Chemical dyes are embedded in our clothing, proving to be one of the most detrimental toxins for people's health and the well-being of our environment. At Smith Bowen, we create beautiful, unique colors using all-natural dyes derived completely from the nature surrounding us.
Checkout a select few of our dyed garments in the colors Rose Petal, and Avocado
Here is our simple 5-step guide on how to hand dye your clothing using natural, botanical dyes:
Mordant your pre-dampened fabric or garment in a solution that will adhere to the dye. There are several different types of mordants to use depending on your fabric content. Allum is one of the most common.
Remove your fabric from the solution and thoroughly rinse it in clean water.
Create the color you want by mixing different colors or using just one color. There are many different colors to choose from. When creating colors for natural dye, food waste such as the skin and pits of Avocados are a perfect way to start. Let the pits and skins soak overnight to get the desired color. They make the most beautiful, flesh tones. Once the color has been made and warmed, dip the fabric or the garment into the dye.
Once you have achieved the color you want, pull it out, rinse it, and hang it to dry. The longer you leave the fabric in the dye, the stronger the color will appear.
If you're happy with the color once dried you can iron and wear it. Do not hang in the sun as the color will fade.
Food waste is part of the circular approach, it biodegrades and returns to the soil. It is a regenerative and sustainable way to dye and achieve beautiful colorways. The are many different foods you can use to create color. Also plants such as the indigo plant, is used to create a denim color. The fashion industry needs to work together to help create less of an impact on people's health and the planet. We at Smith Bowen want to be part of the responsible solution.
Take a look at our Honeymoon Panty, in the stunning, I Do Blue, colorway.
If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to a cleaner fashion industry, check out the organizations below:
Style expert Susie Wall answers your fashion questions featuring great Canadian brands that are making an impact. From pretty, eco-friendly underwear sets to the perfect hostess gifts and stylish blouses and dresses, Susie helps us embrace our Canadian pride.
Check out our feature in Vita Daily Magazine where students from Vancouver Community College begin the discussion surrounding the sustainable choices behind the Smith Bowen brand.
This fall I went on an adventure to Europe and Africa.
I was traveling for 6 weeks in the Sahara Desert, Spain and Portugal. From fashionable cities to the hot, dry and untouched Sahara Desert. I needed to build a travelling capsule wardrobe that would fit in my carry on. I knew Morocco and the desert would be hot, and that I would be wandering the fashionable cities of Lisbon, and Barcelona. What could I wear that fit these two extremes in fashion and comfort?
I decided to take my Smith Bowen organic wear. The organic cotton undies and bras were washable by hand and dried overnight, so they were my first choice. The dreamer camisole in both white and rose petal were great under dresses and as night wear.
And because I knew I had to cover my shoulders I decided to take the romantic cotton PJ set. But not for pyjamas, I wore these two pieces everywhere. The silk detailing on the bottom of the pants makes them look oh so chic, and the top is both feminine, as well as incredibly stylish. Wearing this out on the streets of Barcelona I felt cool, unique and beautiful. And I got a lot of compliments.
Oh so chic.
This is what I took:
4 pairs of transparent dreamer panties
2 dreamer bras
1 cloud bra
Romantic cotton PJ’s set which is perfect for sleepy time or lounging around. The top has shell button front opening with soft neck tie and puff sleeve with silk cuff hem detail. Pants are an easy fit with comfortable elastic waist at back and flat front with pockets and silk drawstring with a large silk cuff.
