Natural fibers, an integral part of sustainable fashion, are derived from materials existing in nature and used through mechanical processes without modifying their structure: the true "green soul" of a garment. Although in the past the production of some natural fibers had even disappeared, in 2009 the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) officially promoted the World Year of Natural Textile Fibers, which today represent 40% of the textile fibers used in the world. For them to be considered truly natural, however, it is necessary that the entire processing chain of the fiber itself falls within ecological and ethical parameters that respect the environment, human labor, the land and end consumers (here we talked about water waste in the textile industry ). The advantages of using natural fibers lie in the eco-compatibility of the materials that come from renewable sources, their biodegradability and the level of comfort they can ensure in contact with the skin.
What are they and why use them?
Among the natural textile fibers of plant origin we find cotton, linen, hemp, jute, ramie or nettle yarn, sisal, coconut, broom, hibiscus, manila, straw, bamboo, cork. These are the basis of the economy of the countries that produce them. They are biodegradable, obtained from plants, resistant, recyclable and compostable: a must for those who care about the environment and the planet. The advantages are not only for the planet, but for man himself, his well-being and his health. The skin absorbs air, light and heat, and through this it is able to give energy to the body and get rid of waste and toxins. These are filamentous substances derived from plants that can be spun and transformed into threads and, their weaving, allows us to obtain the ideal fabrics for clothing. Using natural textile fibers allows these processes to happen easily and faster.
Health Benefits
The beneficial properties of natural textile fibers for the skin and health are endless and vary depending on the fabric. These fibers used in fabrics improve the skin's breathability, welcoming it without hindering it.
Cotton (the undisputed protagonist of the global textile industry) keeps the body cool, absorbs sweat and protects from ultraviolet rays without creating any allergies when in contact with the skin. It provides softness, breathability and resistance. Resistant and an excellent temperature regulator, healing and soothing for allergy sufferers, is linen ; one of the first materials to be harvested, spun and woven. Hemp, which comes from a cultivation with a very low environmental impact, is a fibre rich in vitamins and a good dose of natural antioxidants, which are able to prevent allergies and inflammation. Fabrics made from bamboo are resistant, have antimicrobial properties and help maintain body temperature at the right level. Jute, after cotton, is one of the most used fibres and comes from a cultivation with a low impact. Ramie is a very resistant, dense and absorbent yarn.
OWN OFF WITH NATURE only uses materials that have minimal impact on the planet we live on, produced in an ecological, safe and fair way, thanks to the collaboration with internationally certified suppliers.