The Challenge of Age-Defining Style and Health-Conscious Fashion

As women mature, our tastes evolve, shaping our unique fashion palettes. While fashion trends may come and go, the quest for a perfect balance between style and comfort becomes increasingly challenging with age. The struggle intensifies when searching for clothing that not only aligns with personal style but also prioritizes health.

Aging brings about changes in our skin, making it more susceptible to sensitivities. The gradual loss of elasticity can result in thinning, dryness, and discomfort, exacerbated by clothing choices that may include itchy fabrics or garments treated with chemicals. Beyond skin concerns, aging impacts the body’s defense mechanisms. The compromised structural integrity of the skin allows contaminants and toxins to penetrate, posing potential health risks. Additionally, delayed wound healing further exposes individuals to harmful substances present in clothing.

For older women, the stakes are higher as their immune systems may be less robust. Harmful toxins like BPA, phthalates, formaldehyde, azobenzene dyes, and heavy metals, commonly found in dyes, finishes, and synthetic fibers, are linked to various health issues. These include cancers, endocrine disorders, weight fluctuations, and other chronic conditions more prevalent in women during their later years.

Non-Toxic Fashion for Health-Conscious Women

After decades of cultivating personal style, older women can explore non-toxic fashion options that seamlessly blend style, comfort, and health consciousness. Here are some noteworthy choices:

Eileen Fisher

What we love: Eileen Fisher offers a touch of luxury with sizes up to 3x. The brand features a diverse range of styles, from everyday tops to elegant day dresses and jackets. Using materials like silk, wool, and cashmere, Eileen Fisher prioritizes circular clothing designed for longevity. The brand has collaborated with bluesign for a decade to ensure its clothing remains non-toxic.

Watch out for: Check fabric descriptions for synthetic blends if you have concerns about nylon or elastane.

Price range: $42 to $468

Kotn

What we love: Kotn focuses on Oeko-Tex-certified non-toxic dyes and biodegradable materials like Egyptian cotton, linen, Ecotec cotton, Lyocell, and merino wool. The brand offers a variety of trousers, suits, dresses, and everyday wear in earth-toned hues.

Price range: $19 to $198

Emerson Fry

What we love: Emerson Fry stands out with unique and eclectic pieces crafted from natural materials like cotton, silk, wool, hemp, linen, and tencel. The brand’s creations showcase plant-based and low-impact dyes in hand-printed patterns, layered ruffles, and classic prints.

Price range: $68 to $885

Amour Vert

What we love: Amour Vert uses non-toxic fabrics, including bluesign silk, regenerative wool, modal, and cottonseed cupro. From basics to business attire, the brand offers diverse styles and colorways. Choices range from versatile dresses to cozy cashmere sweaters and trousers.

Price range: $8 to $530

Sunday Morning

What we love: Sunday Morning features hypoallergenic and biodegradable French flax linen in its loungewear pieces. The collection includes flowy, comfortable styles from lounge pants to full-length robes and jumpsuits in a muted palette.

Watch out for: While the color range doesn’t suggest harsh azobenzene dyes, the brand does not explicitly state the types of dyes used.

Price range: $48 to $185

People Tree

What we love: People Tree employs azo-free dyes for its statement pieces and basics. Natural materials like Oeko-Tex-certified linen, organic cotton, and hand-knitted wool are used to create a diverse catalog, including dresses, sleepwear, and wardrobe staples.

Watch out for: Some pieces may contain elastane, potentially irritating to those with skin sensitivities.

Price range: €18 to €185

Christy Dawn

What we love: Christy Dawn focuses on regenerative and deadstock materials, often block-printed by hand using natural, plant-based dyes. The collection includes timeless pieces like cotton dresses, alpaca wool sweaters, and statement blouses.

Watch out for: Some pieces may require special care, like dry cleaning or handwashing.

Price range: $68 to $598

Levi’s

What we love: Levi’s adopts lower-impact methods and materials, including organic cotton, non-mulesed wool, and cottonized hemp. The brand maintains a robust chemical management program to ensure product safety.

Watch out for: Some pieces may contain elastane and synthetics, even though they are primarily recycled.

Price range: $11 to $228

United Colors of Benetton

What we love: United Colors of Benetton offers unique styles with a focus on chemical management, especially in its linen, wool, cotton, and sustainable viscose products. The collection includes sweaters, jackets, dresses, and jumpsuits in both basics and vibrant layers.

Watch out for: Synthetic materials are present in many pieces, although they are recycled.

Price range: $14 to $358

Target

What we love: Target provides affordable options with a growing selection of clothing made from natural materials like cotton, Tencel lyocell, and modal. The store carries a range of real denim, loungewear, and basics with a focus on sustainable and non-toxic options.

Watch out for: Check fabric content to avoid synthetic materials present in some brands.

Price range: Up to $1,199

Old Navy

What we love: While not entirely sustainable or non-toxic, Old Navy is progressing with a strong chemical management program. The brand offers denim made from 100% cotton and some pieces crafted with Tencel and linen blends.

Watch out for: Many clothing items still contain synthetic materials and may use azobenzene dyes and finishes.

Price range: Varies

In the pursuit of age-defying style, health-conscious older women can embrace non-toxic fashion choices that prioritize well-being without compromising on elegance and comfort. These brands represent a fusion of style and sustainability, ensuring a harmonious blend of fashion and health consciousness.