Natural Dyes
At ShyAktive, we love to enlighten our customers on our design processes and in this journal, we delve into the process of natural dyes.
All ShyAktive garments are made with natural dyes from a Natural Dye and Eco-Friendly Textile Studio in Bali. These natural dyes are derived from plant-based sources and use materials such as leaves, fruit pits and wood. Unlike synthetic dyes, natural dyes are biodegradable (less harmful to the environment), renewable and non-toxic. They are gentler on the skin and free from harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin during physical activity.
Natural dyes revive traditional dyeing techniques that were widely used before synthetic dyes became popular.
“By reconnecting with these ancestral crafts, Tribhumi helps brands create slow fashion and sustainable products that are both eco-conscious and aesthetically beautiful” - Tribhumi Bali
The natural dye colours used in this ShyAktive limited collection are composed of Ketapang leaves, Sappan wood, Indigofera wood and Coconut husk mix manga trees. Below is a list of our colours and the associated natural source. The colours generated from natural dyes are unique and provide shades that age gracefully.
Bali and Maui colours – Ketapang leaves
Ngarigo colour – Sappan wood
Pacific colour - Indigofera wood
Swiss colour - Coconut husk mix mango leaves
Critical in natural dyeing is this mordanting process. This process involves soaking the fabric or fiber with a binder before dyeing and helps the colours bind better and last longer on your textiles. Natural dyes bond well with natural fibers like Tencel.
Natural dyes are to be treated with care. Handwashing is recommended and it is important to dry and store naturally dyed garments out of direct sunlight and in the shade.
What is special about natural dyes is that each colour, whether indigo, madder or turmeric, has a cultural and historical story behind it providing depth and authenticity to the product.
With great environmental and health benefits, natural dyes offer an aesthetically beautiful, quality, eco-friendly and non-toxic layer to your clothes. They seamlessly blend style and sustainability whilst offering cultural and artistic value.