What is Sustainable Fashion and How Do You Get Started?
Sustainable fashion: a buzzword I’m sure you’ve seen before. Are we talking about wearing plants? Mmmm, kind of?
Wearing the same thing everyday? Not really…
Becoming biodegradable? Not *you*, but your clothes – maybe.
It’s like learning how to shop again, and with that, way more consciously. Dressing sustainably isn’t just about curating a wardrobe that is eco-friendly, but also about having everything that you need in your closet; so that last minute fast-fashion run before a night out for a cute top you’ll wear once, doesn’t happen again.
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Many of us view fashion as this never-ending stream of new outfits, and truthfully, the fashion industry thrives on consistently rolling out new clothes to follow along with new trends, which is not a very eco-friendly practice.
In a 2022 survey, 54% of U.S. fashion shoppers agreed that determining which fashion items are sustainable and environmentally friendly is CONFUSING.
And we were once part of that 54%, too.
Sustainable fashion, at its core, is about eco-loving threads. But, the fashion world is giving us a twist! What does "sustainable fashion" even mean when there are so many different tags indicating "plastic-free," "organic," or "recycled"?
Even more confusing: when one person's eco-hero (hello, recycled plastic!) is another person's eco-villain (because apparently recycled plastic isn’t good either?).
But we’re here to spill the tea: some stores might be playing a little fast and loose with that "sustainable" tag.
It's time to be fashionably informed. Because you, my friend, deserve to know that your new outfit is not just fab on you…but fab for our planet too. Let's dive into the world of sustainable fashion so that you can feel informed as you start your eco-style journey!
Why You Should Care About Sustainable Fashion
Fast Fashion vs Sustainable Fashion
We've all been there – running into the store for a cheap, quick, and easy fix from a fast fashion store, before a night out. Only to find that same top being thrown in the donation pile at your next closet clean out…because you wore it one time and never looked at it again.
When it comes to sustainable fashion, it's all about ethical choices, eco-conscious materials, and pieces that truly stand the test of time. It’s about the people behind the garment too – whether they’re being paid fair and livable wages, if their working conditions are good, and the designs are coming from a place of creativity, not just ripping off another brand’s ideas. It’s about making the conscious decision to invest in pieces that not only feel good, but also do good for everyone involved (the planet included!)
Fast Fashion HARMS the Environment.
Like we said – we've ALL been swept up by those trendy "wear it once" looks from the world of fast fashion. Admit it— that closet of yours has probably seen items that got just one night out on the town before being forgotten. But let’s think about the morning after…where do these pieces end up? On your bedroom floor, then swept into the bottom of your closet, then into that donation bin come closet cleanout day. And then, beyond that – sure donating feels better than just throwing it away, but most donated clothes end up in landfills anyway. It’s a sad reality, but it is the truth.
There's even more to the story. Fast fashion isn’t just crowding our wardrobes – it’s crowding the atmosphere with more Greenhouse gasses than your Monday morning traffic jam in downtown LA, and using more water than any other manufacturing industry. To put that into perspective: the production one cotton t-shirt uses 900 days of drinking water for the average person!
Mother Earth is giving us the side-eye, but it doesn't have to be this way! Sustainable fashion is here to sprinkle some green magic on your wardrobe.
By embracing eco-friendly materials and recycling, we're not just getting smarter with our style choices; we're giving back to our planet.
The FABRIC Act
Behind every garment, are talented artisans who cut, craft, sew, and finish each garment. Whether it’s high fashion or fast fashion – there are human hands behind your garments. Unfortunately, behind the glamor of the fashion world, many hardworking individuals are struggling in less-than-stellar conditions, often for monthly wages that won’t even buy them a cup of coffee from your local café.
Now, get this: In the US, there’s a new star on the block - the FABRIC Act. Think of it as a glow-up for the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1939. It’s all about promoting these feel-good, do-good principles even further. By rocking sustainable fashion, we’re not just turning heads; we're making a statement. A statement that says we care about our planet and the incredible souls who craft our show-stopping wardrobes. Time to wear our values on our sleeve – literally! These brands aren't just serving looks; they're all about heart. They're ensuring our fashion heroes get the wages they deserve, work in safe spaces, and have the job security they've earned.
Sustainable Fashion Helps The Economy and Communities.
Sustainable fashion is so much more than those eco-friendly labels. It's not just a trend, but a game-changer in turning the fashion industry's runway into a path for global change. From alternative-fabric luxury bags to organic, fair trade cotton holiday dresses, sustainable fashion is pumping fresh creativity into the economy. Conscious clothing does not have to be boring, beige, basics – maybe in 2005, sure, but we’ve come a long way. The Good Trade created this 90-brand-list of sustainable fashion brands for all styles + budgets!
Now, to the human side of things, sustainable fashion is way kinder to their workers. Fair wages? Check! Safe havens to work? Double check! Empowering the people being the brand is key to truly loving what you put on your body.
But, back to you – conscious clothing creation also means shopping transparency. No more guesswork about where your clothes come from, what materials you’re putting on your body, or why a garment costs as much as it does. When you shop, you know the story behind the garment, creating a connection between you and your closet.
What is Sustainable Clothing
If you want to start your journey into sustainable fashion, a significant step is making eco-friendly choices by going for environmentally conscious clothing.
Here are a few things to look out for when transitioning towards a more conscious closet:
Eco-Friendly Materials
ORGANIC COTTON
No pesky pesticides, faux fertilizers, or questionable GMOs in sight. Shopping tip? Look for labels like GOTS or OCS – these are a sure-fire sign you’re getting the real goods, and they're your ticket to genuine organic confidence.
ORGANIC HEMP
This green gem stores CO2 like a boss, gives pesticides the cold shoulder, and is Mother Earth's best friend by boosting soil quality – it feels good on your skin, and in the soil.
p.s. This fabric only gets softer with every wash – and perfect for loungewear.
PINATEX
Move over leather, Pinatex is stealing the spotlight! Traditional leather has its perks, but between us? It's got some drama with unsustainable cattle farming.
Fake leathers? Mostly plastic parties.
But Pinatex? It’s a new textile made from pineapple leaves that were destined for the bonfire. No more stress for our vegan leather loving babes – this one is for you.
TENCEL
Meet Tencel: the eco-royalty of fabrics! It’s a cozy blend of lyocell and modal fibers, and this fabric is pure magic. Think eucalyptus wood turned into fab textile through a spell that recycles chemicals. It's not just a pretty face; Tencel is all about comfort, stretch, and leaving no trace, because it biodegrades like a babe.
2. Ethical Production
Sustainability is more than just the fabric of our clothes; it's the heart behind them! Ethically produced clothing means that workers are properly paid, working condition standards are met, and the textiles and fabrics are fair trade friendly. So, the next time you spot a brand that's serving both the planet and workers, know you're not just shopping – you're supporting a brighter, fairer, more conscious world of fashion.
Circular Fashion
Sustainable fashion has 6 R’s – the first 3, you already know: reduce, reuse, and recycle, but fashion takes it a step further adding: refuse, rethink, and repair.
We invite you to use those 6 R’s as you step into the world of circular fashion! Brands in this circle are here to mend, recycle, and sprinkle life back into every piece. Think of brands that create super cool reworked vintage Levis – or thrifting those insane cowboy boots from your Pinterest board.
Even if you’re not choosing to shop new brands, we’re always here for a swap party between friends – refuse to shop new and host a sip and swap!
How to Get Started With Sustainable Fashion
Building a Sustainable Wardrobe
Creating a sustainable wardrobe begins with checking out what's already in your closet. Take a good look and ask yourself what you really wear and what's just gathering dust. When you decide to shop, make it intentional. Go for QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. Choose timeless, eco friendly dresses that are versatile for various occasions. Invest in pieces that can mix and match and last a long time. This change in thinking, from mindless shopping to conscious buying, is a big deal for the planet. It's all about putting together a wardrobe that's eco-friendly and matches your values.
Supporting Sustainable Brands
When it comes to being eco-friendly with your fashion choices, supporting sustainable affordable fashion and brands is an intentional way to go. Stay updated with sustainable fashion news, which can be a goldmine for discovering ethical brands that share your values. Look out for brands that spill the beans about how they make their clothes – that's a sign they're on the right track.
By shopping from brands whose practices are sustainable, you're not only empowering your wardrobe, but also giving the fashion industry a nudge towards a greener path.
Responsible Care and Disposal
Stepping into the world of sustainable fashion doesn't mean a full closet overhaul overnight. Think of it like a spa day for your wardrobe! Start by pampering those beloved pieces with a gentle, cool wash, and let them breathe – air drying is like their moment in the sun!
Now, when it's truly time for a garment goodbye, make it count! Host a swap party with friends, turn them into sought-after secondhand treasures, or donate them to add sparkle to someone else’s life.
Every step, every stitch, every swap is a chapter in your sustainable fashion journey. It all starts with how you love and care for your fashion finds.
Investing in Fabulous and Responsible Fashion Is Absolutely Worth It
Who says you can't strut your stuff guilt-free? You've got the power to make your fashion choices both stylish and sustainable, so why not use THAT POWER?
But hey, it's okay if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed and don't know where to start. We are here to guide you in this eco-fabulous fashion adventure!
Now remember, being socially responsible doesn't mean you have to trade your style for a burlap sack. Quite the opposite! It's about pairing your passion for fashion with your love for our planet.
So let’s go ahead, and sprinkle some magic on your wardrobe with ethically made, eco-friendly pieces.
After all, who says you can't save the planet while serving looks? Now that's what we call a true fashion revolution!
