You’ve probably heard of the terms “fast fashion” and “sustainable fashion” thrown around, but what do they really mean? In short, fast fashion is the overconsumption of clothing, and sustainable fashion is the conscious consumption of quality pieces. Sustainable fashion has recently become more popular as people are starting to make an effort to be more environmentally responsible. Sustainable fashion is also great because it aims for workers’ rights, which helps minimize exploitation in the workforce. There are some misconceptions about sustainable fashion out there, so here are six things you need to know about it.
1. Sustainable Fashion Is Not A Sacrifice
A lot of people think that sustainable fashion means having to give up on style and wear shapeless pieces made from scratchy materials. This is not the case! There are now many sustainable fashion brands that create beautiful, stylish pieces that can suit any personal taste. The thing is to buy from responsible retailers and get pieces that go well with your lifestyle. For example, looking at white party dresses for every occasion is a good choice if you like going to cocktail parties or more elegant places. The key thing is to get something that not only looks great but that can be dressed up or down with other accents and pieces in your wardrobe. Some people think that sustainable fashion is about sticking to just one or two pieces, but that’s not true either. While it does aim to make the most use out of every item, it’s not about dressing in the same look or outfit all the time. You should buy into pieces that can be mixed and matched with other items to suit your taste and any occasion.
2. Sustainable Fashion Is Not Elitist Or Expensive
Another common misconception about sustainable fashion is that if you go for this type of apparel, you’ll need to spend a fortune on it and only the rich can afford it. However, this is not the case – sometimes it can mean that a certain piece is a bit more expensive, but it also means it’ll last for a lot longer, which saves money in the long run. That means that when the holidays are around the corner, you don’t need to worry about buying a new dress if you don’t want to – the one you already have is still going to be in top shape and ready to make you shine at a holiday party or romantic dinner again. It’s also worth noting that shopping for sustainable fashion does not mean limiting yourself to obscure retailers. There are many online stores and brick-and-mortar shops where you can get high-quality pieces at reasonable prices. And since the trend is gaining momentum, there are a lot of big fashion brands you can reach online that are turning to sustainable clothing as well.
3. Which Materials To Focus On
Now, what is true is that what clothes are made out of is important. The fabrics used when manufacturing products do have an impact on the environment and workers’ conditions. That’s why when you’re in the process of buying a sustainable piece, take a look at its label. This is where you’ll find out what materials were used to make it – for example, leather from cows that are ethically farmed, recycled polyester, organic cotton, and more, all made for sustainable materials. Consider checking out brands that specifically use sustainable materials. For example, Fair Indigo only uses organic cotton with their clothing. It’s sustainable, but it’s also extremely high quality and comfortable as well. While it’s clear that the production of synthetic fabrics has an effect on the environment, it might not always be clear how it affects people. Fast fashion means that there are many more items being made since the fabrics used are cheap and don’t wear well. This can lead to dangerous and unhealthy working conditions for those making the clothes. So, when looking for sustainable fashion, try to go for natural materials as much as possible.
4. Sustainable Fashion And Unsubscribing
Since a lot of retail clothing companies send out newsletters to let you know about the latest trends, it can sometimes be too tempting to buy things you don’t need and won’t get much use out of. A good way to handle this might be to simply unsubscribe from these newsletters and avoid going into the stores unless you have a specific item(s) you’re looking for. This is a good way to make sure you’re only buying things that you really need, and it’ll be easier to stick to a sustainable fashion budget this way. You can also try downloading apps that help you track how much clothing you already have and what you wear most often. This can be really helpful in figuring out what you might need and don’t need when it comes to your wardrobe.
5. Repair Before Buying
The other thing to think about when buying sustainable fashion is whether you actually need a new piece or if the old one can be repaired. A lot of damaged clothes can be mended, and this is a much more sustainable option than buying something new and often made from synthetic materials. Apart from being budget-friendly, it’s also an opportunity to learn a new skill and maybe take up a new hobby. Sewing is something that can be learned quickly, and it doesn’t have to take long either – especially if you use online tutorials. If this sounds like an interesting thing to do or learn about, then definitely give it a chance! On the other hand, if that’s not something you’re interested in, going to a professional seamstress is still a more economic and eco-conscious option than buying new clothes if you don’t really need them.
6. Buying Vintage Is A Great Way To Be Sustainable
One way to ensure that you’re buying sustainable fashion is to look for vintage items. This means that the piece of clothing was made a long time ago and is no longer in production. Since you’re buying something vintage, it’s likely that the materials used to make it are natural and it’s unlikely to be made from synthetic fibers – the ones usually found in fast fashion items. Not only does this mean that there won’t be as much negative environmental impact due to the production of this garment, but it’s also a great way to create a style that’s really unique to you. A lot of celebrities have turned to vintage pieces to create that look.
So, if you’re looking for sustainable fashion options, consider those made from natural materials like cotton and leather as well as those that are either made by brands that are conscious about this as well or pieces that are vintage or in simple, classic styles. You can also check out online tutorials and guides on how to mend clothes before buying them new. And remember that if you’re not interested in learning how to sew, taking your clothes for repairs is still a better choice than just throwing them away or buying new clothes that’ll lead to more waste in the long run.
