The fashion industry has been around for centuries, but recently it has begun to evolve in incredible ways. Now, the age-old art of fashion is taking a cue from sustainable living. Sustainable fashion is quickly becoming a regular concept in the fashion industry, as more and more designers incorporate sustainable methods and materials into their work. This emerging movement is encouraging a shift in attitude towards conscious consumption and mindful decisions, as well as a shift towards longer-lasting and more sustainable materials. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a fashion professional, or just someone who loves to look good, it’s worth taking a closer look at the movement of sustainable fashion and how it’s changing the fashion industry.
1. What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion is a contemporary term used to describe a shift towards the manufacture of clothes, accessories, and other fashion items with an emphasis on environmental and social sustainability. It’s about making ethical choices when it comes to fashion. The goal is to lower the industry’s environmental and social impact and create pieces that are timeless and of good quality, both in craftsmanship and material.
What to Look for in Sustainable Fashion?
- A focus on using materials harvested or sourced responsibly, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, recycled materials, and natural or sustainably-cultivated fabrics
- A commitment to using processes and practices that minimize environmental impact, such as natural dyes and dyeing processes, as well as digital and natural printing methods
- Higher wages and better working conditions for those involved in garment production
Sustainable fashion may also include upcycling old clothes, extending the life of garments, and using renewable and recyclable materials for production. Thanks to the variety of choices available, it’s now possible to consume fashion in an ethical and responsible way with minimal environmental cost. There are no strict rules to sustainable fashion, but simply making the conscious decision to shop for fashion without causing harm to the environment can go a long way.
2. Benefits of Sustainable Clothing
The benefits of sustainable fashion are numerous and far reaching. Among them are:
- Environmental Protection – Many traditional fashion materials such as cotton are grown with large amounts of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and use large amounts of resources to process. Sustainable fashion materials, on the other hand, are often derived from eco-friendly processes and use less resources. This helps protect environment from unnecessary pollution and exploitation of resources.
- Cost Savings – Investing in sustainable fashion choices can actually save you money in the long run, by saving you from having to purchase new items more often. Sustainable clothes tend to last longer, and often require less energy for maintenance.
Moreover, sustainable fashion helps promote ethical working standards. Companies who make sustainable fashion use eco-friendly sourcing, production, and distribution methods which often include wage standards and working environment standards for their employees, making sure they receive appropriate wages and work in safe, healthy environments. This helps working populations remain healthy and productive, while producing quality clothing.
Finally, sustainable fashion is inherently socially responsible. Many sustainable fashion companies donate a portion of their proceeds to eco-friendly and humanitarian charities, have recycled or upcycled clothing, and work with sustainable materials to make their clothing. This helps ensure that their production processes and materials are as environmentally friendly as possible, while giving back to the society.
3. Challenges and Opportunities in the Sustainable Fashion Movement
The emergence of sustainable fashion over the past few decades has been a driving force in raising awareness of the importance of sustainable consumption and production. With that being said, there are still some challenges and opportunities that come with promoting sustainable fashion.
- Challenge: Changing perceptions – Many people are still unaware of the consequences of fast and unsustainable fashion, or are resistant to changing their habits, making it harder to reach them and educate them about the need for sustainable fashion.
- Challenge: Cost barrier – Due to the increased cost of materials and production processes, sustainable fashion has been seen as unattainable for many. This has led to an elitist perception of sustainable fashion as being unaffordable to those of a lower economic status.
- Opportunity: Technology and innovation – Technology and innovation have quickly becoming a powerful tool in promoting sustainable fashion. From 3D printing to recycled fabrics, there are numerous ways in which technological advances can support the sustainable fashion industry in making better and more efficient processes.
- Opportunity: Public awareness – As more people become aware of the importance of sustainable fashion, more brands have taken the initiative to create more environmentally friendly clothing, leading to a rapid increase in public awareness and demand for sustainable fashion products.
With these challenges and opportunities in mind, the potential for the sustainable fashion movement to continue to grow is evident. It is up to us to take the necessary steps to ensure that sustainable fashion continues to thrive.
4. Shopping Ethically: Tips on Supporting Sustainable Fashion
Do Your Research
The first tip on supporting sustainable fashion is to do your research. It is often difficult to know where clothes come from and how they are made. You must look into what materials and processes are used in making a garment, and if it has been done ethically or sustainably. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any certifications or labels a company may have to make sure a product has been made with sustainability standards in mind.
Shop Secondhand
Another great way to reduce your impact on the environment is to shop secondhand. Whether you’re headed to your local thrift store or taking advantage of online shops like TheRealReal, there are plenty of ways to find quality clothing that hasn’t been manufactured recently. Shopping secondhand is also a great way to support the circular economy and ensure that clothing is reused, rather than going to waste.
Support Certified Brands
When buying new clothing, look for companies that have committed to sustainable standards. Look for certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the International Working Group on Production, Quality and Social Responsibility (IWG PQSR), and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). These certifications indicate that a brand is taking their environmental and social responsibilities seriously.
Choose Quality
Last but not least, you should always prioritize quality when shopping for clothing. Quality pieces are more likely to last longer, reducing the need to manufacture more clothes and thus creating less waste. Invest in timeless and classic pieces that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.
5. Embrace the Sustainable Trend: How to Make Sustainable Fashion Your Everyday Style
In a world that increasingly encourages eco-friendly habits, sustainable fashion has become trendier than ever. Wishing to make a positive impact on the environment and show support to communities of artisans, conscientious buyers are choosing sustainability over quantity. Here are five tips for you to make sustainable fashion part of your everyday wardrobe.
- Research Brands and Their Practices:
Before you invest in a particular brand, research the company and make sure their practices are ethically and environmentally sustainable. Checking their website for information on materials, suppliers and production methods should be the first step to determine their position in the sustainable fashion discourse.
- Shop Locally and Invest in Quality Pieces:
Search for sustainable fashion brands in your area. Shopping from local businesses shows commitment to the community while promoting the small business sector. Additionally, once you choose your piece, make sure you invest in quality — as this type of fashion should last you for more than one season if properly taken care of.
- Support Slow Fashion:
Not only is fast-fashion bad for the existing environment due to its emphasis on trend cycles, but it’s also been known to exploit its workers. To avoid buying into these practices, support slow fashion brands who take into account the entire fashion cycle, from production to wearing and disposing of clothes.
- Choose Vintage Clothing:
One of the greatest and most sustainable ways of finding fashionable clothing is to search vintage shops. That dress doesn’t need to be mass produced for you to look stunning — let the fashionistas of a past era take care of that one for you.
The need for sustainable fashion is real and it will complicate the work of the fashion industry. This means that it is essential to stay on top of the developments in the sector and create guidelines, policies, and products that are made with mindful materials. Sustainability will always remain a hot topic in the world of fashion, and it is up to all of us to ensure that future generations are still able to benefit from the beauty and fashion the industry has to offer in the most sustainable way.
