Using natural dyes in textile production is an ancient technique dating back over 5000 years. The dyes were extracted from plants, animals and minerals and some of the most beautiful colours have derived from flowers, leaves, barks, nuts and fruit rinds. Not only were these these techniques completely chemical free but also used for health benefits and dyeing cloth allowed the skin to absorb the medicinal benefits of the plants from wearing the dyed cloth next to the skin.
Natural dyeing has been used less and less in clothing production through the demand for cheap, fast fashion so chemical dyes have largely replaced the need for natural dyeing globally. According to the United Nations Environment Program, textile dying is the second-largest water polluter globally and and the biggest offender in the fashion industry. Most textile mills and factories use artificial and synthetic colourants made from petrochemicals which when discharged in to water become unfit for consumption so when it enters the food chain causes great environmental harm. This is an issue which is gaining more understanding and there are many brands taking more responsibility for their environmental impact and choosing other ways of manufacturing their product but there’s a long way to go.
For us at Nona Wear we are dedicated to only using natural dyes in the clothing we offer as not only does it feel an environmental responsibility but chemically responsible. Our natural dyes are both eco-friendly and non toxic and water released from the dye can be returned to the soil without harm. Unlike artificial, chemical based colourants they are non-allergic and have antimicrobial properties therefore absorption in to the body can be beneficial instead of harmful therefore choosing this way to wear clothing feels really important to offer especially to women with babies and young children.
Two dyes we use consistently in our clothing production are indigo and madder. The indigo creates depths of unrivalled blue that changes and evolves over time, adapting to wear and fading in colour but forever beautiful. Dark indigo often leaves a trace of blue on parts of the skin for the first part of the garments life which needs to be considered but doesn’t make it at all unwearable and is something we want to embrace more in choosing to go chemical free. We just recommend wearing dark underwear and washing alone or with other dark garments.
Madder is loved for creating a wide spectrum of stunning hues from earthy browns through to vibrant pinks and is one of the larger used colours for natural dyeing.
There is evidence to say that both Indigo from the Indigofera plant and Madder from the Rubia cordifolia were found in the Indus river valley at Mohenjodaro in Pakistan dating back to 3300-1300 BC. The Bronze Age Indus Valley Civilisation are known to be the largest ancient civilisation. India and Pakistan were the earliest major centres of Madder and Indigo production, where it is still used consistently today.
Indigo has been used consistently in clothing as a remedy for the skin assisting the healing of wounds and complaints such as eczema while also repelling insects.
Madder, often used as an Ayurvedic herb is an anti-inflammatory known as medicine for reproductive health, as well as to purify the blood and detox lymph nodes as well as so much more!
Our skin is our largest organ of the body, which easily absorbs the healing properties of the plants we dye our clothing in or the toxic chemicals that often replace them. By choosing to wear naturally dyed or un-dyed clothing we have a lot of power in creating positive change in our bodies at a cellular level.
All cloth we choose for our garments are also chosen for their chemical free process being 100% natural and biodegradable.
The cotton we use for our clothing is 100% natural and biodegradable as well as fair trade and almost carbon neutral. The cotton is hand woven on a paddle loom by artisans in Gujarat, India.