Despite claims otherwise, soy fabric is far from new. Henry Ford was photographed wearing the first soy suit, but then the fibre disappeared for a while until recent advancements in China.

Environmentally-friendly and sustainable, soy fibre is made from the byproduct of soybean oil and tofu production, and then cut and processed like any other spinning fiber. Soy fibre is also on the environmental cutting-edge since it doesn't require the pesticides and herbicides required by conventional crop production.

This high-end fabric, pushed as a "vegetable cashmere," truly feels as soft as they claim. With a buttery finish, soy fabrics have a unique luster, drape, smoothness and comfort, yet are surprisingly washable and durable. The fibre is said to be naturally anti-bacterial and offers protection from UV rays, but these claims still remain not entirely substantiated. Without a doubt, soy does provide ultra-soft, breathable comfort with ideal absorption properties.

Luxurious and practical? We like the sound of that.