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Pineapple CAN BE USED TO MAKE CLOTHES

Being primarily known for tropical drinks and dishes or for decoration purposes, the pineapple has a history as a supplier for fibers used in the textile industry.

Depending on the cultivar, pineapple leaves are perfectly suited for the production of textile fibers

Pineapple fiber used in the textile industry, commonly referred to as piña fiber, is extracted from the long leaves of specific pineapple cultivars, such as the ‘Red Spanish’ variety. The extraction process involves the labor-intensive task of stripping and cleaning the leaves, typically done by hand with precision and skill.

Known for its fine texture and lightweight nature, piña fibers are favored for creating delicate and breathable fabrics. These fibers exhibit a natural sheen, contributing to the lustrous appearance of textiles crafted from piña. Traditional weaving techniques are employed to weave these fibers into fabrics, with nipis fabric being a common product. Nipis fabric is characterized by its lace-like quality and often adorned with intricate floral embroidery known as calado and sombrado.

The process of making piña requires experienced craftsmanship and attention to detail.

To obtain piña, the process begins by cutting a leaf from the pineapple plant. Subsequently, the fiber is meticulously pulled or split away from the leaf. Typically, leaf fibers are lengthy and possess a degree of stiffness. Every individual strand of piña fiber undergoes hand scraping and is meticulously knotted one by one, creating a continuous filament. This filament is then handwoven and transformed into piña cloth.

Culturally and historically significant, piña fabrics, particularly in the Philippines, gained popularity during the Spanish colonial period. They were considered a luxury export, finding favor among European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Piña fibers have been traditionally used in creating various garments, including the barong tagalog (formal men’s shirt), baro’t saya (traditional Filipino women’s attire), and traje de mestiza (Filipino-Spanish mestiza dress). Women’s accessories such as kerchiefs (pañuelo) have also been crafted using piña fibers.

In addition to its cultural significance, piña fibers are recognized for their environmental sustainability. The natural origin of these fibers and the use of traditional, manual extraction methods align with eco-friendly practices. Although the piña fiber industry faced challenges during the Second World War, it is experiencing a gradual revival in response to the growing interest in sustainable and traditional textiles. The unique characteristics of pineapple fiber continue to contribute to the production of exquisite textiles that blend tradition with modern sustainability.