Great Green Idea: Green Fashion: Out of the Woods: Four Interesting Green Apparels

Out of the Woods: Four Interesting Green Apparels

Organic living has boosted over the last couple of years. With all the choices for natural fiber how does a person go about deciding the right choice? What about recycled fiber? Organic means material that is pesticide and insecticide free, recycled, or that reduces carbon footprints.

In the past, materials were limited to old worn out cloth and burlap. However, today many more materials are available. Below is a closer look at what materials are available, how they are being used, and some benefits of going green.

AVAILABLE ORGANIC MATERIALS:
* Cotton
* Hemp
* Wool
* Bamboo
* Silk

All of these natural fibers are renewable resources. This means that these materials grow easily with a little water. Treatment of the fibers helps reduce the uncomfortable feeling on a person's skin. Wool has been known to be itchy; however with use of camel hair and angora wool from rabbit's wool, is no longer under that stigma.

EXAMPLES OF RECYCLED FIBER ARE:
* Recycled jeans
* Plastic drinking bottles
* Used candy wrappers
* Iron
* Juice pouches
* Old tires

Recycle, reuse, and reduce is the mantra of green living. By recycling materials and finding a way to reuse materials helps reduce the carbon footprints left behind by these materials. Handbags, shoes, and jewelry have been made from these materials recently and caught on with teenagers and college students.

SAMPLES OF GREEN CLOTHING INCLUDE:

* T-shirts
* Jeans
* Jackets
* Blouses
* Slacks
* Shorts
* Shoes
* Handbags
* Jewelry

Just about anything a person wears today can be made from green materials. High end designs are available as are everyday wear. Wedding gowns can be made from natural or recycled fibers. Children's clothing is very popular. Natural and recycled fibers are very durable.

STORES OFFERING GREEN APPAREL INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
* Barney's
* Macy's
* JC Penny
* Sears
* Saks Fifth Ave
* Target
* Wal-Mart

With recent demand of ecofriendly options, many stores now carry some organic or natural clothing. Customers seeking ecofriendly options doubled from 2005 to 2006, and that number has risen steadily since. Department stores are continuously competing for business so offering more organic clothing options was essential. As the green movement continues more stores will offer more selections.

Recognizable green designers:
* Peter Ingwersen (Noir)
* Tara St James (StudyNY)
* Lara Miller (Lara Miller designs)
* Casey Larkin (Mr. Larkin)
* Bahar Shahpar (Sustainable Fashion)

Organic clothing has improved over the years. In the past burlap and bamboo socks were about the extent of choices. Natural fiber includes cotton, hemp, wool, bamboo, and silk. Recycled fiber is fiber made from recycled material like iron, plastic, rubber, and used clothing. Designers are embracing the green movement and incorporating organic materials. Many stores are offering some green clothing choices. Organic clothing is comfortable and there are no distinguishable differences between synthetic, man-made, and natural clothing. Although some of the materials sound weird, fashion statements have been made. Green clothing is here to stay. Who knows what materials or designs will emerge next? Not that long ago, everyone threw bottles and wrappers away; today's trash just may be tomorrow's next great green design.