Fabric Choices in Fashion: Balancing Ecology and Economy

Discuss of garment costing

The fashion industry’s choice of fabric has far-reaching implications for both the environment and the economy. The materials selected influence everything from production processes to consumer behavior. Here, we delve into various types of fabrics, their environmental impact, and their economic significance.

Natural Fabrics:

  1. Cotton:
  • Description: Cotton is breathable and versatile, making it a popular choice for clothing.
  • Environmental Impact: Conventional cotton farming often involves significant pesticide use and water consumption, contributing to environmental degradation.
  • Economic Significance: Cotton production is a major industry, providing employment and contributing to the economies of many countries.
  1. Linen:
  • Description: Linen is derived from the flax plant, offering a lightweight and breathable fabric.
  • Environmental Impact: Flax cultivation requires fewer pesticides and less water compared to cotton.
  • Economic Significance: Linen production supports livelihoods in regions with suitable climates for flax cultivation.
  1. Wool:
  • Description: Wool, sourced from sheep. It is known for its warmth and insulation properties.
  • Environmental Impact: While natural, wool production can have environmental concerns related to land use and methane emissions from sheep.
  • Economic Significance: Wool is crucial to the economies of countries with significant sheep farming industries.

Semi-Synthetic Fabrics:

  1. Rayon:
  • Description: Rayon, derived from wood pulp, has a soft feel and is used in various applications.
  • Environmental Impact: Production involves chemicals, and deforestation for wood pulp extraction can be a concern.
  • Economic Significance: Rayon provides economic opportunities in both developed and developing nations where production occurs.
  1. Tencel (Lyocell):
  • Description: Tencel is a type of rayon known for its sustainable production process using eucalyptus wood.
  • Environmental Impact: Tencel is often considered more eco-friendly due to its closed-loop manufacturing process.
  • Economic Significance: Tencel’s popularity is rising, creating economic opportunities in the textile industry.

Synthetic Fabrics:

  1. Polyester:
  • Description: Its durability and versatility defined Polyester is a synthetic fabric.
  • Environmental Impact: Production involves energy-intensive processes, and polyester is not biodegradable.
  • Economic Significance: Polyester dominates the textile market due to its affordability and versatility.
  1. Nylon:
  • Description: Nylon is a synthetic polymer used in various fabrics, known for its strength and elasticity.
  • Environmental Impact: Nylon production involves significant energy consumption and the use of non-renewable resources.
  • Economic Significance: Nylon’s durability makes it a preferred choice for various applications, contributing to economic growth.

Environmental Impact:

  • Sustainable Practices: The fashion industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as organic farming, recycling, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, to minimize environmental harm.
  • Circular Economy: Embracing a circular economy by promoting recycling, upcycling, and responsible disposal practices can mitigate the negative impact of textile waste on the environment.

Economic Significance:

  • Global Supply Chains: The fashion industry’s global supply chains involve various countries, contributing significantly to their economies. Textile production, garment manufacturing, and retail create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
  • Shift towards Sustainable Fashion: As consumers demand more sustainable options, there is a growing market for eco-friendly fabrics. This shift can create new economic opportunities for businesses adopting environmentally conscious practices.

Top 10 most amazing textile Revolution in future

Top 10 most amazing textile Revolution in future

Textile industry is one of the industries which doesn’t look like it fluctuates much. Right? Well, think again! In this age of technological advancement it is logical to assume that every industry is bound to keep a futuristic outlook. Futuristic textiles are a thing now; be it the outgoing and bold dresses generally associated with the Western world, or the reserved and modest dresses linked to the conservative and Muslim world. Every corner of the world is certain to be shook by the advancements in the textile industry.

Below are listed the ten of the most amazing textiles of the future:

1. Apparels which will be able to self-clean!

Yes, you read that right! Dr. Rajesh from an Australian university namely Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology led the research which made significant discoveries’ about the structure of different elements of cotton, which can clean themselves. Although, it is still work in progress, the scientists are hopeful for it to become a realty soon.

Self-cleaning clothes might be a thing in the near future. People who do their laundry know the hassle they have to go through. Gathering the clothes, putting them in the machine, and getting them through a dryer; all with the super wet surf and lather. This hassle is all but about to end in the future.

2. Vibrating sportswear

There are many instances of sports where precision and accuracy is required to get going. Take for example the throwing of a cricket ball at a specific angle set by the cricketing lawmakers. The angle is fifteen degrees of elbow joint which can be straightened while bowling. To make young cricket bowlers make sure they practice this legal angle; Cricflex is a startup producing arm wear which vibrates if your bowling action falls short of the legal fifteen degrees.

Likewise, fitness clothing which include gymnastics, aerobics, and other such sports which require precise angles are jumping on vibrating sportswear bandwagon.

3. Clothes with recycled ocean plastic

Plastic waste is a big concern for ocean life. Plastic waste is being used to create sportswear and in the near future shall be recycled to make routine apparels which can be worn like normal clothes.  Adidas made football jerseys for a few football clubs like Man United which were made of ocean plastic which turn into textile goods.

4. Colour shifting clothes

Ever wondered what would it be like to attend different themed parties wearing the same shirt? Not a good idea, right? Well in the near future you can do so as the colors of the shirt will shift as per your requirement. Attend as many parties as you like wearing the same shirt but adorning different colours!

5. LED Lights enable cloths

Models, TV stars, and all those red carpet musicians tend to wear eye-catching sharp outfits. In the futuristic outlook of such red carpet events, the musicians, rappers, and models might be seen wearing these LED enabled clothes which give off unique effects due to the built-in LED system. It shall be a customizable LED system with designs and colors of our choosing.

6. Built-in Medical data censors and health monitoring system

Health is wealth! Scientists are working on a line of clothing which collects your medical-grade information, converts it into data and shall be sued to diagnose the wearer of any disease beforehand. Apart from the basic diseases, this might be helpful in diagnosing major diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and other such ailments.

You might be interested to read.

7. Go smart with your smart clothes like smartphone.

No need to worry about taking out your smartphone from your pocket every now and then. Whether it’s the cold, or you are riding a bike or cycle, no need to put in the extra effort to attend to a call or reply to a text! These are the futuristic clothing add-ons that shall be offered by the apparel companies in collaboration with the smartphone companies. One example is the Commuter Trucker Jacket which is made by the famous company Levi’s.

8. Revolution of apparel by banana fiber

Revolution of textile by banana fiber- waste material
Revolution of textile by banana fiber- waste material

The banana fiber is epitome of strength and durability. The stem of the banana tree is sued to make this fiber and is extremely durable as well as environment friendly. The cost associated with these fibers is therefore very less, which in turn produces cost effective clothing. Therefore, the needy people can benefit from this type of fiber clothing in textile industry.

9. Massager garb

Visiting a massager after a tiring day of work or sport might not be the last thing on your mind. To counter this a full-fledged garb is there to massage you while you lay down for a quick rest. The combination of censors and corresponding vibrations make massage movements on key areas of the body, and the result is a complete home massage.

10. Fruits fiber & Nooo ! animal

Leather products are expensive and brutal as they are procured after some animal is killed for the hides. An increasing number of customers want to play no role in this brutal killing spree of animals. Organizations like PETA which work for animal protection have raised their voices too. Therefore, the fruit waste like apple left from juice production is being used as a fiber for clothes.