The term “sustainable fashion” is starting to become more popular, but it is not widely understood. Many people still believe that the principles underlying sustainability are incompatible with fashion.
This is not the case at all though. It may have been the case in the past, when designers and clothing manufacturers weren't really conscious of the environmental impact of the fabrics they used, but that's no longer the case.
They are increasingly aware of this and are creating stylish, fashion-forward clothing that meets sustainability requirements. There's nothing stopping you from buying the clothes you love while supporting the environmental cause now.
How to shop for fashion sustainably
Fabric is key
At the heart of sustainable fashion are the fabrics used to make the clothing. Many of those traditionally used by industry – especially synthetic fibers and cotton – have harmful effects. They contribute to crop contamination, water pollution, and deforestation among other things.
Companies committed to sustainable fashion produce cutting-edge clothing using recycled or eco-friendly fabrics, packaging and manufacturing processes. These materials include bamboo and cashmere as well as biomaterials such as pineapple leather and rose petal silk. When shopping for fashion, look for indicators that fabrics and manufacturing are sustainable.
Second hand plan
One of the best ways you can shop for fashion sustainably is to buy used. Doing so will reduce the amount of clothing that must be manufactured and packed, reducing the impact of those operations.
Many charity shops have quality pieces that have only been worn once or twice before being thrown away.
New long term purchase
Not everything you want will be available at retail, so how should you apply sustainability principles when purchasing new clothes? Prioritize stylish items that will last a long time, for example black jeans. This would reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing alternatives.
Sustainability is about the fabrics used, but it is also about the durability of the clothes that are produced.
Shop around
You don't always have to buy the latest must-have clothing from major retailers. There are stores that specialize in sustainable fashion, where everything is manufactured and delivered the right way.
Choosing places like this will save you from having to research a company's manufacturing, packaging and delivery processes before purchasing from them.
Recycle old pieces
Most women reach a point where they don't have space for clothes in their closets, but instead of throwing away pieces they no longer wear, you can recycle them. It is estimated that 95% of textiles disposed of each year can be recycled.
Donating old fashion items to charity shops or recycling centers instead of just throwing them away is the truly sustainable option to choose.
Benefits of sustainable fashion
the environment
The most important benefit of sustainable fashion is that it will reduce damage to the earth. If you care about future generations, the value of this is something that cannot be overstated.
Finance
We live in a period where the cost of daily life is rising all the time. Many of the ideas behind sustainable shopping are ones that can save you a lot of money.
Buying pieces of clothing you like from thrift stores, or applying your skills to creating new hybrid outfits from pieces you already own, will cost much less than buying new clothes all the time.
the quality
Sustainably made clothes tend to be of higher quality, so they last longer. The fabrics used – for example silk – are also soft and luxurious to the touch, so they are comfortable to wear and elegant as well.
Everyone wins with sustainable fashion, from manufacturers to customers and the environment.
