The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Fashion Blueprint: Strike a pose in eco-friendly clothing

It looks like “organic fiber” is the new black when it comes to fashion.

Ladies, think twice before buying those cute simple cotton tanks from your go-to store. And gentlemen, don’t be so quick to buy those slimming tailored wool pants. You are potentially bringing home items that were infused with chemicals and pesticides.

You might be thinking, “What do I care about pesticides?” but let me tell you that you can be environmentally conscience and still have that fashionable flare with organic fabrics.

Global Organic Textile Standard is a strict international standard that processes organic fiber-filled products after the post-harvest stages. In other words, it’s the “cooler” fabric of the crop. Processing includes spinning, knitting, weaving, dying and manufacturing.

Increasingly, companies are making apparel that include organic cotton, organic wool and other organic fibers, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Therese Bataclan, buyer for Chloe’s Closet, said for a thrift store that primarily provides reusable and nonhazardous children’s and women’s clothing, organic-made items are in high demand and allow the store to up the price on such items.

“We sell a lot of used clothes,” Bataclan said. “I rarely buy new clothes and I think it’s important  — especially for our female customers —that we make clothes in a natural way without containing chemicals or plastic.”

Since most wardrobes are made up mostly of cotton, insecticide use could be reduced  by 25 percent if cotton was produced organically, according to the OTA.

It seems like cotton is one dirty crop, so why not get the best when trying to look clean and chic?

Farid Khalkhal, environmental studies major, has a soft spot for the eco-friendly, but he also doesn’t want fashion to stop.

“I love fashion myself but I don’t like the idea of being exposed to chemicals from clothing, just like hand-picking cotton,” Khalkhal said.

Remember when you purchase those fashionable cotton V-neck sweaters or wool slack trousers: You can be your own fashion police and see where your clothes are really coming from.

“We should manufacture clothing that’s more effective than efficient,” Khalkhal said. “We’re taking more from the earth than what’s given to us.”

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The Fashion Blueprint: Strike a pose in eco-friendly clothing