SUSTAINABLE FASHION
CLOTHING BRANDS
RESPONSIBLE, ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Maybe you’ve heard of the term sustainable fashion, but aren’t quite sure what it means. Although the concept has been around for hundreds of years, sustainable fashion has been trending recently and is part of the zero waste movement that is saving the environment.
Sustainable fashion can be broken down into 2 categories: new clothing items that are manufactured and distributed in a manner that leaves a minimal environmental impact and “pre-loved” or “second-hand” clothing.
The Evolution of Conscious Clothing Companies
In the late 80’s and 90’s, fast fashion was all the rage.
Companies could bulk manufacture clothing in other countries and sell them in large stores at inexpensive price points. Consumers ate this up knowing that they could afford to keep up with the current trends, at cheap prices, and throw away last season’s clothes. The concept of disposable clothing became a thing and unfortunately, people didn’t realize the environmental impact this was causing at the time. Countless tons of fast fashion ended up in landfills.
As buyers started becoming more environmentally aware of the impact of disposable clothing, many fashion companies recognized this and got on board.
The fashion industry understood they could market sustainably made clothing to this emerging, woke demographic.
More Than Just Marketing- Transparency
Ethically sourced materials include those that are sustainable, natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Fabrics can be made out of organic or recycled cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and cork. Some semi-synthetic fabrics include lyocell, modal, pinatex, apple leather, and more. And let’s not forget about the animals! Wool can be ethically made from sheep, alpaca, and yak.
Natural fibers are best because they are biodegradable and if they are not treated with harmful chemicals, can compost back into the earth without harm. Fabrics made with recycled fibers such as nylon, polyester, and cotton, as well as those made with repurposed or deadstock fabric
Another thing to be aware of is how far the materials are grown from where they are manufactured. Companies that use local farms close to their factories are doing it right by cutting down on carbon emissions for transportation.
FABRICS AND MATERIAL SOURCING
Fabrics can be made out of recycled or organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and cork. Some semi-synthetic fabrics include lyocell, modal, pinatex, apple leather, and more. And let’s not forget about the animals! Wool can be ethically made from sheep, alpaca, and yak.
Natural fibers are best because they are biodegradable and if they are not treated with harmful chemicals, can compost back into the earth without harm. Fabrics made with recycled fibers such as nylon, polyester, and cotton, as well as those made with repurposed or deadstock fabric
Another thing to be aware of is how far the materials are grown from where they are manufactured. Companies that use local farms close to their factories are doing it right by cutting down on carbon emissions for transportation.
CLOTHING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
The manufacturing process of new clothing should make efforts to limit water consumption, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Toxic chemicals need to be monitored and disposed of properly so they don’t find their way into rivers and soil. Many fashion companies, with the right focus on sustainability, now use biodegradable dyes and engineer patterns that create zero waste.
Also, several clothing brands have committed to using renewable energy such as wind and solar power to run their offices and factories.
There are several organizations that certify clothing companies as Fairtrade, which means sustainable practices have been used throughout clothing production. You can find these on their websites and oftentimes on the clothing tags themselves.
PACKAGING AND SHIPPING METHODS
You already know plastic is a big no-no. Fast fashion loves plastic for shipping. Sustainable fashion companies use packaging that is recycled and compostable, as well as alternative methods of shipping to reduce their carbon footprint.
ETHICAL FASHION PRACTICES
Sustainable clothing brands are the ones who give back to the community and treat their workers fairly at every level of production. They value employees’ rights and social welfare. Many give back a percentage of their earnings to charitable causes and environmental organizations.
Pre-Loved Fashion
Not everyone is comfortable and confident in chosing pre-loved clothing even though secondhand does not mean second class. In fact, it means you are a conscious, woke consumer who cares about the environment and is protecting mother earth for your grandchildren.
If you are still on the fence about buying pre-loved clothing, be sure if you are buying new, you are supporting legitimate sustainable fashion companies.
Didy you know that you can also find many brand new with tags clothes on platforms such as Poshmark and Ebay? We often have many of those in our selection at OceanStyle (and if you head on Poshmark for the first time be sure to use our code OCEANSTYLE16 to earn $10 off your first purchase!)
The Fashion Industry is estimated to be the cause of four to 10 percent of annual greenhouse-gas emissions every year, so ditch fast fashion, fast!
ETHICAL FASHION - FINAL THOUGHTS
If you have been one that has contributed to fast fashion in the past, don’t beat yourself up over it. Many of us have been there and fallen into the temptation to buy poorly made but super cute clothes at cheap prices. What’s important is educating your selves and others now and moving forward to be part of the solution.
If you have an uber-full closet, consider donating the clothes you no longer use to charities or thrift stores along with any other items that you might have thrown away in the past. There are plenty of people who would be grateful for your preloved clothes.
You can also try to sell your unwanted clothes on platforms like Poshmark or eBay, it is easier than you think!
Be mindful when purchasing new clothes. Do research on the brands and check labels for material content. Higher quality clothing may be more expensive, but it is also more durable and can last for years.
And try to buy less. You can create a new wardrobe by creatively mixing and matching a few basic items and adding accessories like jewelry and scarves.
Another fun idea is to have a clothing swap with your friends. Maybe you’ve always pined over your best friend’s velvet jacket and she’s been eying your sequin skirt? Technically, you’re still getting second-hand clothing, but you know where they are coming from.
Finally, take good care of your clothes. Wash in cold water when possible and air dry. If you find a hole or a missing button, there are plenty of local seamstresses that can make repairs for you. You’ll feel good knowing you’re part of the solution and your grandkids will thank you for it someday!