More and more people are interested in buying clothes that are made ethically and environmentally friendly. But what does sustainable fashion mean, exactly? And why should you care? In this blog post, we will discuss the definition of sustainable fashion and some of the benefits of wearing sustainable clothing. We will also provide tips for shopping for eco-friendly clothes.
In this blog post will learn:
What Is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion refers to clothing and accessories made in an environmentally friendly way. Sustainable fashion encompasses everything from the materials used to make the clothing to how the finished products are shipped and sold. Sustainable fashion aims to reduce environmental impact while also promoting social responsibility.
There Are Several Key Principles of Sustainable Fashion:
1# Minimizing waste
Sustainable fashion strives to create less waste. This process can be done by using sustainable materials that can be reused or recycled, designing clothes with fewer seams, and using less fabric.
2# Using Natural Fibers
Using natural fibers is a key principle of sustainable fashion. Earth-friendly fibers like hemp, wool, silk, pinatex and organic cotton are just some of the fibers used to make more sustainable fashion items. It’s also important that fibers are grown without pesticides or other harmful chemicals to lessen the impact on the planet.
3# Eliminating Toxic Dyes
Conventional dyes can be harmful to humans and the environment because they contain toxic chemicals. Sustainable fashion uses natural dyes whenever possible, which are less harmful and more environmentally friendly.
4# Promoting Local Production
Sustainable fashion seeks to promote local products whenever possible. This process also helps to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and reduces the need for factories overseas.
5# Reducing Energy Consumption
Sustainable fashion seeks to use less energy in the manufacturing process. This process can be done by using solar power or wind turbines and designing clothes that require less heating and cooling.
6# Good Working Conditions for Garment workers
Sustainable fashion seeks to ensure good working conditions for garment workers. It includes safe and healthy work environments, fair pay, and the right to unionize.
Why Should You Care About Sustainable Fashion
There are several reasons why it is essential to care about sustainable fashion. Here are just a few:
1# Sustainable Fashion Is Good for the environment
Sustainable clothing is made with fewer harmful chemicals and less waste. It also uses renewable resources, which reduces our reliance on non-renewable materials.
2# Sustainable Fashion Supports Social Responsibility
Sustainable fashion companies often donate a portion of their profits to charity or promote fair labor practices.
3# Sustainable Fashion Is Becoming More Affordable
Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, many sustainable brands now offer quality sustainable clothing at competitive prices without compromising on sustainability or their ethical practices.
4# Sustainable Fashion Is Stylish
The sustainable fashion industry has made significant progress in recent years in terms of style. As a result, there are now many stylish, sustainable brands that offer high-quality clothing and accessories.
How to Shop for Sustainable Fashion
When Shopping for Sustainable Fashion, You Can Do Several Things:
1# Look for Clothes Made from Natural Fibers
Cotton, wool, silk, and other natural fibers are often grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals. They also decompose more quickly than synthetic fibers.
2# Look for Clothes That Are Made Locally
Sustainable fashion seeks to promote local products whenever possible. In addition, it reduces the environmental impacts of shipping and eliminates the need to build factories abroad.
3# Look for Clothes That Are Designed with Sustainability in Mind
Sustainable fashion designers often use sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs.
4# Shop at Eco-Friendly Stores
Many eco-friendly stores sell sustainable fashion. These stores often carry a wide range of clothes and accessories made from sustainable materials.
5# Buy Used Clothes
The most environmentally-friendly way of reducing the impact of your wardrobe is to buy used clothes. You can find used clothes at thrift stores, online markets, and even your local community swap.
6# Choose Sustainable Fashion Brands
There are many great Sustainable fashion brands to choose from. Here is a list of over 400 sustainable brands we have personally vetted for you. All of the brands in our sustainable list are trying hard to become as sustainable as possible.
7# Buy from Online Thrift Stores
When you purchase pre-loved clothes from thrift stores, you are no longer reliant on buying clothes from fast fashion brands, and you help prevent second-hand clothes from ending up as waste in landfills. There are also tons of online thrift stores you can purchase pre-loved clothes from the comfort of your own home.
8# Upcycle Your Old Clothes
There are many ways to upcycle your old clothes. For example, you can turn them into new garments, bags, or accessories or revamped versions of the same piece of clothing. Upcycling your clothes is a sustainable practice. If you want to know more about it, check out our upcycling fashion articles.
What Is the Opposite of Sustainable Fashion?
Fast fashion is the opposite of sustainable fashion. Fast fashion brands often use unethical labor practices and harmful chemicals in their manufacturing process. Additionally, they generate a lot of waste, causing environmental damage. Therefore, you should avoid these brands whenever possible.
If you don’t know which fashion brands are fast fashion, read our report on the top 129 fast fashion brands to avoid.
Incorporating Sustainable Fashion into Your Wardrobe
Here are a few tips for incorporating sustainable fashion into your wardrobe:
1# Start Small.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to go sustainable. Instead, start by replacing a few pieces of clothing with sustainable alternatives.
2# Think Before You Buy.
If you plan on buying new clothes, decide whether you need them or not. Are there other ways you could reuse or recycle the clothes you already have?
3# Invest in Quality Clothes.
Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be cheap, but it does tend to last longer. So invest in quality clothes that will last for years.
4# Choose Natural Dyes.
Sustainable fashion often uses natural dyes, which are less harmful and more environmentally friendly.
5# Wear Clothes Made from Sustainable Materials.
Many sustainable materials are available, such as bamboo, cotton, wool, and hemp.
6# Donate Clothes You No Longer Wear.
Do not throw your clothes away if they are still in good shape. Donate them to a charity or local swap shop instead.
7# Build a Capsule Wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe consists of a small collection of clothes you often wear. These are typically high-quality, sustainable pieces that will last for a long time. If you’re searching for ways to minimize how many clothes you store in your wardrobe to be more sustainable, take a look at this guide on building a capsule wardrobe.
Conclusion
Every year, sustainable fashion becomes more popular. You can easily incorporate sustainable fashion into your everyday wardrobe by following these tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sustainable Fashion Expensive?
Sustainable fashion is more expensive upfront cost than fast fashion. But sustainable fashion items are usually much more durable and have a much longer lifespan than fast fashion items. So over the lifetime of sustainable fashion garments, they can become very affordable.
Is Sustainable Fashion Elitist?
No, sustainable fashion is for everyone. There are many affordable, sustainable fashion brands available.
What Is the Difference Between Sustainable and Ethical Fashion?
Sustainable fashion refers to using environmentally friendly materials in the manufacturing process. Ethical fashion refers to the treatment of workers throughout the supply chain, from harvesting the raw materials to shipping the finished products. Therefore, sustainable fashion can be viewed as a subgroup of ethical fashion.