Why Our Colours Don’t Fade

Yes, it's true that when it comes to natural dyeing, colour can change overtime. And this happens because the tanning isn't simply applied to the fabric, but it’s built slowly into the fabric without any chemicals into the process.

Before any dye touches the fabric, each piece goes through a preparation process known as mordanting. This is what allows the colour to properly bond with the fibre, rather than sitting on the surface. It’s the reason our garments hold their tone over time.

At Terra Made, we use a few different methods. One that I personally really love is the traditional soy-based mordanting process. This actually can take days, sometimes even weeks. The fabric is carefully soaked and rested, and soaked again... through multiple days to ensure the fibres are ready to fully receive the dye. It’s a slow, deliberate method, but it’s a great organic way to achieve depth and long-lasting colour without any chemicals.

Cotton fabric sitting in the soy dye bath

This is what defines true slow fashion.

There are no shortcuts in this process. The time it takes is what allows the dye to become part of the fabric itself, rather than something temporary. As a result, our pieces will hold their colour and evolve.

Because we work with plant-based dyes and natural fibres, you may notice slight shifts in tone over time. This is a natural characteristic of such a old process, a soft change rather than a loss of colour. The integrity of the dye remains, held in place through the mordanting process.

Each piece carries this history of time, material, and method.

It’s slower, more intentional, and made to last.