Clothing Stores Join the Organic Wave

Earth-conscious individuals need not wear dowdy clothes. As it were, stylish designers, like Amanda Shi and Linda Loudermilk, are warming towards sustainable clothing as fast as the world itself is warming.

Organic clothing is in vogue right now, and it’s due to both growing necessity and sheer aesthetic value. Organic clothing makes use of naturally farmed fibers, such that they have not been treated with insecticides and fungicides and are therefore not genetically tampered. Clothes conform to standards set by the agriculture bureaus of various countries.

Right now, organic cotton has become the ubiquitous textile of choice. It is stronger than ordinary cotton, yet feels soft on the skin. Now grown in more than 20 nations, organic cotton benefits its farmers, mostly found in developing nations, with 25,000 in Africa alone. Since they no longer splurge on chemicals, these farmers report better incomes. For pest control, farmers just use natural predators; to defoliate the buds, they simply use seasonal freezes.

Conversely, conventional cotton leaves a very conspicuous impact on the planet. It is even a killer; 20,000 die every year from pesticide poisoning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Cotton production takes a hefty part of the blame. To make one T-shirt, one-third of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers is required. That also means 8,000 chemicals. On a global scale, over a quarter of the world’s insecticides and pesticides go to cotton farming.

Bamboo is said to be a more eco-friendly textile than organic cotton itself. Among other captivating natural characteristics, bamboo clothes are moisture-wicking, antibacterial, cashmere-soft, and breathable. And once obviated due to its addictive properties, hemp has gained ground for clothing due to its natural resistance to pests and diseases. Other eco-friendly organic fibers are linen and the so-called “eco-fleece.”

Companies specializing in organic clothing lines are not lonely nowadays. To name a few, Maggie’s Organic, Two Star Dog, Turk+Taylor, Armour Sans Anguish, NatureVsFuture, and Gypsy Rose have made names for themselves in the fashion industry.

One such reputed maverick is Eco-Ganik, from California. Mostly catering to women, this Organic Trade Association member boasts of pieces accentuated by strategic trims and dyed responsibly. Another Californian peer is Blue Canoe, founded in 1994. It also sells women’s apparel, all made with 100% organic cotton or bamboo.

Even established labels like Victoria’s Secret, Timberland, Esprit, and Patagonia are stocking organic lines. Mainstream fashion designers have also entered the game, like Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate O’Connor, and Agnes B. In fact, Bono of U2 and actress Courtney Cox Arquette have also made organic clothing businesses.

In July 2006, Levi Strauss launched its Eco Jeans line, made purely of organic cotton. For good measure, Levi’s used recycled buttons and zippers as well as natural dyes on their new products.

Organic Clothing Stores

View organic clothing from Maggie’s Organics.

View organic clothing from Two Star Dog.

View organic clothing from Turk and Taylor.

View organic clothing from Armour San Anguish.