Sustainable fashion has become the dominant trend in recent years within the textile industry. The use of materials and practices that protect the environment, without compromising the importance of aesthetics, durability, and the quality of the final product, has led to a new hierarchy in the criteria for selecting raw materials.
Within this context, the natural plant fiber ramie has emerged as one of the most prominent ecological fibers, even though its use in textiles dates back more than 6,000 years. It comes from the plant Boehmeria nivea, a shrub native to Asia, particularly China, India, and Japan. In the past, its production was limited due to the complexity of its processing (the removal of resins from the stems is required), but modern technological advancements have contributed to the rapid expansion of its use.
Advantages of Ramie
Durability
Ramie is one of the strongest natural fibers, stronger than linen and six times stronger than cotton. Thanks to this property, ramie maintains its shape, wrinkles less, and does not shrink easily. As a result, garments resist deformation over time and continue to look fresh and well-tailored for years.
Natural sheen
This fiber gives fabrics a silky shine. It has a natural luster and a soft texture that becomes even softer with each wash. Its glossy quality and inherent smoothness result in a fabric that combines aesthetics with comfort.
Sustainability
Ramie is considered a highly ecological fiber because it is extremely resistant to bacteria, fungi, and insect damage, meaning its cultivation does not require pesticides or herbicides. Additionally, it requires less water to grow (compared to conventional cotton), conserving water resources. It is fully biodegradable, helping reduce textile waste.
Compatibility with other fibers
When blended with other fibers such as cotton, wool, or silk, ramie enables the creation of mixed fabrics that are more durable, high-quality, and environmentally friendly, combining the best characteristics of each material.
Moisture absorption
Its ability to absorb moisture quickly makes ramie fabrics comfortable and practical. They dry faster, are more skin-friendly, and help regulate body temperature. Ramie’s hypoallergenic properties also make it suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies. It is lightweight, absorbent (it can absorb up to 12% of its weight in water without feeling wet), and breathable—ideal for summer clothing and warm, humid climates.
Easy dyeing Unlike other natural fibers, ramie holds color very well, offering long-lasting and vibrant shades.
Disadvantages of Ramie
Wrinkling:As a natural fiber, like linen, to which it bears a strong resemblance, ramie wrinkles easily. However, its structure makes it more resistant to deformation and less prone to creasing than linen.
Stiffness: Ramie can be somewhat stiff, which is why it is preferred for looser, more relaxed garments.
Uses in fashion
Ramie fabrics are ideal for a wide range of fashion applications, from everyday wear to formal attire. It is widely used in dresses, suits, blouses, as well as accessories such as bags, scarves, and hats, which stand out both for their aesthetic appeal and their functional qualities. Its natural sheen gives garments an elegant appearance and feel, while its durability makes the final products practical and cost-effective, as they withstand time and do not require frequent replacement.
At Ioakimidis Textiles , where sustainability is one of our core operational pillars, it was only natural to include this exceptional fiber in our collections. With us, you will find an extensive variety of fabrics either made entirely from ramie or containing it in their composition, blended with other plant-based fibers, offering solutions that combine high aesthetics, timelessness, and unmatched quality.
Contact our sales team today and discover our textiles collections.
