Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Natural Dyes in the United States: An Exploration of Natural Dye Use Through the Lens of the Circuit of Style-Fashion-Dress

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Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore challenges and innovations currently surrounding natural dyes used in United States apparel manufacturing, through the theoretical lens of the circuit of style-fashion-dress. To document the use of natural dyes we integrated various qualitative collection methods (e.g., interviews, participant observations, field notes and sketches, documentary film-making, and surveys). Challenges included difficulty in color reproduction from one dye bath to another and production dyers needing to educate their clients about the realities of natural colorant use. Innovations included natural dye growers in the U.S. using mass sampling of dye plants to produce consistent pigment for use in large-scale manufacturing. This study is significant because we broadly reviewed natural dye production in the U.S. and give readers a snapshot of a complex industry with recently renewed interest in natural colorants.

Keywords: Natural Dye, Sustainability, United States, Supply Chain, Indigo

How to Cite:

Doty, K., Green, D. N. & Haar, S. J., (2022) “Natural Dyes in the United States: An Exploration of Natural Dye Use Through the Lens of the Circuit of Style-Fashion-Dress”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13506