Clothing – Natural Material, Sustainable Clothes and Textiles
Clothing and textiles are one of the least thought about but significantly health- and environmentally impactful areas in our lives. Our skin is the body's largest organ and is in contact with our clothing 24 hours a day. Synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon, acrylic) represent a chemical burden in their processing, emit microplastics during wear, and restrict the skin's breathing.
Natural material clothing — organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, wool, silk — is more beneficial for the skin and health alike. Organic cotton production happens without chemicals, sparing the natural ecosystem; linen is one of the oldest and most sustainable textile plants; bamboo textile is naturally antibacterial and extremely soft; merino wool's thermoregulating and moisture-wicking properties are outstanding.
The Textile Industry and Sustainability
The fast fashion industry is one of the most environmentally burdensome industries globally: the textile industry, as the world's second largest water polluter, is responsible for 35% of ocean microplastic pollution and involves enormous energy and chemical use. The sustainable fashion movement — natural materials, fair trade production, long-lasting clothes, and second-hand purchasing — offers solutions to these problems.
When purchasing eco-textiles and natural material clothing, it is worth paying attention to certifications: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the most comprehensive certification for organic cotton and other organic textiles; the Öko-Tex Standard 100 guarantees freedom from harmful chemicals; the Fairtrade certification proves fair working conditions and production terms.
Natural Textile Dyes and Unbleached Materials
Traditional textile dyes may contain heavy metals and other toxic compounds. Natural plant dyes — indigo, turmeric, pomegranate peel, cornflower, chamomile — have a history of thousands of years and provide beautiful, durable colours from chemical-free, natural materials. Naturally dyed textiles and unbleached (non-whitened) cotton are particularly recommended for those with sensitive skin and for young children.
Natural Textiles in Everyday Life
Transitioning to natural textiles does not need to be expensive or complicated. First steps could be: replacing synthetic bedding with organic cotton or bamboo-cotton bed linen (sleep quality may also improve); purchasing a natural material basic item (linen shirt, organic cotton T-shirt); trying one of our natural textile-filled products. In our range we recommend natural textiles and clothing products according to selection criteria that represent genuine health and ecological value.
Natural Textile Care – Washing, Treatment, and Longevity
Caring for natural material clothing differs somewhat from synthetic clothes: they are best preserved at lower temperatures, with gentler detergent, and slower spin cycles. Natural detergents and fabric softeners — bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, natural soap-based liquid detergent — are gentle on natural fibres and also do not burden the skin. The lifespan of natural material clothing with appropriate care far exceeds synthetic clothing — this in itself is an argument for sustainability. Natural shoe care products (beeswax, lanolin, plant oils) also belong to the natural spectrum of textile care.