Natural fibers and natural fiber alternatives have a positive environmental impact. Vintage and recycled textiles keep them out of landfill and allow our planet to breathe.
We are committed to the use of natural and sustainable fabrics that are produced using environmentally friendly methods and are easy to care for.
We also create unique garments from patchwork consisting of existing textiles that are vintage or recycled and enabled to be enjoyed and loved again.
We suggest for most garments to button them up, turn them inside out, especially those with zips, snaps, buttons or any other type closure and place in the recycled cotton bag that accompanied your purchase before washing.
This will act provide an extra layer of protection when washing your garments in the machine.
Use a gentle non- toxic and biodegradable detergent, rinse well and hang or lay flat to dry.
All OliOeco fabrics are washable, but some have been structured into coats and jackets with fusing, interfacing and/or lining.
These items can technically still be washed but we suggest you take them to a reputable cleaner that uses non perc methods.
Two Local suggestions:
- Eco Cleaners 800 Eglinton Ave.E
- Do My Laundry 863 College St
Why lining you ask, generally you find linings in quality garments
- Linings provide for less wear and tear on the actual item
- Linings help create a stronger more durable garment that lasts longer
- If the outer fabric is in any way uncomfortable linings provide a layer of comfort between the wearer and the item
- CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY! Yes, you read that correctly. See a bright wildly patterned lining in your jacket or a bright floral print in your plain grey coat and you get a private jolt of joy!
No one except you knows it's there but every time you wear it, feeling of joy.........wear it, repeat, feeling of joy........you get the picture.....
LINEN
Linen is the world's oldest known textile and dates back to 8000 B.C. The Egyptians used linen around 6000 B.C. and reserved it for the royal family because of its beauty and durability.
Linen is environmentally friendly and the more you wash and wear it the more beautiful it looks and becomes. It is hypo-allergenic and biodegradable.
Linen is made from the flax plant. Harvesting the flax plant allows every part of the plant to be used, from clothing and bedding to rope. Seeds are used for oil, varnish and cattle feed.
Linen is functional for all seasons. The hollow fibers act as a natural insulator. Linen will keep you cool in warmer climates and warm when it is cooler. Pair it with heavier fabrics for example, cotton twill or wool and you will be ready for the coldest day.
Use of linen helps to promote a healthy planet. Nothing goes to waste.
BAMBOO
This fabric is pure joy to wear. Biodegradable, breathable, durable and soft. Bamboo fabric is made from the the pulp of the bamboo plant. The crop is naturally pest resistant and grown without pesticides.
It regenerates naturally in 55 days and requires little irrigation. Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and releases oxygen into the environment which helps to improve air quality.
ORGANIC COTTON
Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and harmful chemicals. Organic cotton keeps our waterways clean as the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are eliminated.
Using organic cotton supports sustainable farming and reduces contamination of our planet.
HEMP
Hemp is grown using little water and without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Hemp gives some of its nutrients back to the soil in which it grows. It is the most durable of all natural fibers.
Hemp fiber blends easily with other fibers and adapts to weather. The fabric gets softer with use and retains its shape.
TENCEL
Tencel is an all natural fiber. It is man made from the cellulose in wood pulp from the eucalyptus tree. Tencel uses about 80 percent less water than cotton to produce and farms are established on land that is not suitable for agricultural crops, meaning they do not compete with the production of food.
Tencel fiber is 100 percent biodegradable and can be composted. It is produced using a closed loop process with non toxic solvents.The fabric's controlled nano-fibril structure moves moisture away from the body,keeping you cool when the temperature is hot and warm when it's colder.
WOOL
Wool is totally natural and biodegradable. It is renewable and recyclable. Merino is the world's finest wool. To be considered as organic wool must be produced in accordance with federal standards for organic livestock production.
SILK
Hand loomed silk is environmentally friendly and is a sustainable fabric. Organic silks retain their natural colour.
Silk is a very strong natural fiber and has properties similar to wool. The fabric is breathable and acts as a natural temperature regulator.
Silk will provide warmth without adding weight and helps you to expel excess heat in warm weather.
Your body can maintain a natural, comfortable temperature while wearing it.
Silk is smooth, soft and luxurious against the skin and is also hypoallergenic.
VISCOSE
Viscose is a rayon fiber made from natural sources. Renewable plant materials such as wood and agricultural products are used that are regenerated as cellulose fiber.
RECYCLED | UP- CYCLED
Recycled and up-cycled fabrics cover a broad range of fibers. From the reuse of garments in various formats to actual recycling of the fibers to create new fabrics.
Recycling and up-cycling help to create less waste and keep fiber and fabrics out of landfill. These processes allow us to use what we already have in existence in new and creative ways.
RECYCLED POLYESTER
Recycled polyester is included here as it is considered an eco choice. Polyester which uses petroleum is the most widely used fiber in the clothing industry. A fully eco alternative would be welcomed by many designers and consumers.
Recycled polyester keeps plastic bottles out of landfill and is a positive move. However, polyester is toxic and processes to transform the plastic into fiber do not include biodegradability and recycling of polymers.
Faux Fur which is essentially made of various forms of plastic, water bottles included, is considered an ethical choice over the real, since no animals were harmed in the process to manufacture it but many hold the thought that it is harmful to the environment. Where do we create the balance?
Clean drinking water should be a free easily accessible resource for everyone. If this were the reality there would be no requirement for the number of water bottles produced. The need to recycle them would be eliminated and in the process eliminate pollution through an often very unconscious buying method.
Carry a BPA free water bottle.
Even if I knew tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.Martin Luther King Jr.