The term ‘sustainable fashion’ is starting to become more common, but it is not widely understood. Many people still believe that the principles behind sustainability are incompatible with an interest in fashion.
That is not the case at all though. It might have been in the past, when designers and clothes manufacturers were not really conscious of the environmental impact of the fabrics they used, but no longer.
They are increasingly aware of this and are creating stylish and trend-setting clothes that meet the requirements of sustainability. There is nothing to stop you from buying clothes you like while also supporting the environmental cause now.
How to Shop for Fashion Sustainably
The Fabric is the Key
At the heart of sustainable fashion is the fabrics that are used to create clothes. Many of those traditionally used by the industry – particularly synthetic fibers and cotton – have damaging effects. They contribute to crop contamination, water pollution and deforestation among other things.
Companies that are committed to sustainable fashion are producing cutting-edge clothes using recycled or green-friendly fabrics, packaging and manufacturing processes. These include bamboo and cashmere as well as biomaterials like pineapple skin and rose petal silk. When shopping for fashion, look for indicators that the fabrics and manufacturing are sustainable.
Second Hand Plan
One of the best ways in which you can shop for fashion sustainably is by buying items second hand. Doing so will reduce the amount of clothes that need to be manufactured and packaged, cutting back on the impact of those processes.
Many charity shops have high quality pieces that have only been worn once or twice before being discarded.
Buy New for the Long Term
Not everything you want will be available second hand, so how should you apply sustainable principles to buying new clothes? Prioritize stylish items that last for a long time, for example black denim jeans. That will reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing replacements.
Sustainability is about the fabrics used but also about the durability of the clothes that are produced.
Shop Around
You do not always have to buy the latest must-have clothes from the big standard retailers. There are stores that specialize in sustainable fashion, where everything is made and delivered in the right way.
Picking places like that will save you having to research the manufacturing, packaging and delivery processes of the company before buying from them.
Recycle Old Pieces
Most women get to the point where they have no space left for clothes in their wardrobes, but instead of throwing out pieces you no longer wear, you can recycle them. It is estimated that 95% of textiles put out as rubbish each year are able to be recycled.
Donating old pieces of fashion to charity shops or recycling centers instead of just throwing them away is the truly sustainable option to pick.
The Benefits of Sustainable Fashion
The Environment
The most important benefit of sustainable fashion is that it will reduce the damage done to the earth. If you care about future generations, the value of that is something that cannot be overestimated.
The Financial
We are living in a period when the cost of everyday life is rising all the time. Many of the ideas behind shopping sustainably are ones that can save you quite a lot of money.
Buying items of clothes that you like from second hand shops, or applying your skills to creating fashionable new hybrids from pieces you already own, will cost a lot less than buying new clothes all the time.
The Quality
Clothes made sustainably tend to be of higher quality, so they last longer. The fabrics used – for example silk – are also smooth and luxurious to the touch, so they are comfortable to wear as well as stylish.
Everyone wins with sustainable fashion, from the manufacturers to the customer and the environment.
