"I never really planned to be an inventor, but my attitude toward life has always been inventive."  –Sally Fox

In the modern world, there is an unfortunate tendency to value profit over intellect. People may know a practice is harmful, but continue to do it anyway because it produces an in-demand product. Fortunately, there are inventors who work persistently to develop more responsible solutions. Sally Fox is one such individual.

Prior to Fox's invention of Foxfibre cotton, naturally colored cotton could only be spun by hand – which was such a long and laborious process that businesses instead chose to take white cotton, bleach it, dye it and spin it on a machine. This produced the colored fabrics people wanted, but also created a lot of pollution through the bleaching and dying processes. Sadly, there weren't really any viable alternatives available – that is, until Sally Fox came along in the late 1980s and revolutionized the industry.

While working as a pollinator for a cotton breeder looking to develop more pest-resistant plants, Fox began breeding brown and green cotton, picking out the best seeds that produced the longest fibers and replanting them year after year. Eventually, she created two colored cottons that could be spun on a machine, and she purchased a small lot of land to grow them. Sally even received Plant Variety Protection Certificates (the plant equivalent of patents) for the new cottons.

By the early 90s, Sally Fox had a $10-million-dollar business that produced naturally colored cotton for major companies like Levi's, Espirit, Land's End and L.L. Bean. It was the best of both worlds – a more environmentally friendly product that was also turning a profit. After globalization forced most of the spinning mills to South America and Southeast Asia, Fox's business took a hit, but she continues to make new naturally colored cottons to this day. Each new color takes about 10 years to produce – but, for Sally Fox, the patience is worth the payoff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sally Fox

Who is Sally Fox?

Sally Fox was an American inventor and textile innovator best known for developing high-quality naturally colored cotton. Her work helped bring attention to sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly fashion materials.

What did Sally Fox invent?

Sally Fox created a way to grow cotton in a range of natural colors without relying on dyes. This involved selective breeding of cotton plants to produce fibers in colors such as brown, green, and beige.

Why is naturally colored cotton significant?

Naturally colored cotton reduces or eliminates the need for synthetic dyes, which can be harmful to the environment. This makes it an important innovation in sustainable textiles and environmentally conscious clothing production.

How did Sally Fox come up with her idea?

Sally Fox developed her ideas while working in agriculture and textile research. She saw an opportunity to improve sustainability in fabric production by encouraging the use of cotton that is naturally colored at the source.

Did Sally Fox patent her discoveries?

Yes. Sally Fox received patents for her work in developing naturally colored cotton and the processes associated with cultivating and processing these fibers.

What impact did Sally Fox’s work have on the fashion industry?

Her work helped inspire designers and clothing manufacturers to explore sustainable alternatives to dyed fabrics. Naturally colored cotton opened the door for eco-friendly garments that require less water, fewer chemicals, and lower energy during production.

Where did Sally Fox work or study?

Sally Fox gained experience through work in agriculture and textile research. She applied her knowledge of plant breeding and fiber processing to develop cotton varieties with stable natural colors and commercially useful traits.

What challenges did Sally Fox face in her work?

Sally Fox worked in an era when sustainability in textiles was not widely recognized or prioritized. She had to show that naturally colored cotton could meet performance standards while also appealing to designers and manufacturers.

How can people learn more about Sally Fox’s inventions?

You can explore her patents, textile histories, sustainable fashion resources, and fiber science publications to learn more about how naturally colored cotton was developed and used.

Are garments made from naturally colored cotton still available?

Yes. Clothing and textiles made from naturally colored cotton continue to be produced, particularly in sustainable fashion lines that focus on reducing environmental impact.