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ramie.

Ramie is a natural cellulose bast fiber. Ramie is mainly used in East Asia and is also known as “china grass”. It’s one of the oldest fibers to be used for textiles and yet it’s not very popular although it has a lot of potential since its fibers are very strong and durable.

Ramie fibers are found on the bark layer of the stem. Since this process is usually done by hand it’s very laborious. The fibers have to be de-gummed which is done with caustic soda. If this is done on a large scale or not done properly this can be a sustainability issue.

Untreated ramie is compostable. Things like dye, toxic chemicals, blended fibers and trims can hinder its compostability.

+ PROS

what it gives.

  • is a very strong fiber
  • holds intended shape of a garment well
  • a silk-like texture increases with time
  • is very absorbent
  • is anti-bacterial
  • takes on dye well
  • is stain resistant

− CONS

what it asks.

  • is stiff in the beginning but softens when used and washed
  • prone to discoloration
  • prone to wrinkles
  • low abrasion resistance

ADVICE

what to look for.

When searching for ramie fabrics, go for socially and environmentally friendly certified ramie.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

where this comes from.

https://materialarchiv.ch/en?type=all&f=ma:material_593

https://www.commonobjective.co/article/fibre-briefing-silk

The Story of Ramie: From Seed to Finished Garment

Textilepedia, Fashionary International Ltd, 2020

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