including their clothing.

So What Is Organic Clothing?

Organic clothing is made of fibers from sustainable crops that are free of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers.

Green World

  • Organic crop growing is the initial step toward securing a sustainable textile source that profoundly reduces the impact to our entire ecosystem - our environment, our wildlife, and our overall health.

  • Fibers for organic fabrics are derived from organic and holistic farming methods without the use insecticides, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals.

  • Chemically toxic residues with persistent negative effects are not leeched into the environment causing detrimental harm to the ecosystems. The harvested fibers are guaranteed to be chemical free.

  • Crop rotation is utilized and the soil is renewed naturally with organic matter. Beneficial insects and natural predators are used to control pests. Weeds are controlled manually.

  • Humans, animals, and the environment are not exposed to toxic chemicals. All growing and manufacturing processes are followed in an environmentally friendly, chemical free manner, without destruction to nature.

    Is The Organic Clothing Industry Gaining Momentum?

    There are an increasing number of organic growers and producers which indicates strong industry growth. Organic clothing production is rising steadily with well-known companies implementing the use of organic fabrics in their products.

    Today's organic apparel production may not all be 100% organic, but worldwide efforts are pointing it in the right direction. Improvements are constantly being developed. Knowledge and awareness are inspiring distinct transformations.

    As well, consumer vigilance is generating increased interest in companies to join the organizations like the Organic Trade Association (OTA), whose mission is to develop standards for the processing of organic fabrics and encourage global sustainability.

    Organic apparel manufacturing will only serve to enhance the future of our planet and people.


    What Does Certified Organic Mean?

    Globally, there are varying standards. Our advice is to look closer at the certifying and labeling procedures for organic fabrics in your country.

    Generally though, specific standards for how products are produced, stored, processed, handled and marketed are applied. Goods must be processed in an ecologically sound manner throughout these processes.

    A certification body gives assurance to the consumer by verifying that specific organic conditions are complied with - from the farm to the retailer.

    These certification bodies are accredited independent government or private organizations who verify that the company has met or exceeded defined standards. Detailed records and processing facilities are inspected annually.

    Several certification bodies operate mainly in developed counties worldwide. However, on an international level, organizations like IFOAM and GOTS are working toward unification of standards.


    Organic Clothes Labeling

    According to GOTS:

  • a) "Organic" or "Organic-in conversion" - "95% or more of the fibers must be certified organic (or in conversion) origin. The remaining balance up to 5% may be made of non-organic fibers including defined regenerated and synthetic fibers. Blending(=mixing the same fiber in organic and conventional quality in one product) is not permitted."

  • b) Made with "x% organic materials” or "made with x% organic-in conversion materials" - 70%-95% or more of the fibers must be of certified organic (or in-conversion) origin. The remaining balance up to 30% may be made of non-organic fibers. Regenerated and synthetic fibers are limited to 10% (resp. 25% in the US). Again blending is not permitted."


    What Are Organic Clothes Like?

    Organic clothes are just like any other clothing, only better since they are free of harsh, toxic chemicals.

    Depending on the origin of the fibers, there are differences in the material texture and behavior. Overall, organic fabric is downy soft, extremely comfortable and very durable.

    The luxurious comfort and quality of organic fabric for your bed, bath, and body will amaze you. And...it's healthy for everyone involved in the process of creation, right from the crop grower to you. Everyone benefits.


    With global awareness front and center, people are searching for eco-friendly products and avoiding toxic chemicals evident in our clothing.

    It makes perfect sense that the more sustainable and environmentally friendly products we can use, the better for our overall health, not to mention our planet.

    Actually...it is the key to passing on a pristine world for the benefit of our children and their future generations.

    Is Your Family REALLY Wearing Toxic Clothing?

    One of the largest polluters in the world is the textile industry. Given the magnitude of the hazardous effects, we have desperately needed an alternative.

    • At least 8,000 chemicals are used to manufacture raw materials into our clothing and linens.

    • Seven of the top fifteen pesticides used in non-organic cotton growing methods are considered as "possible", "likely", or "known" carcinogens.

    • According to the World Health Organization, 20,000 deaths occur annually in developing countries from the poisons in pesticides that are used in crops.

    • Growing cotton alone uses about one-quarter of the world's insecticides.

    Common chemicals used in the growth and production of textile crops are often applied through spray applications. These include herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers and growth regulators.

    They are inhaled by workers, spread by the wind, and leached into the ground into the water systems resulting in long lasting damage to the environment.

    Agricultural chemicals can cause severe poisoning which may lead to convulsions, muscular spasms and loss of consciousness. Symptoms of less severe poisoning include rashes headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of balance, blurred vision, nose bleeds and fatigue.

    The process of textile production involves the use of further toxic chemicals which are often bonded to the fabric fibers by use of heat.

    Many of these chemicals leave residues that can never be washed out. They are used for fabric treatments such as:

    • bleaching
    • straightening and sizing
    • shrink resistance
    • anti-static and wrinkle reduction
    • stain and odor resistance
    • fireproofing and moth-proofing
    • disinfectants
    • mildew prevention
    • dyes

    A few common toxic chemicals used in the production of clothing and textiles are:

  • Formaldehyde is colorless, toxic, potentially carcinogenic. It is used as a preservative, permanent press, fire retardant.
  • Sulfuric acid - clear, dense, oily liquid used in the manufacture of fertilizers, chemicals, and dyes
  • Bromine - dark reddish toxic liquid used in manufacture of gasoline compounds, pharmaceuticals and dyes.
  • Urea Resin - chemical compound used in fertilizers
  • Sulfonamides - sulphur compounds
  • Halogens - combination of flourine, bromine, chlorine, iodine and astatine used for bleaching, disinfecting, etc.
  • Caustic soda - sodium hydroxide generates heat when added to water for making fabrics



    How Your Clothes Affect Your Health

    External body care is equally as important as the internal care we give ourselves by choosing healthy nutrition. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and it's our very first barrier against physical and chemical aggression.

    Because our skin is permeable, everything we put on it is absorbed into our bodies!

    Clothing and textile chemical use has been linked to a wide variety of illnesses from allergies to immune system disorders and cancers.

    The World Health Organization shows that formaldehyde exposure concentrations of 20 parts per million can cause skin and eye irritations, asthma, respiratory problems and cancer. That's just one one chemical.


    Organic Clothing Solves The Problem And It's Eco-Chic

    Organic clothes used to loosely translate as "gunnysacks" or "hippie clothes", but no longer!

    Organic fashion is coming into vogue on a tidal wave. Many designers are paving the way with their modern styles and retailers are making them more readily available.

    With consumer demands for organic apparel on the rise, expect manufacturers to increase production and utilize increasing amounts of organic fabric in their designs.

    Both Elle and Vanity Fair magazines released a "green issue" for May 2008 recognizing chic organic fashion. Endorsements like these serve to add fuel to the fire, so be on the lookout for more organic clothing designs to appear.



    Reasons To Be An Organic Fashionista

    1. Confidence that you are providing healthy choices for your family
    2. Knowledge that you are protecting your loved ones from exposure to chemical toxins
    3. Enjoy modern organic fashion designs without sacrificing great quality
    4. Outfit your whole family at reasonable and affordable prices
    5. Cozy up in organic apparel that is soft, comfortable and durable
    6. Eliminate suffering from chemical sensitivities and allergies
    7. Anticipate constantly increasing style and availability
    8. Impact others by supporting life saving and healthier industry standards when you choose organic clothes
    9. Proudly practice living green and environmental responsibility
    10. Endorse organic clothing that is ecologically friendly with a reduced carbon footprint
    11. Support of sweatshop free and fair trade policies
    12. Stand behind your values for your health, your environment, your planet
    13. Knowledge that you are making a difference



    What Other Options Are There?

    Eco friendly clothing is also created from recycled material. Manufacturing processes are implemented that are ecologically friendly.

    The goal is to reduce or eliminate damage to the earth and people by using environmentally friendly practices throughout the entire manufacturing process.

    Natural fiber clothing is made from fibers found in nature – plant fibers and animal fibers. They may or may not be certified organic but may be of organic origins, such as organic wool.

    Organic fashion and eco-friendly, natural fiber clothes are very affordable. You get the added benefit of attire that is healthy for you and your family.



    Where Do We Go From Here?

    Open yourself up to a whole new world of organic clothing. Awaken your senses. Explore your choices and revel in the freedom of healthy clothes without chemicals!

    As consumers, we are powerful. The force to be influential and advocate positive change is in our hands. Choosing for organic clothes save lives!


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