Why Eco-friendly Fabric or Clothing is Needed?

February 05, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - shop cloth

Today’s gas prices are hurting the economy. Everyone knows that car fuel is made from petroleum, but what many people don’t realize is that petroleum is also used in manufacturing polyester. For those who are trying to cut back on their family’s usage of this valuable limited resource, buying eco-friendly fabric or clothing is a great way to do this. This is just one example of why eco-friendly fabric or clothing is needed.

Polyester manufacturing creates a huge environmental footprint. The EPA states that many textile manufacturers are hazardous waste generators. And since petroleum is used in the manufacturing process, the energy output of creating polyester is not environmentally friendly. For those who are concerned about the state of our environment and would like to preserve it for future generations, buying eco-friendly fabric and clothing is the only option.

Many people don’t realize just how many chemicals are used to manufacture clothing. Many of these chemicals are known to be cancer-causing agents, and those who handle the chemicals must do so only while wearing protective clothing. It is worrisome that we then place these fibers, which have been treated with such harsh chemicals, directly on our skin. There is also major concern about the amount of waste generated by textile manufacturers. The printing process utilizes petroleum and heavy metals. The run-off from these materials flows into waterways and pollutes streams. The production of eco-friendly fabric is much gentler on the environment and on our bodies. Using natural crop-growing practices and natural fibers that are treated with gentle, organic substances provides consumers with a clothing option that not only ensures optimal health, but is also environmentally friendly.

Another grave issue facing the conventional textile market is the issue of labor. Sweat shops have had a lot of publicity in recent years, which has raised awareness around the world about the appalling work conditions for those who make clothes. This cheap labor is part of the reason that clothing is so inexpensive today, but inexpensive is not necessarily the best thing for the environment. Because clothing has become much less expensive, the waste generated by discarded clothes has risen to monstrous levels. There was a time when clothing was mended over and over before ever being discarded. Today, when one fashion is replaced by a new trend, the old clothes, which are still in good shape, are discarded. While many have set up programs to recycle clothing throughout the world, there is still a lot of waste generated by perfectly good clothing that is no longer in style.

Because of the many environmentally unsound practices within the conventional textile market, there are many consumers who want to invest in eco-friendly fabric and clothing. This is creating a large demand for organic fabric companies. Eco-labelingcompanies such as Global Organic Textile Standard, GreenSafe Mark, and Cradle to Cradle Certification, just to name a few, are a companies that provide a quality assurance system for organic fabric companies. When consumers see an eco label, they know that a quality assurance system is in place. This makes consumers comfortable with the product they buy; a product that they are willing to spend a little more on because it provides them with the peace of mind that their clothing is indeed made from eco-friendly fabric. With so many unsound environmental practices in the textile industry, it is important for consumers to have the option of buying eco-friendly fabric and clothing.

Related items

Comments (0) :: Add Comment

Hit The Shops In London

January 17, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - shop cloth

Are you a shopaholic? Many people are – even if we don’t always like to admit it. We all have our own particular brand of shop that we like to frequent though. For some people there is nothing better than going from one clothes shop to another, meanwhile other people love to shop around for new additions to place in their homes.

But no matter what type of shop you like best, you are bound to find it in London. The bustling capital is brimming over with a huge selection of shops both large and small. You’ve got the huge department stores like Harrods, and the plethora of small shops that are both quirky and welcoming too.

One of the best places to go if you like a touch of the unique is Covent Garden. You can visit a traditional toy shop here, and there is also a shop dedicated to astrology and everything concerned with it. Covent Garden is particularly popular due to offering a lot of different shops all in one attractive location; but there are other popular spots in London too, not least of which is the West End.

Many people automatically think of the theatre when they consider the West End. But in fact it is also a great place to spend some serious cash. Oxford Street is one of the most famous streets in the West End, and it is lined with shops of all descriptions that will appeal to the most dedicated of shoppers.

If you want a taste of the more expensive shops in London, the West End can also offer you the price tags of Bond Street. You might only want to window shop here, but even walking down the street takes you into another area of shopping altogether.

Of course, some stores command your attention more than others, and no one comes to London without taking a look on the many floors which make up Harrods. You can buy virtually anything you want in this luxury top end store. In fact, it is almost like several shops all in one.

With all these shops and many more on offer to explore and spend your way around, it isn’t surprising that some people choose to turn a shopping trip into a weekend away. It is good to know that there are plenty of hotels in London close to all the best shops, which provide the perfect base for a shopping spree weekend.

So the next time you have a weekend free and you feel the need to treat yourself to a few things, you may find that London is able to offer you the ultimate shopping experience that you are after.

Related items

Comments (0) :: Add Comment

Retro Clothing is Turning Mainstream

December 21, 2009 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - shop cloth

Taken literally, retro means replicating a style of the past. In a world where most look forward, the fashion industry has taken a look back to days gone by to help produce the latest trends. In addition to vintage clothing, retro has become an essential part of the wardrobe; and not just for the trend setters. Boys and girls, kids and parents are all enjoying the latest fashion trends with clothing influenced by cool and iconic designs from the 1960s to the 1980s.

For example, once upon a time superhero based t-shirts would only have been spotted on students; however, retro t-shirts are now an extremely popular item of clothing seen up and down the high streets. Nowadays people of all ages are more than happy to parade their favourite superhero, cartoon or rock band from yesteryear on their t-shirts.

Of course, that feeling of nostalgia crossed with cool has made retro clothing dating from the 60s right up to the 80s a huge success.

Therefore, it won’t be a surprise to learn that most high street fashion stores have taken advantage of this demand. But it’s not just high street outlets leading the way, many specialist online retailers have been set-up to grasp a market share of the increasingly popular 80s retro trend. As such, the online market has helped to spread the trend globally, and it is now possible to purchase retro t-shirts from all over the world, most of which will have no nostalgia attached but will still appear in-trend.

Another reason for its popularity on the high street is its price. Manufacturers are able to keep costs low, as the main requirement is your average t-shirt with a printed design – the trick is to find the right design. For the consumer, the cost of a retro t-shirt in comparison to a designer t-shirt is minimal, and with an added cool factor. And even if you can’t quite find the right design, it might be possible to request that your own design is printed to produce a personalised retro t-shirt.

Being so competitively priced – with thousands of designs to choose from – it’s no wonder that retro clothing and retro t-shirts in particular have become such a huge success.

And with plenty of accessories to choose from as well, it is now possible to find the right retro design that makes you look good and feel cool.

Related items

Comments (0) :: Add Comment

SHOPPING GUIDE: Fun and fabric

October 06, 2009 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - shop cloth

Ah…..fabric! The colours! The textures! The rampant confusion! Stepping into a fabric store or a mall for the first time can be an intimidating experience. In fact, some times the most passionate buyers can find themselves at loss.

The world of fabrics is full of variety; the two main types of fabrics being natural and synthetic. Natural fabrics are the best buy regardless of season, festival or occasion. They look pleasant and breathe better than synthetics. Once you’re hooked on them, you never look back, until, perhaps, when you are getting married and have to wear a fancy jora.

Natural fabrics

Linen is by far the best choice for summer wear, since it breathes wonderfully, and also gets softer after every wash. It comes in different textures, from sheer handkerchief type to thicker, denim-style, and is available in a variety of colours. Silk is also a wonderful natural fabric, though it is rather on the steep side.

Of all the natural fabrics, cotton is the safest bet because it is affordable, and is readily available in a wide range of colours and designs. Lawn, which can be either cotton or a blend, is perhaps the most popular summer fabric. Voil, with its fresh, cool prints is another favourite.

For winters, of course, the most popular fabric is wool which is also available in a variety of colours, weaves and textures.

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, rayon and polyester, etc. are very uncomfortable in summers as they don’t breathe well (if at all), and are not a good choice for daily wear in the local climate.

The other types of fabrics used in our part of the world are blends and knits. Blends combine different properties and different fibres, which sometimes is a good thing as it provides crease resistance, durability, etc. Sometimes the result is awful (olefin fabrics, PVC coated polyester, etc. being some of the best, rather worst examples). Linen/cotton blends in particular are a fine example of good blended fabric. Blends of natural and synthetic fibres tend to be less expensive and easier to care for, but as they do not breathe well, should be reserved for winters. Knits, on the other hand are difficult to work with and are best if bought in ready-to-wear form.

The fabric tradition in Pakistan has been influenced by a number of factors, like geographical location, historical influences, climate, local culture, social customs, availability of the thread etc. A variety of silks, cottons, wools etc. have been used by local people, and the geo-climatic and ethnic diversity has given birth to a myriad of fabrics.

The local malls provide an array of textiles, materials and a vast colour palette.Tie and dye, hand printing and block printing are common across the country. Here is a brief overview of the local malls and what you should look for in your fabric shopping spree.

Rabi Centre

This sells a massive variety of fabrics. Hence girls, women and even men have some reason to be happy while walking down its corridors. One gets both traditional as well as the latest trends in fabrics here.

This shopping centre caters to all income levels and while it offers everything from fancy shimmering silks to good quality fine silk, georgette, cotton, chiffon and banarsi, it is the premium quality georgettes that bring the shoppers in droves.

Gulf Shopping Mall

This place is full of unstitched fabric, perhaps, not in the vast quantity as Rabi Centre, but enough to make it difficult to choose what to buy and what not. Cottons, banarsis, silks and georgettes in all qualities and prices are up for sale. Indian batik cottons are also available here, which are very different from other batik; if you love the feel of cotton but are searching for gorgeous intricate prints then this is the fabric for you.

The prices are mostly affordable and the mall caters to diverse income groups. Young girls prefer buying unstitched material from here and accessorising them with a matching bag and sandals or fancy chappals.

Aashiyana: If you are looking to get a best deal on silk, cotton or chiffon, this is the right place for you. The unique twisted silk yarn is also available here. “This high quality yarn is made by twisting three yarns together into one,” shop owner Ayaz Khan tells me. Brocades are also a very popular item here.

Jali, moon light, velvet and all sorts of net fabric are some of the other treasures available her. Fancy net fabric in printed and plain, rose net variety, net with moti dana and embroidery are some of the most sought after items. The best quality of chiffon is available in a vast variety and smart shoppers may find amazing bargains. Georgette are also close at hand; both in plain and printed as well as embroidered, embellished, block printed and in self prints.

Continental Trade Center: This is a sprawling fabric market, few steps away from Gulf that specialises in fancy festive fabrics. If you have a taste for brocade but a budget for polyester, this is the place for you. You can get everything here from chenille to corduroys, damask to silks, flannel to imitation and original silks, vinyl to woven fabrics.

Some other places to go fabric hunting are Papoosh in the old district of the city, Jubilee Bazaar in Saddar and the Pathan stalls at Sunday Market. If you are a khadi lover and cannot afford the designer brands, don’t worry –– there are alternatives. Khadi from the handlooms of Orangi and Banaras Town is sold at small shops in Mohammad Ali Society and there is a whole range of shops behind Jafferjee’s Clifton outlet. These khadi shops offer fairly affordable prices; a shirt piece of plain fabric here costs Rs150, the embroidered and embellished ones costs Rs250 and a three-piece suit costs anywhere from Rs300 to Rs650.

Pakistan has a rich and diverse weaving tradition. One can find different types of handlooms across the country, which offers us a huge variety of fabric. There is a glut of fabric items in the domestic market and the Pakistani textile and allied products are not only popular within the country but also have an enormous market abroad. Happy shopping!

Related items

Comments (0) :: Add Comment
Next Entries »

Powered by Yahoo! Answers