100% Organic Cotton / Natural Dyes / India
Muscle Tank
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The Craft 100% natural pigments &/or mordants to dye fibers and garments
The craft of naturally dyed textile production and pesticide-free cotton cultivation goes back thousands of years, with strong roots in the Indian subcontinent. The origins of vegetable dyeing in India can be traced to the Indus Valley around the 4th millenium B.C. Thousands of years later, the synthesis of petroleum-based dyes proliferated in the 1870’s, bringing an end to widespread use of natural processes. Shortsightedly convenient and inexpensive GMO & pesticide heavy cotton, petroleum-based dyes, and exploited garment manufacturing labor, has largely replaced the sustainable craft of milled organic cotton, colored with natural dyes, cut and sewn into finished garments with integrity. This shift has spoiled the natural world for more than a century, causing drastic consequences to garment workers and our environment. Through the Clean Clothes project, we aim to create dialogue and research for two primary goals: 1) to respect and advocate for the usage of pesticide-free, non-GMO organic cotton; and 2) if dyeing is necessary, to use only 100% natural dyes. By issuing constraints on dyeing and washing processes, not only can we assure Clean Clothes on our skin, but cleaner rivers, oceans, soil, and air for everyone.
The Land Home to indigo and the finest organic cotton
The Indian subcontinent extends from the Himalayas in the North to the coastal plains of the South. This overwhelming diversity in climates, landscapes, and culture, has provided an extensive palate of vegetable and mineral pigments to Indian dye houses for thousands of years. The etymology of the word ‘indigo’, originates from the Ancient Greek ‘indikón’, meaning ‘Indian’, as the dye from the Indus Valley Civilization was traded with Ancient Greece. Scientists believe that cotton was first cultivated in the Indus Delta, circa 6,000 B.C. India’s landscapes are highly conducive for cotton-growing, however only less than 1% of cotton grown is pesticide free and non GMO. This stark contrast has sparked all the more reason for the evolution of the Clean Clothes project, dedicated to the production of quality garments in a sustainable way.
The Process Going back to nature
Wearing vibrant colors should not come at the cost of contaminating our natural resources. This project not only eliminates petrochemical dyes, but also genetically modified and corporation-patented seeds in the cotton farming process. 100% natural dyes, water and a biodegradable enzyme wash are used for the dyeing and finishing of IOAN organic cotton products. Some of our natural dye forays include: Acacia arabica: tree bark-rust/brown tones Terminalia chebula: seeds-yellow tones Rubia cordifolia: twigs-red tones Iron vinegar: iron scraps + palm sugar for black & grey tones Shellac sticklac: insect resin-pink & burgundy tones Indigofera tinctoria: indigo leaves-blue tones. Specialized in the art of natural indigo, our dyemasters cultivate regenerative vats. The indigo solution maintained in fermentation can extend its life to decades, keeping the natural indigo richness intact, eliminating waste water and mordants during the dyeing process. Indian natural dyers use myrobalan, tannins, and wood ash as mordants for all other colors.
The People Those who understand the benefits of cultivating organic cotton & natural dyes
An early visit to a small team with specialized knowledge of natural fermented indigo dyeing has evolved into the IOAN Clean Clothes Project - the pursuit of a clean and fair production loop, with people at its core. At the dye house each day, the team ritualistically takes the time to remove their shoes before entering the workplace and regularly sit down for a mid-day tea between duties. IOAN Clean Clothes are sourced exclusively from farmers and mills who understand the economic, social, and environmental benefits of cultivating organic cotton, natural dye houses with thousands of years worth of knowledge, and pattern cutters and seamstresses who take pride in their work. For the women and men we work with, it’s simply honest work - a way to produce quality goods without negatively impacting themselves or their local ecosystems. The local team continues to expand their knowledge and operations, with the goal of passing on these sustainable cultural practices to future generations. Throughout the years, the IOAN network of dye houses has grown to four members, as demand for their work sustainably grows.
Re-invigorating, re-introducing local ancestral techniques, adapting to modern need.
From the ground to the finished product, made at the source of the raw materials.
Organic, recycled or biodegradable materials and processes.
Worldwide team members and partners receive more than average wages and salaries.
No intermediaries or agents, every production is developed and monitored by IOAN.
