Next…T-Shirts Made From Milk?

Wednesday 19th of October 2011 11:44:27 PM

Next…T-Shirts Made From Milk?

What will the fashion world think of next? T-shirts made from milk? Maybe! A young German fashion designer who is a mere 28 years old, has developed a brand new fabric she named QMilch. The fabric made by Anke Domaske feels like silk, flows like silk and looks like silk, but it’s not silk. It’s fabric made from milk protein casein. Don’t think you can put your dress in the fridge though and it will turn into something edible!

The truth is that milk fabric was first produced in the 1930s, but the original fabric required the use of many chemicals. In today’s eco-friendly world, using so many chemicals is unacceptable. Along came Domaske who has developed a way to produce milk fabric without the use of chemicals. Her fabric is made almost entirely of casein that is heated and then spun into yarn. It is washable, can be blended with other fibers, and won’t decompose due to the heating process which binds molecules.

Right now the milk fabric is used primarily in higher end fashions. But are t-shirts or polo shirts made from milk on the horizon? It takes 6 liters of milk to make one dress. The good news is that your dress won’t expire like the milk in your fridge. The fiber has antibacterial qualities that Domaske says provide health benefits, though that remains to be scientifically proven. However, this new breakthrough chemical-free fabric represents fashion designer efforts to produce quality fabrics that are environmentally sound. For that reason alone, Domaske deserves recognition. Eventually, it is thought that the milk fiber can be used in other products including makeup, medicine and upholstery.

Domaske’s fabric represents is state-of-the-art technology. She designs flowing dresses that takes advantage of the fabric’s silky qualities. Don’t be surprised though, if one day you reach for your t-shirt and discover it is related to the milk in your fridge. It’s just a sign of the times.