Entering the world of natural fibers is a new experience for many of us, as we have grown up immersed in a world where at least 70% of our clothing is polyester. Beyond that, almost none of us have owned and worn clothing that was ethically made, unless it was a hand-me-down or home-made. This serves as an introduction to the natural fabrics we use and love here in-house.
LINEN
Our woven clothing is primarily made with linen, all of which is organically grown in Lithuania and OEKO-TEX certified. Linen comes from the flax plant. Its fibers are spun into yarn and then woven into fabric. Linen is lightweight, a great conductor of heat, naturally absorbent, and antibacterial.
Because linen is a woven fabric, it does not have stretch. Sometimes the nature and wear of this fabric can be new to customers, because the majority of modern fabrics have polyester in them, allowing for some stretch. However, this makes linen a very strong fabric and it doesn't "pill" over time. The more it is worn and washed, the softer and more luxurious it gets.
Because linen is a natural fiber, it can start to degrade in a few weeks when buried in soil. It will be entirely absorbed into the earth in a matter of years, rather than centuries. With linen, there is no microfiber pollution. Linen clothing as old as 8,000 years BC has been found in Northern Europe, as well as the oldest known woven dress in the world: the Tarkhan Dress.
Linen comes from a zero-waste plant crop, as every part of the flax plant can be used to make textiles, paper, animal feed, and varnish.
RAW SILK
Silk noil (also called raw silk) is one of our favorite fabrics to introduce customers to. It has a beautiful drape, an rustic yet soft, nubby texture, and is easy to care for. This is the most "washable" silk - we machine wash our own pieces regularly with no issue.
Raw silk is made from the leftover fibers (waste) from the spun process of regular silk. It is very durable, and maintains the desirable qualities of being lightweight, breathable, and soft. Silk is one of the very best fabrics to dye - it holds color better than any plant-based textiles. Silk is a natural, durable, yet biodegradable fabric that has a very low environmental impact.
HEMP
Hemp fiber is among the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers. Its tensile strength makes it highly resistant to tearing and wear, which contributes to the longevity of hemp-based textiles.
Hemp is a highly sustainable crop. It grows quickly, requires minimal pesticides or herbicides, and improves soil health through its deep root system. The processing of hemp fibers is also relatively eco-friendly compared to some other textiles.
Hemp fiber takes dye exceptionally well and retains color more effectively than many other fabrics, including cotton. The porous nature of the fiber allows dye to penetrate deeply, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors.
Hemp is a highly breathable and versatile fabric, much like linen, keeping you cool in the heat and warm in cooler weather. Our everyday basics and our terry bodycon dress are made with Hemp blends.
BAMBOO
Our knit textiles made with Bamboo, come from the plant Bamboo grass, one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Bamboo is known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide while releasing more oxygen compared to hardwood trees. It also doesn’t require pesticides or herbicides for cultivation, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Our everyday underwear and everyday cropped cami are made with Hemp Bamboo Stretch. This fabric is 65% bamboo, 30% hemp, and 5% lycra. All of our knit blends have a small amount of lycra (spandex) in the blend to give it the stretch needed for comfort and longevity. We believe in progress over perfection when it comes to this crossover with synthetic fabric, as most active wear and even underwear is fully synthetic.
Fabric blends that incorporate bamboo are extremely soft, often compared to the feel of silk or cashmere. Bamboo fabric has natural antibacterial properties, which help to resist odors and keep the fabric fresh. Bamboo also helps regulate body temperature by wicking moisture away from the skin and providing breathability. The softness and smoothness of bamboo make it gentle on sensitive skin.