Natural Fibres

Breathable, durable, super comfortable, and and hypoallergenic - These are the amazing inherent properties of natural fabrics.

In comparison to commercial cotton farming, cultivation does not make use of fungicides, herbicides and highly toxic insecticides - so much healthier for us, for for the environment and for the workers in the industry.

We also want to do our bit for our planet and the beautiful creatures and plants that inhabit it, so we have decided to focus on the following fabrics in the current range:  Hemp, Linen & Organic Cotton

    The Fabric Benefits of Hemp:

    • Durable – Hemp is 3 to 4 times stronger than cotton – you can keep and wear your favourite garments for longer and they still look great.
    • Hypoallergenic – perfect for those prone to allergies or have sensitive skin
    • Breathable – less sweaty and restrictive
    • Mildew and insect resistant
    • Moisture wicking – perfect on a hot or humid day
    • High UV resistance – UV protection of 50+
    • Cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter
    • Hemp is an extremely comfortable fabric to wear, the fibres soften with each wash without weakening - Hemp wears in not out.

    Environmental Benefits:

    • Hemp plants are naturally highly resistant to diseases and insects; therefore the use of pesticides and fungicides is largely eliminated.
    • There is no need for the use of herbicides
    • Hemp needs a very small amount of fertiliser.
    • These factors result in less chemical run off into our ground water and water system, and less air pollution.
    • Hemp actually improves the nutritional content of the soil in which it is grown.
    • Hemp planting reduces deforestation
    • Hemp fibres are fully biodegradable, recyclable and compostable.
    • Hemp is carbon neutral during the growth stage, absorbing as much 4 times more CO2 from the air as trees.
    • Hemp is a highly water efficient crop.

     

    Why We Use Linen

    • Durable – Linen is 2-3 times stronger than cotton.
    • Hypoallergenic– perfect for those prone to allergies or have sensitive skin
    • Extremely absorbent, Linen is able to absorb 1/5 of it’s weight before feeling damp. Perspiration is quickly absorbed away from the body and evaporated, an excellent cooling system on a hot day. (No more sweaty armpits!)
    • Linen is highly breathable
    • Bacteria and mildew resistant
    • Linen has a smooth and lustrous appearance improves with washing. The fibres become softer with each wash without sacrificing stability.
    • When combined with Ramie, it has drastically reduced wrinkling
    • Environmentally friendly – the flax plant requires less water and chemicals to be cultivated

     

          

    Organic Cotton vs Conventional Cotton

    • Organic cotton is softer and more durable because it is handpicked not machine picked. This ensures that the fibres are longer and undamaged.
    • Organic cotton is hypoallergenic.
    • Natural /non GMO seed is used in organic cotton cultivation
    • Organic cotton cultivation uses far less water then conventional cotton.
    • Organic cotton uses less energy, releases less greenhouse gases and does not contaminate ground water.
    • Organic cotton cultivation does not make use of fungicides, herbicides and highly toxic insecticides (many of which are carcinogenic)
    • Conventional cotton uses aerial spraying, with potential drift onto neighbouring communities.
    • Conventional cotton uses large amounts of harmful chemicals during processing.
    • Even after washing, some residual of the chemicals used in both cultivation and in processing, remains. These can cause skin irritations and other health issues.
    • Organic cotton farming provides a much safer and healthier environment for the farmers and workers.

     

    Why Organic?

    The impact of conventional cotton cultivation is far reaching and impacts so many lives on a deeply personal level. I was so shocked at the statistics and figures of the negative impact of commercial farming while I was researching this.

    Here are just a few of the serious negatives of commercial farming:

    • The average “100% cotton” product actually contains only 73% cotton. The remaining 27% consists of Chemicals, Resins, and Binders used in farming and manufacturing
    • To grow enough cotton for just one T-shirt, roughly 150 grams (almost a cup) of chemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) are used. More harmful chemicals are then used during the processing process.
    • According to the World Health Organisation, as a result of the chemicals sprayed on conventional cotton in developing countries, every year, 20,000 individuals die of cancer and miscarriages.
    • The US Environmental Protection Agency categorises seven of the 15 most common pesticides used on cotton in the year 2000 in the US as human carcinogens.
    • Pesticide exposure has been linked to a significant number of severe health issues. These include endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects and developmental changes in humans as well as a wide range of animal and insect species.
    • Farm workers who are exposed to the hazardous pesticides which are routinely used, suffer from serious health problems, including Asthma, Neurological damage and Cancer
    • In conventional cotton farming, synthetic fertilisers dramatically increase the carbon footprint. Excess nitrogen escapes into the atmosphere, groundwater and streams contaminating the water supply and at the same time contributing to the high impact green house gas.
    • The impact of pesticides on our wildlife is a major concern. The complex interactions and interdependencies of the organisms and animals that live on our planet are being irrevocable disturbed and destroyed.
    • Through human actions, the earth’s rich biological heritage of species, communities and ecosystems, which have evolved over millions of years, is rapidly deteriorating and in many cases, irreversible disappearing.