SHADES OF SUSTAINABILITY: HOW FASHION IS EMBRACING ECO-FRIENDLY COLOURS
By: Srishti Sharma
Fashion serves a lot of purpose and behind the scenes, fashion makers tend to be extremely reliant on their penchant for design because fashion is a very visual experience. Colour has always been of vital significance in the fashion industry. It is considered an important part of our everyday image and the messages that we want to convey to the world. During the Middle Ages, colours were often synonymous with social status. Blue and purple symbolized royalty and wealth because they were some of the rarest colours: only a few plants, fruits and veggies were able produce these hues. Even today, colours are the first thing you see or filter when choosing fashion items. They come way before materials, sometimes size or even price.
With consumer interest focused on environmental considerations and a greater desire to reconnect with nature, the colour palette is becoming softer and less saturated, inspired by a revival of traditional techniques using eco-friendly vegetable and botanical sources.
So, is there such a thing as eco-friendly colour? Well, while there are certainly more eco-friendly options when it comes to colour and style, it is important to remember that no fashion choice is completely eco-friendly. There will always be some impact on the environment, whether it is from the materials used, the manufacturing process, or the transportation of the clothing. That being said, there are certainly ways to reduce your environmental impact when it comes to fashion.
Earth Tones
Earth tones are a classic colour palette that includes colours like brown, tan, beige, and green. These colours are often produced using natural materials like clay, minerals, and plants. Earth tones are also versatile and can be used in a range of fashion styles, from casual to formal wear.
Blues and Greens from Natural Dyes
Blue and green are popular colours in fashion and they can be produced sustainably using natural dyes. Natural indigo is one of the most popular natural dyes used for blue shades. Indigo is derived from plants, and the dyeing process does not require harsh chemicals. Similarly, green shades can be created using natural dyes from plants like nettle and ivy.
Neutrals from Recycled Materials
Neutral colours like black, white, and grey are staple colours in fashion. These colours can be produced by using recycled materials like plastic bottles, fishing nets, and textiles. For example, the brand Everlane offers a range of sustainable fashion pieces made from recycled plastic bottles.
Pastels from Vegetable Dyes
Pastel colours such as pink, lavender and baby blue can be produced using vegetable dyes. Vegetable dyes are derived from plant materials like roots, leaves, and flowers. These dyes are sustainable and do not contain harsh chemicals. Pastel colours are often associated with spring and summer fashion, making them a popular choice for warm-weather fashion.
Rustic Reds and Oranges from Natural Dyes
Red and orange are bold colours that can be produced using natural dyes. Natural dyes from plants like madder and weld can produce a range of red and orange shades. These colours are often associated with fall fashion, making them a popular choice for seasonal fashion.
Other natural dyes include turmeric, onion skins, and avocado pits, which produce a range of warm and earthy colours. Sustainable colours can create unique and interesting colours that cannot be replicated using traditional dyes. Another emerging trend in sustainable colour is the use of biodegradable dyes. These dyes are made from organic materials that break down naturally in the environment. Biodegradable dyes are still a relatively new technology, but they hold great promise for creating sustainable and eco-friendly colours in the future.
However, natural dyes do have some limitations that make them less desirable in certain situations. For instance, natural dyes tend to be less colourfast than synthetic dyes i.e., they are more likely to fade or change colour over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or washed frequently. Additionally, natural dyes may be more difficult to work with than synthetic dyes. Different plant materials may require different processing methods, and the resulting colours may be less predictable or consistent than with synthetic dyes. This can make it challenging for designers and manufacturers to produce garments in specific shades or hues.
Nonetheless, despite these challenges natural dyes remain an important option for those seeking to create sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. With continued innovation and development, it is possible that these limitations can be overcome and natural dyes and eco-friendly colour palette can become an even more viable alternative to synthetic dyes in the fashion industry.