Friday, November 28, 2014

Discover Your Ideal Fashion Alchemy And Learn How To Choose Healthy Clothes

By Tom Brady


While for many shoppers, the main quality of any piece of clothing they are interested in is how it looks, there are other factors which can influence one's selection that should also be considered. Fabrics are each unique from one another, and possess the ability to affect the wearer's emotional and spiritual state, health, and the environment. Making conscious clothing choices which reflect these aspects is part of fashion alchemy.

The concept of textiles and fabrics possessing their own distinct energies which can affect the wearer dates back to thousands of years ago in India. The Sanskrit word "Ayurvastra" basically means "healthy clothes" and refers to clothing having the ability to influence vitality and spirituality. Qualities embodied in a particular fabric are determined by numerous factors such as its source, texture, physical and chemical properties.

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.

Polyester is a synthetic material derived from petroleum byproducts, although a newer variety can be made using recycled plastic, which is less harmful to the environment. Vintage stores often carry a wide selection of recycled polyester fashions as well. Wood pulp can be used to produce a wrinkle-free fabric called Lyocell which is both environmentally conscious and easy to care for.

The long fibers of processed soy can be used for making a soft and silky fabric which is very suitable for undergarments. Hemp is another material, easily grown without chemicals, and it is also very versatile in nature so it can be used to manufacture either soft or durable garments. It is believed to have some antibacterial properties too.

Most often used for sweaters, cashmere is made from the combed out hair of the Kashmir goat. That which is pure cashmere, not blended with synthetic fibers, processed or dyed with harsh chemicals is very strong and may stand up to years of wear. Linen is a breathable, lightweight material processed from flax, which can usually be grown organically, and is perfect for summer.

Alpaca sheep, which are the source of alpaca wool used for clothing, are usually raised without receiving any kind of injections or hormones, making their wool relatively pure and it is also durable and stays looking good for years if well cared for. A fabric called Ingeo can be made from fermented plant sugars, which does not require as much energy to process as cotton does.

Fabrics can act as a source of comfort, energy, and even benefits to one's health. It's best to select clothes made from those materials which have undergone less processing because they don't damage the environment as much when they are being manufactured. Recycling garments in used clothing stores rather than throwing them out is another way people can do their part to look out for the environment.




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