embodiments herein include but are not limited to cellulosic fibers such as cotton fiber either as separate fibers or in the form of a continuous grouping of fibers or yarn linen viscose bamboo jute hemp flax and any other cellulosic fiber after pretreating the fiber it can be dyed or the fiber can be spun into yarn which could be dyed or the yarn could be knitted or woven into fabric which could be dyed or the fabric could be made into a finished product for example a garment which could be dyed the fiber may be pretreated in its free form or in the form of a continuous grouping of fibers in various embodiments the methods herein comprise contacting a fiber with a pretreatment solution before contacting the fiber with the dye the pretreatment solution can advantageously impact the fiber in a manner that enables it to exhibit superior properties when subsequently contacted with the dye such as for example an increased ability to retain the dyestuff such that a lower amount of dyeing solution is required to achieve a desired hue superior ability of the final fabric to retain the dye without fading over time and after multiple washings and lessened environmental impact water use or energy use the pretreatment solution comprises in certain embodiments a wetting agent an alkaline composition such as alkali hydroxide or alkali metal hydroxide e g sodium hydroxide caustic soda or potassium hydroxide potash caustic and a salt such as an ammonium salt for example a quaternary ammonium salt as well as any other alkali hydroxide including lithium hydroxide.