The Importance of Natural Dyes

Natural dyes have been used for thousands of years, long before fashion became fast or trends were mass-produced. Indigo alone has been in use for over 4,000 years in India. These dyes, made from flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and even kitchen scraps, connect us to the land in a way synthetic dyes never could. In a world full of microplastics, chemical runoff, and skin sensitivities, that connection has never been more important.

A Better Way to Colour

Natural dyes aren’t just pretty, they’re powerful. Most are biodegradable, non-toxic, and far less likely to irritate sensitive skin. They don’t pollute waterways, they don’t rely on fossil fuels, and they don’t come with a long list of unpronounceable chemicals.

In fact, some natural dyes are even antimicrobial. They’re kinder on kids’ skin and gentler on our planet and if you're lucky enough to wear something made from plants dyed with natural colourants, you might notice how the shades shift softly over time like your favourite linen shirt that only gets better with age.

Compare that to synthetic dyes, many of which are made from petroleum and contain carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. These can linger in waterways long after the dyeing process is done, impacting marine life and even showing up in our drinking water.

The People Behind the Movement

There’s something beautiful about seeing colour pulled from petals, soil, or a pot on the stove. Creatives like Ceilidh Chaplin (@billynou_) are bringing this art back to life, dyeing pieces with flowers grown in her garden and sharing the process from plant to pigment. Her work is a celebration of slowness, of listening to the seasons, and of letting nature lead.

Another favourite is Kathryn Davey. Kathryn Davey conducts natural dye workshops in Dublin, where participants learn to extract colours from plants and naturally dye textiles such as scarves. She works with a variety of natural fibres and dyes, including indigo, onion skins, and madder root, to create her products. Her passion lies in helping others rediscover the joy of working with their hands and finding beauty in imperfection. Kathryn recently collaborated with Neff Kitchenware, blending her natural dye expertise with the kitchen-focused brand to create something that celebrates both craft and sustainability.

Wearing Stories, Not Just Clothes

There’s a certain poetry to wearing something dyed with marigold petals or avocado pits. You’re not just putting on a shirt or a jumpsuit, you’re wrapping yourself in colour that once grew from the earth. That connection feels grounding in a world of fast everything.

The colour may fade, shift, soften but that’s part of the magic, clothes that age with us, hold memories, and carry the energy of the land they came from.