Chances are if one has been practicing yoga for a long time, there are already some favored clothes for practice. That being said, most of us could still use a few more- clothes do eventually wear out.
The next time buying yoga wear, why not be friendly to the environment as well? Here are three ways one can buy eco-conscious fabric that makes for stylish, comfortable clothing.
Hemp Clothing
Hemp has been in use as a clothing fabric for a very long time. Archeologists have found examples of hemp clothing that are 10,000 years old.
Throughout history it has most commonly been used for “industrial” purposes such as sails, ropes, carrying-sacks, etc. Betsy Ross sewed the original American Flag out of Hemp and the very first pair of Levi jeans was made out of hemp as well.
What many people don’t know is that hemp is capable of making more than just rope-braided jewelry and thick, knit-looking caps. Organic textile manufacturers can also create surprisingly soft and comfortable fabric out of it.
Hemp is also eco-friendly for a number of different reasons. This natural fabric gives a high yield per acre- 2.5 times that of cotton-, is biodegradable and doesn’t deplete the soil.
Until recently, hemp was too rough to use in the kind of clothing needed for a yoga class. It was too thick and coarse, so that even loose-fitting hemp clothes would scratch and chafe when put through normal yoga activity.
A process was developed in the mid-80s that allowed hemp to be softened without being weakened. The result is a soft, natural fiber that is stronger than almost anything around.
Hemp holds its shape well and typically does not stretch out with use over time. Best of all it is porous and airy and wicks moisture nicely making it a must have for yoga.
There are plenty of retailers, online and off, that carry comfortable hemp clothing. Just try Barefoot Yoga, Asana Green and even Etsy.com.
Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo is a great border for outside yoga space, whether it’s in a back yard or a lucky yoga studio. What many people don’t know is that it can also make great, eco-friendly fabric!
Like hemp, bamboo must be treated with enzymes in order to become soft enough to make comfortable clothing. And also like hemp, bamboo yields much more fabric per acre than low-growing fibers like cotton and flax.
Bamboo is a breathable, absorbent fabric. These two properties combine to form a fabric that soaks up body moisture, yet dries out quickly.
Unlike cotton, bamboo doesn’t require anything in the way of pesticides or insecticides in order to grow. It’s a great vegan-friendly way to get silky sheen and softness without silk harvesting. Be sure to check that the manufacturer hasn’t treated it with chemicals before it goes on the body. One can ensure this by checking for an Oeko-Tex certification. (Oeko-Tex provides standards used by textile manufacturers in 40 countries, including the U.S.)
What About Cotton?
Hemp and bamboo may be great eco-friendly choices, but most of us still have a favorite cotton shirt, pair of pants, or other comfortable cotton item that we love to lounge around in. Can we buy more cotton products and still be eco-friendly?
Of course we can! The key is in using organic, non-genetically modified (GMO) cotton.
In fact, to be certified organic, the cotton has to be grown on land that hasn’t seen the use of pesticides for at least three years. (Predatory insects and old techniques like trap-cropping are used for pest control instead.) This kind of fabric is ultimately easier on the skin, and is less likely to cause a rash or allergy in the case of an intense yoga session.
The benefits of organic cotton don’t just extend to skin, however. Organic cotton farming produces less carbon, fewer greenhouse gases and less waste-water runoff than ordinary cotton farming. It also uses less water, fuel and energy in general.
Be careful not to buy cotton that takes bleaches or unnatural dyes after it has been grown organically. Look for organic cotton clothing in shades of tan, cream, light brown, or light green. Or, you may occasionally find vegetable dyes in other colors (such as orange).
All in all, one really can’t go wrong by buying eco-friendly fabrics for yoga fashion. Not only is being eco-friendly “in,” the clothes are stylish, comfortable and one will feel great knowing that they are helping our environment!
