The Change in Fabrics Over The Years

Change is the law of nature. Pretty much like everything else, the fabrics and fashion industry has also undergone a sea change with time. The fabrics and the fashion technology we see today have not been there since the earliest of times.

The Earliest Forms

Various methods of retrieving beautiful fabrics from plants and animals are known to mankind today. However, this was not the case in the earliest of times.

History suggests that it all began with the draping of animal skins across the human body. The need for clothes, and primarily a fabric sort of thing, arose while humans were looking for something to provide them the necessary warmth.

 However, we don’t have much evidence about it because these drapings got disintegrated with time, due to their natural protein composition.

Sewing Needles and Ancient History

The earliest sewing needles are believed to date back to France (about 19,000 BC). However, studies claim that needles may have existed even 40,000 years ago.

Beginning with the sewing of animal fur with needles made of bones, humankind started with what we call fabrics today. Traces of woven rugs and scraps indicate the cultivation of wool even in earlier times.

However, fabric at this time was entirely hand-spun, using primitive looms, and was formed from linen, wool, and flax.

The Industrial Revolution 

As things progressed, a major change occurred in the world of fabrics with the production of silk in China. This opened up trade routes amongst countries and fabrics actually started becoming a trade thing.

                   Photo by @dyky.official

Gradually, with the investigation of advanced looms and spinning wheels, fabrics started becoming more refined and appealing.

Throughout the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, a lot of changes amongst fabric production, use, and distribution were observed. Although the majority of fabric production was done locally, countries kept trading raw materials. This period also saw an emerging difference between the economic levels of various sections of society.

While the rich kept trading raw materials such as silk, lace, or linen, the common people continued wearing homespun or knitted wool and cotton garments.

Photo by @dyky.official

Synthetic Fibers and Modern Fabrics

Photo by @dyky.official

The invention of the world’s first synthetic fibers in 1891 in France was a turning point in the history of fabrics. There has been no looking back since then. 

This was a cellulose product derived from wood and other plants. It was called Chardonnet silk but was later named rayon. The invention of rayon was quickly followed by nylon in the 1930s and polyester soon after.

Today, the world of fabrics and the fashion industry have evolved beyond what anyone could imagine back in the 1800s. We have complex tools, and machines available. A large percentage of fabric is composed of synthetic fibers and the cost of clothing has dropped significantly.

Sustainable Fashion

Photo by @dyky.official

Well, it’s true that fabrics and fashion has changed over time, but yet another aspect that has undergone a sea change over the years is how we perceive fashion. With time, the fashion world is moving towards an increasingly sustainable model.

What exactly is that sustainable model? Is it just about protecting the environment? Yes, but there is more to it. A sustainable fashion business works for enhancing the experience at every stage of the product’s life cycle. Right from choosing the kind of fabric that doesn’t harm the environment to making sure that the labor working on it is not working overtime at minimal wages, supply chain transparency, diversity as well as a policy of inclusion.

Today, we have beautiful designs, embroidered, and creative outfits. No longer are clothing just a means of getting warmth or protection from the environment. We are looking at them using a holistic, sustainable perspective, making sure that the fashion industry thrives beyond limits.

Yes, the clothes were a status symbol during the Industrial Revolution as well, but today, things have changed even more and the fashion world is a promising industry with a bright future, offering employment to many. It’s evolving into a sustainable ecosystem, where we are not just working on designs of the outfits but moving towards a mutually beneficial experience for everyone involved with the production. It is important to be aware that going for easy cheap accessible items might be a quick gratification but it does not help nature or social environments.

You can explore our diversity of fabrics here.