Sustainability
One of the things driving my decision to create tropical kilts was the issues around sustainability when you look at the fabrics currently used for kilts. Here we have a brief look at these.
Wool
The traditional kilt is made from pure wool, which is woven into tartan designs. From a sustainability perspective, wool is an entirely natural product that is fully biodegradable. It breaks down quickly, returning its nutrients to the soil without releasing plastic microfibers into the environment, as its synthetic rivals do. However, wool has some deficits when you look at sustainability, for example, a single sheep is responsible for 30 litres of methane each day, and a woollen garment is responsible for more than 27 times the CO2 emissions of a cotton garment. Equally there are concerns about how the animals are kept and wool is not acceptable for vegans to wear. For us, wool is far too warm to wear in tropical climates as well.
Ploy Viscose/Rayon
Many of the cheaper kilts you can buy these days are made from poly viscose material. If you have never heard of viscose, you may know it by another name: rayon. It is a semi-synthetic fibre that is made from trees or wood pulp, but that does not necessarily mean it is any better for the environment, or for you. As a plant-based fibre, viscose is not inherently toxic or polluting. However, because of the growing fast fashion industry, much of the viscose on the market today is manufactured cheaply using energy, water, and chemically-intensive processes that have devastating impacts on workers, local communities, and the environment. The wood pulp that viscose is made from is manufactured by treating it with chemicals, which is then filtered and spun into a fine thread. This is a highly polluting process and releases many toxic chemicals into the air and waterways surrounding production plants. Carbon disulphide, one of the chemicals used, is another toxic ingredient which has been linked to higher levels of coronary heart disease, birth defects, skin conditions, and cancer, not just in textile workers, but also in those who live near viscose factories. So, not exactly great credentials for sustainability.
Linen
One hectare of flax, the plant from which Linen is made, can take 3.7 tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Flax is extremely versatile. Every part of the flax plant has traditionally been used to create a worthwhile product—nothing is wasted, and production is cost effective. A common by-product of flax is linseed oil, which is great for wood preservation, especially in varnishes, and flaxseed oil is also rich in omega-3. growing flax and weaving it into linen is the least water and energy intensive part of linen clothing’s life cycle.
Linen is one of the most biodegradable and stylish fabrics in fashion history. It’s strong, quick-drying, naturally moth resistant and can withstand high temperatures making the fabric ideal for checking out the jungle or lounging on a tropical island. It also absorbs moisture without holding bacteria. In fact, it is actually stronger when wet than dry and becomes softer and more pliable the more it is washed.
The area of most concern in the production of linen, both for the surrounding environment and its human population. is the chemical-driven retting process. Alkali or oxalic acid are normally used, which are toxic in relatively low concentrations. This can be avoided entirely if manufacturers opt for water retting instead, a common feature of certified organic linen. This process is much less cost-effective, however, hence the higher price point on organic garments.
Linen's energy-efficient production process further solidifies its sustainability credentials. Compared to other textiles, linen manufacturing generates less waste and relies on fewer resources, minimising its overall environmental impact. A report by the European Confederation of Linen and Hemp (CELC) found that almost 80% of linen's energy and water consumption derives from washing and ironing the garment.
Tips for Sustainable Linen Care
Sustainable linen care begins with responsible practices such as eco-friendly washing and drying methods, extending the life of linen products. By adopting these tips, you not only preserve the fabric's quality but also reduce your environmental impact.
Washing and Drying
Proper linen care includes washing and drying techniques that align with sustainability. Using cold water, biodegradable detergents, and line-drying can help maintain linen's integrity while reducing energy consumption, contributing to both fabric longevity and eco-conscious living.
We recommend washing our kilts on a gentle cycle no higher than 30 degrees temperature. As linen naturally creases, you will need to steam iron the kilt when it has been washed. We recommend using a cotton cloth between the top of the kilt and the iron as well as using a steam iron on a cotton setting to iron the kilt and pleats, following the flow of the pleats while doing so.