sustainable fashion products
For shoppers concerned about their impact on the planet, sustainable fashion products are the key. These items are designed and produced using environmentally conscious materials and practices – everything from the raw material selection to how a garment is assembled, sourced, and marketed. In order to make a sustainable purchase, look for brands with a transparent supply chain that prioritizes human and animal rights. They may also use vegan fabrics, which are a great choice for those who want to avoid animal derived fibers and dyes.
Clothing made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and regenerated textiles such as Tencel are all popular options that reduce the environmental footprint of a piece. Additionally, avoid materials that require deforestation, excessive water usage or chemical treatments. These materials release microplastics into the water supply that pollute the environment and harm aquatic organisms.
While many retailers claim to be sustainable, it’s important to find out if a brand has any real integrity. It’s important to find a label that has a credible certification from an organization such as OKEO-TEX or Forest Stewardship Council and understand the impact of your purchase. Some labels even use veggie inks and other earth-friendly materials when creating traditional swing tags and garment branding options.
What are sustainable fashion products?
It’s also vital to support brands that employ fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers, especially in countries like China where many of the factories producing fast fashion products are located. This is the only way to ensure that the people who make our clothes are treated well, and that the garments they produce are ethical.
Lastly, it’s important to choose sustainable apparel that will last as long as possible and can be easily repaired or reused. This will help reduce the need to buy new clothes and slow the resource-intensive manufacturing process.
The sustainable fashion industry is still in its infancy, and changing a culture that’s become accustomed to fast trends and low prices can be challenging. However, by shopping for sustainable fashion, consumers can help shift the culture and encourage manufacturers to become more sustainable.
A sustainable wardrobe can be built by seeking out designers who use upcycled materials, such as Collina Strada, Chopova Lowena and Bode. Additionally, shopping for activewear made from recycled materials (such as Girlfriend Collective and Indigo Luna) or denim that is fair to the environment and the workers who create it (Outland Denim and Natasha Tonic) can have a huge positive effect on the planet.
Increasingly, more fashion companies are growing their own sustainable crops and using regenerative farming techniques to improve the quality of their fibers. This includes reducing chemicals, and allowing their soil to regenerate, instead of just being used as fertilizer. They are also embracing the circular economy and ensuring that their fabrics are reused or upcycled into other clothing or accessories. This includes donating their used fabric to charities, or finding ways for shoppers to recycle or upcycle their own clothes. Aside from being better for the environment, this also allows them to cut out the middlemen in their supply chain and save money.
