At the beginning of the year, we explored the most popular trends for the upcoming months one of which being sustainable clothing.
This is a trend that has been reflected globally and the necessity of ecologically sound fabrics is now more important than ever with the increase of fast fashion from retailers using low quality materials. Because of this, each year in the UK 350,000 tonnes (about £140 million in worth) of used but still wearable clothing goes to landfill.
The sustainable revolution has further hit the fashion industry as it is now more aware of its own pollution and is beginning to improve manufacturing processes to reduce its global effect. In 2018, we saw an increase in sustainable clothing in the collections of major designers around the world as they included more recycled and au-natural fabrics
Au natural fabrics are determined by whether they’re biodegradable, for example leather, wool, cashmere and cotton. While recycled clothing is made from recycled plastic such as water bottles which are collected, chipped, melted, and spun into yarn to live a second life as a t-shirt, jacket or even a pair of trainers!
As a natural fabric, cotton offers lightweight breathability making it perfect for summer. It bears this unique ability because the fibres have a hollow centre which enables them to circulate air, as well as retain heat, meaning these beautiful investment pieces can be worn through all the seasons!
Beyond the comfort, durability and array of styles cotton provides, why else should you shop the material?
Well, the cotton plant is revolutionary as it not only provides the fibre for fabric, but all parts of the plant are used meaning there is little waste in its cultivation. The cotton seed is fed to cattle and crushed to make oil, this cottonseed oil can be used in cooking and in products like soap, margarine, emulsifiers, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. While the linters (very short fibres that remain on the cottonseed after ginning) are used to produce goods such as bandages, swabs, bank notes and cotton buds. Moreover, the plant can grow in most conditions, although it prefers a warm and humid climate therefore, today, the major cotton producing countries are China, United States, Uzbekistan, Brazil and Turkey.
Cotton is innately perfect for spinning into thread, as the natural structure of the fibre is spiralled. This means the surface of the fibre is rough, so when the fibres are placed together, they interlock and stick like Velcro. As Cotton in its raw state is not naturally strong it is essential that it is spun and then woven into cloth. Through the industrial revolution, today’s spinning process is highly efficient with a modern mill being capable of producing enough yarn or thread in 30 days to wrap around the earth 2300 times or to go to and from the moon 235 times. Once spun the yarn moves on to a loom machine to be woven into fabric which then goes on to be bleached, washed, dyed or printed.
We have introduced some stunning pieces made from the natural hero in our summer collection…
Our stylish cutwork blouse and decorative t-shirt are perfect base layers for summer. Each piece offers beautiful detail and are made in simple colours that easily combine with your existing wardrobe.
As much as we hope for warm weather, sometimes you need a cover-up for those chiller days. Our refined combed cotton knit pointelle top and soft merino wool lace panel cardigan are lovely summer weight pieces and each feature gorgeous feminine embellishments.
If you’re spending a few hours in the garden or want something a little cosier to wear, opt for our luxuriously warm polka dot sweatshirt that has a lovely snug collar and hand warming welt pockets.
Is cotton your favourite fabric? Do you have a go-to garment in your wardrobe? Let us know in the comments…