The growing concern for global
warming boosts the demand for organic products. With chemicals taking a toll on
human health and environment, more and more people are becoming conscious of
living life; the 'organic way'. Eco friendly clothing combining high quality
clothing with socially conscious environmentalism has become a faction, and is
in vogue. 'Green clothing' is made from hundred percent organic materials like
soy, organic cotton and hemp. Variety of clothes like skirts, blouses, shirts,
pants, socks, bathrobes, pillow cases etc are made from organic fibres.
Eco friendly fabrics embrace the
body with a soft and supple touch. Eco friendly labels are now appearing on
many products, due to the efforts of the companies to be perceived as
environment friendly. Health concerns represent a potential source of benefits
and demand for organic apparel. Hence, these garments are manifested as most
important for children who are perceived to be more susceptible to toxins. Not
only the fibres used for manufacturing the garments are organic, but the dyes
used in the process of making these clothes are also environmentally friendly,
or those which have a less impact on the human skin.
Organic clothing is gaining
popularity in countries like Britain, Japan, US, and EU. 'Green clothing' is
becoming accepted in the world just like organic cotton. Organic cotton is the
most important basic material used in the making of organic clothing. India, Turkey, Tanzania, China, Syria, Peru, Egypt, USA, and Burkina Faso are the leading organic
cotton producing countries the world. According to a report from the Texas
Organic Exchange, organic cotton cultivation has zoomed to 152% during 2007-08.
This shows the increasing awareness of organic clothing among the consumers. India has surpassed Turkey to become the leading producer of organic cotton. Brands like Nike,
Timberland, Marks and Spencer, and Wal-Mart have already started selling
organic products blazing a trail in the market. Other key players including Target
and Reebok have also entered the organic market. By the end of 2009, Nike plans
to have 50% of its products to be manufactured in 'organic way', and further take
it to 100% by 2011. 'Del Forte' Denim is made with 99% organic cotton and 1% of
spandex. This makes the jeans environmentally friendly and stretchable to go
with the movements of the user. Going green includes more than just wearing
organic clothes. Apart from apparels, other accessories like hats, handbags,
wallets and jewellery are also manufactured in an 'organic way'.
Furthermore, eco friendly
apparels are finding favors with environmentally savvy fashion designers. Until
recent times, organic clothes were regarded as coarse, uncomfortable and
unappealing. But now, it is becoming fashionable to wear eco friendly clothing.
Many designers are coming out with eco friendly outfits made from organic
cotton and using other dyes which are free from hazardous chemicals. Though the
range of styles is lesser when compared with other materials, new patterns and
styles are being developed to keep pace with the growing demand for organic
clothing.
Manufacturers of today are
considering organic garments to be ethical, and are striving to set new market
trends. Apparel business is very enormous, and there is always a resistance to
change. But with consumers dictating the market today; having an 'organic
wardrobe' depends wholly on the consumer's choice. The bottom line of every
market is 'demand', and manufacturers will only do what the consumers' desire.
References:
- http://www.scribd.com
- http://www.eartheasy.com
- http://www.commodityonline.com
- http://www.agricultureinformation.com