Natural fibers are those found, well in nature. The most common natural fibers used to make clothing are cotton, hemp, ramie, linen, wool, and silk. The use of natural fibers extends back beyond recorded history with archaeological evidence indicating that wool and flax were being woven into fabrics by the sixth century BC. Natural fibers can be split into three main groups.

Organic wool harvested by sustainable ranchers is a strong, beautiful fiber with few limitations, plus amazing longevity and durability. Naysayers debate that sheep emit high levels of carbon dioxide and abuse the land. Wool also needs to be scoured, which requires significant amounts of water and leads to polluted waste water.

Ensure that the wool is unbleached or bleached with ozone-based products and dyed with responsible, eco-friendly methods rather than with heavy metal dyes.

Organic wool is rapidly renewable, minimally processed, absorbent, inherently fire retardant, stain resistant, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.

Soy silk is a by-product of the tofu-making process; the liquefied soy proteins are extruded into fibers, which are then spun into soft and lustrous textiles. Because of the high protein base, it takes well to natural dyes.

Legend has it that Henry Ford wore a suit made of soy silk in the 1940s, and Ford cars sported soy-fiber upholstery. I’ve yet to find upholstery fabrics made from soy silk—let me know if you come across a source—but they are just around the corner. I’ve knit with skeins of soy silk yarn and love the soft, luxurious texture.

Flax (aka linen) is created by processing, spinning, and weaving flax fibers (from the plant’s stem) into a strong, durable cloth. Linen keeps you cool and dry, absorbing moisture before feeling damp, and gets softer and stronger the more it is used. Another plus is that it is colorfast and nonallergenic.

Flax requires little water and fertilizers and is rapidly renewable, minimally processed, absorbent, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.

Ramie, also known as China grass, is a flowering plant native to Asia. It is one of the strongest fibers, highly absorbent, and naturally stain resistant.

Ramie is often blended with other fibers such as cotton and hemp to produce fabrics with enhanced durability.

Ramie grows with little water and fertilizers, is rapidly renewable, minimally processed, absorbent, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.

Bamboo is a renewable grass, which classifies it as eco-friendly. It has natural antibacterial properties and is hypoallergenic; plus, it drapes like silk but is more durable and less expensive.

“Panda-friendly’ bamboo plants are a must! These grow quickly without fertilizers or pesticides and require minimal amounts of water. The grasses also release 35% more oxygen into the air than an equivalent stand of trees. Bamboo fabric is created from the pulp of the stalk and readily accepts dyes, and there is no need for chlorine bleach.

The negative aspect of the process comes from the sulfuric acid used in the processing of the pulp. This contributes minimally to air pollution and the waste water and must be neutralized with bacteria before it is returned to the ecosystem.

Bamboo grows with little water and fertilizers, is rapidly renewable, absorbent, reusable, recyclable, and ultimately biodegradable.

Tencel is a newer fabric made from wood pulp cellulose. It is a branded lyocell fiber that comes from eucalyptus trees, which yield a high-quality fiber with less water from a fast-growing tree. (For an even greener product, look for trees that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).)

A nontoxic organic solvent is created from the wood pulp, which is than reclaimed and recycled in a closed-loop spinning process that conserves energy and water. Statistics show that up to 95% of the solvent is recovered and reused. Look for Tencel that does not utilize harmful chemicals (like formaldehyde) to treat the fibrillation of the fibers.

One of the drawbacks of Tencel and other lyocell-based fabrics is that that they don’t take well to dyes. This may lead to the use of a chemical-based dye process or other treatments that are not eco-friendly.

Tencel comes from a plant that requires little water and fertilizers and is rapidly renewable, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.

Jute comes from a flowering vegetable plant that grows to 10 feet tall. Historically, the plant fiber has been used to make rope, twine, carpet, and rugs. Jute, an inherently strong fiber, is one of the cheapest natural fibers available. It has also been used to make paper, geotextile (a fiberglass alternative), and particleboard.

More good news! Jute improves soil quality, is carbon dioxide neutral and 100% recyclable and biodegradable without causing environmental hazards.

Jute grows with little water and fertilizers and is rapidly renewable, minimally processed, absorbent, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.

Ingeo is the product of a joint venture between Cargill and Teijin. It is a man-made fiber made out of corn: The starch and sugars from corn is extracted and processed into a fiber, which is then spun into yarn or woven into fabric. Ingeo is an innovative material that is emerging as an eco-friendly alternative.

Ingeo is a trademark of NatureWorks LLC, which claims Ingeo to be the world’s first man-made fiber derived from 100% renewable resources. “Ingeo fiber combines the qualities of natural and synthetic fibers in a new way,” the company states. “Strength and resilience are balanced with comfort, softness, and drape in textiles. In addition, Ingeo fiber has good moisture management characteristics. This means that Ingeo fiber is ideally suited to fabrics from fashion to furnishings.”

The fabric absorbs odors and is stain and fade resistant and hypoallergenic, but it doesn’t retain moisture.

Hemp may be last in this list, but certainly not least! Let’s take a look at one of my favorite kinds—cannabis—cultivated for nondrug use into industrial hemp. Hemp is a multiuse natural fiber with remarkable benefits and attributes. Its long strands of fiber are suitable for spinning with minimal processing, creating the strongest of the natural fibers.

Hemp is gaining status as an environmentally friendly alternative, with a beautiful hand, feel, and drape. It grows quickly and densely, eliminating the need for herbicides, pesticides, and artificial fertilizers, and it needs no irrigation, as it flourishes on average rainfall.

Hemp comes in an assortment of textures and weights; it can be found in woven or knit fabrics, ropes, belts, area rugs and carpets; plus, it is insect and mildew resistant.

Hemp, currently imported from China, is still illegal to grow in many areas of the world, being confused with the marijuana plant. Advocates and stakeholders are working with legislators toward changing current laws.

Hemp grows with little water and fertilizers and is rapidly renewable, minimally processed, absorbent, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.

“Going green” or being eco-friendly are tems that relate to products and/ or lifestyles that are environmentally friendly. This can mean consuming less natural resources, using sustainable resources, using organic products, recycling, creating less waste, and much more. The more septs in the production process that are eco-friendly, the “greener” the end product.

In fashion, the most effective way to be eco-friendly is to simply buy less clothing, shoes, and accessories. The next most effective is to purchase used items from garage sales or thrift stores, reducing the amount of new products that need to be manufactured, keeping goods from ending up in landfills, and often making a charitable contribution at the same time. Another good option is to Freecycle which is a great way to get (and give!) free stuff locally. With the average American throwing out 68 pounds of clothing and textiles a year, it is easy to see how these options can make a huge difference.

Now, I am not denying these are great options, but in my fashionista heart of hearts, I love clothes, I love shoes, and I certainly love my handbags. Most of all I love shopping, the thrill of the hunt, and capturing that elusive great deal. For shoppers like me, there is still a glimmer of hope. Team Treehugger gives the following tips for building a green wardrobe on Planet Green.

1. Shop with a plan
   When you bring an article of clothing into your life, it’s kind of like adopting a dog or cat. That cute little number has to have a place in your wardrobe, and you’re agreeing to provide for and give it the longest possible life with you. Abandoning the impulse buy may sound boring, but how exciting is a closet full of stuff that doesn’t work? In the long run, knowing what you’re looking for before you shop will save time and eliminate clutter. You’ll get more use out of a piece that looks and feels great: What colors work for you? What fits work the best? How will the piece get along with everything else in the closet? If the answer to “Will I still want to wear this rhinestone-studded bustier in two years?” or “Can I eventually find a way to use it in a craft project?” is no, skip it.
2. Love your duds
   Whatever you’ve chosen, take good care of it. When you get home, change out of work gear and into your famous dressing gown or leisure suit. Don’t cook or check the tire pressure in clothes you want to wear in public. Learn how to sew a button back on, or how to coax a nimble friend into doing it for you. Get the name of a local tailor or seamstress for major repairs or alterations.
3. Don’t go dry
   Though the industry has improved much since 1992, there is still a high likelihood that your trusty corner cleaner uses perc (tetrachloroethylene), a known carcinogen. See if there is a local green cleaner employing “wet cleaning” or liquid CO2 techniques. Many articles whose tags ask for the dry clean treatment can actually be hand washed, especially silk, wool and linen.
4. Buy vintage or used
   People unload clothes for all types of reasons, and you know that adage about trash and treasure. From Oscar-worthy vintage dresses to Freecycled denim, you can likely find the piece you’re looking for second hand. You’ll be giving a cast-off garment a second life, and possibly supporting charitable work in the process.
5. Wash well
   Washing wreaks the most havoc of all. It requires lots of water and energy, so only do it when you absolutely need to and have a full laundry load. Turn articles inside out and use the lowest temp possible. If you know you glowed all over a piece, make a thin salt paste and soak the affected fabric for a half hour before washing. Choose phosphate-free and biodegradable detergents and line dry as much as possible. Treat stains quickly with nontoxic removers. If you’re buying a new washing machine, look for one with an Energy Star label.
6. Wear organic
   Though cotton is marketed as clean, fresh, and natural, conventional varieties are anything but. It takes a third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce the cotton for one T-shirt! That means lots of direct, unhealthy exposure for farmers and nearby wildlife, and heaps of unnecessary pollution. Ick. Luckily, organic cotton is becoming easier and easier to find. As mega-stores get into the game, however, it’s important to stay vigilant about what organic means, so you know you’re really getting clean clothes. Also know that though the cotton may have been organic to start with, your T may be full of processing chemicals and metal-laden dyes.
7. Find a re-purpose
   A re-purposed garment used to be another or many other articles. Designers all over the globe have taken on this transformative challenge in recent years, with very wearable results. This means a one-of-a-kind look for you, a new life for old fabric, and a livelihood for maverick re-users.
8. Approach new fabrics with skeptical enthusiasm
   No doubt you’ve heard the hype around bamboo, soy, or even corn fabric. The idea of finding alternatives to petrochemical-based and conventionally grown options makes us all perk up and we see why many eco-conscious designers are excited about them. Bamboo, for instance, sounds great: it’s a fast-growing plant, not reliant on chemicals, and beautifully drapes the human form. Trouble is, bamboo plantations can displace native forests, and the harvesting and fiber processing are often polluting and unregulated. As with soy, corn, and Tencel (which comes from trees), the processing from plant to fabric is energy and resource intensive. For now, approach these as alternatives to poly, nylon, acrylic or conventional silk and await more info.
9. Choose clothes that work for you
   It’s hard to feel beautiful in your raw silk dress when it’s likely that children’s scalded hands were part of the production chain. Conventional clothing might not say it, but clothing made under fair-wage and labor practices will usually advertise it. SweatShop Watch and Behind The Label are good sources of info.
10. Don’t throw it all away
    Finally, a stain, a tear, or changing fashion threaten to separate you from your favorite dress shirt. Don’t just abandon your old friend to the waste-stream! If the condition is perfectly good, you can always donate or Freecycle it.

Next time, we will talk about eco-friendly fibers and which fabrics to choose to make your wardrobe greener without sacrificing fashion.

Knowing the difference between missy and women’s or women’s plus sizing is an important part of knowing your correct sizes. When you know which category you fit into, you are able to find a better fit and more flattering styling.

While not every rule will fit with every design, here is a basic framework to help you decide which sizing style works best for you.

The missy sizes are often considered the “average” size woman. The designs are fit for any age, and there is a wide assortment missy size fashions on the market today.

Many designers use even numbers to display missy sizes such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12. Missy size 18 is often the upper limit of sizes, though some designers extend their size range to a size 20 or even 24. Missy tops will often be sized XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL and are styled to flatter the more average size woman. The difference between sizes is generally 1-inch

Women’s or women’s plus clothing refers to clothing for women sizes 14W and up; it is designed for a fuller-figured woman. Many designers use even numbers followed by a “W”, such as 14W, 16W, 18W and so on. Women’s size 24W is often the upper limit of sizes, though some manufacturers extend their sizing beyond that. Women’s tops are often sized 1X, 2X, 3X where X is in place of extra-large. Some specialty clothing stores, like Lane Bryant, Torrid, and Chico’s offer a system of sizing different from the norm but consistent within their brands.

Women’s plus size clothing often features a more generous cut with longer length tops and sleeves. The difference between sizes is generally 2-inches.

For a great selection of missy and womens clothing at unbeatable prices, visit us at www.myfashioncorner.com

Knowing the difference between junior and missy sizing is an essential part of knowing your appropriate sizes. When you know which category you fit into, you are able to find a better fit and more flattering styling. So what is the difference?

While not every rule will fit with every design, here is a basic guideline to help you decide which sizing style works best for you.

There are two ways of looking at the differences between junior and missy sizing, style and size/ shape.

Generally, junior sizes are for a younger age group. The fit for junior sizes is usually more suitable for the still developing junior body. Typically junior sizes have a straighter, less curvy shape with a smaller bust and hips to better fit a teen’s shape. Junior clothing is often closer-fitting and more youthfully styled.

Many designers use odd numbers to display junior sizes such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11. Junior size 13 is usually the upper limit of sizes, but some designers extend their size range to a size 19. Tops will often be sized XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL and are shaped in the junior styling.

The missy sizes are often considered the average size woman. The designs are fit for any age according to the designer’s intention, and there is a wide array of missy size fashions on the market today.

Many designers use even numbers to display missy sizes such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12. Missy size 18 is often the upper limit of sizes, though some designers extend their size range to a size 20 or even 24. Missy tops will often be sized XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL and are styled to flatter the more average size woman.

The difference between sizes is generally 1-inch. This is true for both junior and missy size ranges.

Visit www.myfashioncorner.com for a great selection of junior and missy clothing at unbeatable prices!

The liquidated merchandise, the very same items that were sitting in high-end department or specialty stores, often ends up being sold at deeply discounted prices since the original sale from the manufacturer to the discounter was carried out at a fraction of the original price. It is not uncommon to see discounts of up to 75% off the original retail price. Can you imagine buying exactly the same luxurious cashmere sweater your fashionista neighbor bought at full retail for up to 75% less?

Obviously, such discounts are not seen favorably by the big retail chains, so they place conditions on the sale and distribution of the goods in questions. A common practice is to limit, by contractual agreement, the areas to which the liquidated goods can be circulated, thus helping preserve control of the brand and its authorized distributions. This method is often seen as one of the most desirable for the liquidators since it preserves the most control with regard to distribution of their originally manufactured product.

Another common industry practice when liquidating these name-brand items is to deface the product label in some way. Popular ways of defacing the label are lining out the brand name with a magic marker, cutting the label with a single scissor cut, and completely removing the label. All methods are practiced with about the same frequency and all are meant to do one thing: take away the ability for someone purchasing that item to return the name-brand item to one of the original retail stores and receive a credit or refund for a price greater than what the person returning the item originally paid. When buying merchandise of this nature from a retailer, it is obvious which defacing method has been applied, however it can be a little more difficult when buying from an e-tailer, or e-commerce website. Generally, good websites will indicate that the label has been defaced and indicate which method was used to deface the label.

In the end, purchasing discount merchandise of this nature can be a smart move, as it can allow the consumer to get a great bargain if they’re not too concerned about a slight mark or cut on the interior label. Other than these types of minor marks and cuts, the merchandise is generally free from all other defects and blemishes. Many would probably agree that the world is better when you don’t have to pay so much for the items you love.

For unbeatable prices on brand-name merchandise visit http://www.myfashioncorner.com