Learn More about Natural Fiber Types
Why Alpaca Wool?
Alpaca wool is a rare specialty fiber. It is stronger than mohair, finer than cashmere, smoother than silk, warmer than goose down, and breathes better than thermal knits. Alpaca wool is the fiber traditionally reserved for the Inca nobility. It is longer, smoother, warmer and more durable than cashmere (which comes from goats). Unlike cashmere, alpaca wool will not pill or wrinkle and holds its shape for many years of comfortable wear. Alpaca wool is naturally hypoallergenic, snuggly soft, and cozy warm.
Alpaca wool fiber's semi-hollow, hypo-allergenic characteristics result in a light-weight, breathable, very warm sock. This eco-conscious, renewable resource comes in over 22 natural colors.
Source: KUSIKUY & NEAFP
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Why CoconaŽ?
CoconaŽ technology utilizes recycled coconut shells (not the husks!) that would have gone to landfills. Suppliers convert the coconut shells into activated carbon, primarily for the air and water filtration industries. CoconaŽ uses the particles that are too small for water and air filters, makes them even smaller, and embeds these active particles inside yarn through a patented process.
CoconaŽ technology provides the ultimate in evaporative cooling, odor management and UV protection. By using natural ingredients incorporated into yarns and fibers, there are no harsh chemicals or topical treatments to irritate the skin.
Sources: CoconaŽ
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Why Organic Bamboo?
Soft and Comfortable
Organic Bamboo fiber is softer than the softest cotton, has a natural sheen to the surface and feels similar to silk or cashmere. Bamboo absorbs water 3-4 times better than cotton, keeping skin comfortable, rather than sticky, in hot weather. Bamboo stays 2-3 degrees cooler in hot temperatures and warmer in cold temperatures.
Protective and Hygienic
Unlike other anti-microbial fabrics, which require a chemical treatment, organic bamboo fiber clothing is naturally anti-microbial requiring no added harmful chemicals. It contains an agent, "bamboo kun", that prevents bacteria from cultivating on it. Bamboo apparel is thermal regulating, anti-fungal, anti-static and will keep you cooler, drier, warmer and odor free.
Natural and Chemical-Free
Bamboo is grown without using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Bamboo fiber is 100% biodegradable.
Bamboo is one of the world's most prolific and fastest-growing plants, and is able to reach maturity in about four years, compared to the typical 25 to 70 years for commercial tree species in the U.S. Though most people are generally familiar with this beautiful and graceful plant, the average person is usually astounded when learning that there are more than 1,000 documented uses of bamboo.
Bamboo is nature's most sustainable resource and is naturally regenerative. Bamboo is actually a tropical grass, with an extensive root system that sends out an average of four to six new shoots per year, naturally replenishing itself and growing to heights of 60 feet or more. Some bamboo species grow up to 4 feet per day and can be harvested every 3 to 4 years.
In Asia, bamboo has been used in the traditional hand-made production of paper for centuries. Now, through modern manufacturing processes, bamboo pulp is capable of producing bamboo fiber for use in yarn and fabric. Certain species of bamboo have the tensile strength equivalent to that of steel.
Bamboo is planted and grown on family-owned farms that have been in agricultural use for generations. None of the fiber comes from tropical forests. Over 2.5 billion people work with or depend on bamboo as a natural resource.
Panda Safe
There are over 1,000 species of bamboo in the world. All our bamboo socks are made from the Moso species (Phyllostachys pubescens), which is not eaten by pandas.
Sources: Bamboosa & Footprint
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Why Organic Cotton?
Conventional farming allows the use of harsh pesticides, herbicides, defoliants, and synthetic chemicals. Picture still more chemicals used in the manufacturing and finishing of your cotton garment. It is a wonder there is any cotton left at the time you get it home! These chemicals are not just irritating to your skin, but the process also devastates ground water, natural habitats, soil fertility, and public health. Many of these chemicals are concentrated in the oils of the plants that are then used in Cottonseed Oil, prevalent in hundreds of conventional food products!
Organic Foods Production Act regulates what is and is not "Organic". Standards are based upon the use of materials and practices that enhance ecological balance.
Source: Maggie's Organics
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown.
Source: Organic Trade Association
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Why IngeoT?
IngeoT fiber is the first man-made fiber derived from 100% natural, annually renewable resources like corn (unlike other synthetic fibers that are petroleum-based). It has low odor retention, offering the wearer optimum comfort and freshness. It is soft to the hand and feels natural against the skin. IngeoT's excellent wicking properties transport moisture away from the foot. It dries very quickly, has superior low pilling performance, does not cause allergic reaction in third-party testing, and does not support bacterial proliferation.
Source: Fox River
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Why Recycled/Reclaimed Cotton?
Our Solmate Cotton Socks are knit with recycled cotton yarn. The yarns are created by recovering the scraps from the production of other cotton products, mainly t-shirts. All of the little cotton scraps are gathered together and ground up so that they can be spun into yarns for Solmate Socks. Additionally, these recycled yarns are certified by Made in Green (www.madeingreen.com) and Oeko-Tex (www.oekotex.com). This means that the materials used are certified to be free from harmful substances (such as formaldehyde), made with respect for the environment and with respect for human rights.
Using cotton yarns made from recycled materials creates an environmentally responsible cotton product by reducing the amount of virgin cotton that needs to be grown (and the toll that takes on the earth) while helping to reduce landfill waste.
Source: Solmate
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Why Recycled Polyester Fiber?
Post-consumer plastic products such as pop bottles destined for landfills have been reclaimed and recycled into a high-performance polyester fiber that is soft, moisture-wicking and durable.
Source: Fox River
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Why Organic Wool?
In order for wool to be certified as "organic," it must be produced in accordance with federal standards for organic livestock production. Federal requirements for organic livestock production include:
- Livestock feed and forage used from the last third of gestation on must be organic.
- Use of synthetic hormones and genetic engineering is prohibited.
- Use of synthetic pesticides (internal, external, and on pastures) is prohibited.
- Producers must encourage livestock health through good cultural and management practices.
Organic livestock management is different from non-organic management in at least two major ways: 1) sheep cannot be dipped in parasiticides (insecticides) to control external parasites such as ticks and lice, and 2) organic livestock producers are required to ensure that they do not exceed the natural carrying capacity of the land on which their animals graze. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. The Organic Trade Association has developed standards that apply to the processing of organic wool.
Source: Organic Trade Association
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