Sustainable fashion is a movement that seeks to reduce the impact of the fashion industry on the ecosystem as well as society in general. Handloom weaving is a traditional craft that has been practiced in India for a long time and uses environment-friendly processes to produce fabric.
Here are some reasons why these two make a great match;
Natural fibers
Hand loom weaving in India primarily uses natural fibers such as cotton, silk and linen which are biodegradable and eco-friendly. These fibers are grown without the need to use chemicals that might have an adverse effect on the environment. The only part of the fiber production that could have any negative impact is the process of dyeing where the fibers are dipped in colored dyes to impart the required tones.
However, the move to treat the byproducts of dyeing in an eco-friendly way is already underway.
Local sourcing
All the raw materials needed for the production of handloom saris are sourced from nearby districts. There isn’t any need to transport materials over a long distances.
Low water consumption
In stark contrast to automated large-scale textile mills, hand-loom weaving requires very little water and hence there is no huge demand put on water sources.
Preservation of traditional skills and techniques
Handloom weaving is a traditional craft that has been passed down from generation to generation. By promoting sustainable fashion that uses handloom fabrics, we're helping to save these traditional ways and support the livelihoods of the weavers who exercise them.
Timeless fashion
Handloom fabrics are timeless and they can be used to produce garments that are both beautiful and sustainable. There are some designs in Kanjivaram silks that are still popular and in fashion today that have been conceptualized more than two decades ago. This is in contrast to fast fashion which has a very short life-span.
By promoting sustainable fashion that uses hand loom fabrics, we can reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry and support the livelihoods of the weavers who exercise this traditional craft. It's essential that e continue to support and promote sustainable fashion and handloom weaving in India to produce an eco-friendly and socially responsible fashion industry.