LNBF || Leave Nothing But Footprints
The further I delve into ethical fashion, the more concerned I become with not only the hands behind my clothes, but the fabrics behind them as well.
I'm learning more and more about how certain fabrics and the processes used to create them are either helpful or harmful to both our environment and our bodies. For example, did you know that polyester (the single most common synthetic fabric out there,) is also rated one of the most harmful for your skin? It's made with "synthetic polymers that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid" (source). Not exactly something I want to have rubbing up on my skin all day long. Although some of the toxins are removed during production, many of them linger in the garment, and your skin — as your body's largest organ — soaks it right in.
Another goal of mine (aside from those I shared in my final capsule wardrobe post yesterday) is to fill my closet with fabrics that are as naturally derived as possible. I'm learning to love organic cotton, linen, hemp, wool, and last but definitely not least, bamboo.
Natural bamboo is one of the most eco friendly and skin friendly fabrics out there. Known for its quick growth and high yield, bamboo is grown easily without pesticides or chemicals, can be grown in many terrains, conserves water, and is naturally antibacterial (source). Fabrics made from natural bamboo are 100% biodegradable as well, which is amazing.
There is some dispute about the benefits of natural bamboo over vicose bamboo (essentially reconstituted bamboo with less of the original plant present), but both fabrics are better alternatives to fully synthetic materials like polyester.
Luckily, there are a growing number of brands who are just as concerned with the effects their fabrics have on their customers and the planet as you are.
LNBF — short for Leave Nothing But Footprints — is a Toronto based brand that has made a name for themselves for designing with exclusively eco friendly fabrics. Although they primarily use bamboo vicose for their clothes, they also use tencel (another favorite of mine) and organic cotton.
In fact, they've taken extra measures to ensure that their clothes are safe for both sensitive skin and the environment by using vicose fabric from bamboo fiber that was made using a "closed loop" process which essentially means that any chemicals or byproducts created during production are reused to prevent them from being released into the fabric or the environment.
But, enough about bamboo.
I received their Marigold Maxi Dress in navy and I can't tell you how many times I've worn it since taking it out of the package. It's endlessly comfortable (ok, bamboo, we see you...) and form flattering. It has a slit down each side that adds a touch of uniqueness to the otherwise classic maxi dress, which my closet had been lacking.
I've also been loving their Clara Tie Neck Tunic and the Suri Leggings — both made out of, yep, bamboo. I only had one other pair of leggings (my beloved Girlfriend Collective pair) and I knew it was time to add another, more lightweight pair to my collection for spring/summer.
LNBF has been creating staple pieces ethically and as sustainably as possible for ten years, and their clothes truly speak for themselves.
They have a wide rage of sizes and styles to fit every woman and her lifestyle, whether she needs loungewear for working at home, or a business casual outfit for the office. And they even have men's styles so guys can share in the ethically made goodness as well.
Check out their newest Spring/Summer collection here or shop a few of my favorite picks below.
*This post was compensated by LNBF. As always, all sponsored posts are authentic and hand selected by me. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Simply Liv & Co. possible!*
