Oregon Fashion Designer Responds with Sustainable Hemp/Tencel Blend

Once upon a time, green consumers were satisfied knowing the clothes they wore were made from natural fibers. Today’s sophisticated, eco-savvy fashion shopper knows it’s not that simple: sustainability has become the watchword when it comes to doing right by Mother Earth.

Most cotton is still grown using copious amounts of pesticide. Though rayon comes from trees, the chemicals used in its production are responsible for water and air pollution.

In announcing a new, expanded palette of shades, Sympatico, an Oregon maker of women’s wear whose web site offers women’s tops, pants and skirts, is responding to the enthusiastic acceptance of its  hemp/Tencel fabric blend. While most consumers are sold on hemp’s sustainability, Tencel’s environmental pluses are less well known.

Sympatico founder Rose Gerstner explains: “Tencel has a drape and hand that resembles rayon, but without the environmental downside. It’s made from farmed eucalyptus trees and processed into fabric using Earth-friendly methods that have earned international awards and certification.” Sympatico’s web site includes a page detailing how Tencel is made.

Sympatico’s blend of  55% hemp and 45% Tencel fabrics are unique with the durability and colorfastness of hemp while the Tencel drapes beautifully. The blend is preshrunk and you can pop it in the machine to wash and dry it.  It also air-dries quickly to save energy.

Don’t miss the new autumn color assortment that includes Aubergine, Eucalyptus and Cinnamon.