Want to look good while saving the world? You’re in luck, because sustainable fashion is hotter than hot. That’s right, the cool kids are now the eco-kids, and it’s time to upgrade your closet with some good vibes and good karma.
The State of Fashion and the Planet
First, let’s talk about how we got here. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, right up there with big oil and big meat. According to the United Nations, if it were a country, fashion would rank as the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
But that’s not all. The process of growing cotton, harvesting it, spinning it into thread, weaving it into fabric, cutting and stitching it into clothes, and shipping those clothes around the world all require a ton of water and create a ton of waste. In fact, it’s estimated that the fashion industry uses about 93 billion cubic meters of water per year, enough to fill the Great Wall of China 54 times over.
And then there are the chemicals. To make all those synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, manufacturers use a lot of petroleum, and to turn those fabrics into clothes, they use a whole lot of toxic chemicals. According to the UN, the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter of freshwater globally, and it releases 70 million tons of waste annually. That’s a lot of wastewater, and a lot of waste, both of which can be incredibly harmful to the people and communities where factories are located.
So what’s a stylish, eco-conscious person to do? It’s simple: be part of the solution, not the problem.
Sustainable Fashion Trends and Innovations
Sustainable fashion isn’t about sacrificing style or quality. In fact, it’s the opposite. Sustainable fashion is about making smart choices that benefit the planet while also allowing you to look and feel your best.
These days, there are all sorts of cool, innovative materials out there. Take organic cotton, for example. It’s grown without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, so it’s better for farmers and the planet. Or recycled polyester, made from recycled plastic bottles. Or bamboo and hemp, which require less water and fewer chemicals to grow than most other fabrics.
There are also all sorts of fun, innovative textiles being developed these days, like pineapple leaf fiber (yes, really) and mushroom leather.
But you don’t always need to buy new clothes to be a part of the sustainable fashion movement. Upcycling old clothes is a great way to reduce waste. You can transform old T-shirts into cute tote bags, or cut up an old pair of jeans to make a cool skirt. You can also shop vintage and thrift stores, and try your hand at DIY clothing and accessory projects.
Sustainable Fashion Brands and Certifications
If you want to support brands that are doing good by the planet and the people who make their clothes, there are a lot of great ones out there. Patagonia, for example, has been a leader in sustainable fashion for decades, using recycled materials and supporting labor rights. Everlane is another great one, focusing on ethical labor practices and sustainable materials.
Stella McCartney is a fashion powerhouse who has built her brand on vegan, sustainable fashion. And Reformation is a favorite among fashion bloggers and It girls, using sustainable materials and manufacturing clothes locally to reduce their carbon footprint.
But how do you know if a brand is really being sustainable and ethical? Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which ensures that fabrics are made using organic cotton and other sustainable materials; Fair Trade, which ensures that workers are paid a fair wage and work in safe conditions; B Corp, which indicates that a company has been certified for meeting high standards of social and environmental performance; and Cradle to Cradle, which certifies that a product has been made using environmentally-friendly materials and can be recycled at the end of its life.
Practical Tips for Sustainable Fashion Choices
So you want to be a sustainable fashion icon? Here are some practical tips to help you on your journey:
Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Instead of buying a ton of clothes, invest in a few key pieces that you can wear over and over again. Look for timeless, versatile pieces that will work well in your wardrobe. (A good pair of jeans and a white shirt are always a good place to start.)
If you’re not sure where to begin, try building a capsule wardrobe, which consists of a few key pieces that you can mix and match to create different outfits. A capsule wardrobe is a great way to streamline your closet and make getting dressed in the morning easier. Plus, you’ll end up wearing the clothes you love and feel good in, rather than clothes that you only wear occasionally.
Take Care of Your Clothes
Another important part of sustainable fashion is taking care of the clothes you do have. Read the labels and wash your clothes according to the instructions. (Overwashing clothes is one of the biggest contributors to textile waste.)
If something rips or tears, try mending it yourself or taking it to a tailor. And consider hosting a clothing swap with your friends or selling your old clothes on a resale platform. Not only is this a great way to extend the life of your clothes, but it’s also a fun way to spend an afternoon with your pals.
Shop Sustainably
When shopping for new clothes, do your research. Look for brands that are transparent about their materials and manufacturing processes. And try to buy clothes that are made to last, rather than cheap clothes that you’ll only wear a few times.
Supporting local and independent designers is another great way to shop sustainably. Not only are you supporting a small business, but you’ll also likely be getting a unique, one-of-a-kind piece that not everyone else will have.
The Future of Sustainable Fashion
The future of sustainable fashion is looking very bright, thanks to some exciting technological advancements. Innovative recycling and upcycling methods are being developed to reduce waste and give old clothes new life. Blockchain traceability is helping to make the fashion supply chain more transparent, which will make it easier for consumers to know exactly where their clothes are coming from.
And then there’s 3D printing and on-demand manufacturing, which will allow us to make clothes without creating any waste at all. Say goodbye to overproduction and hello to a future where you can order a dress online and have it on your doorstep in a few hours.
But the future of sustainable fashion isn’t just about technology. It’s also about changing the way we think about clothes and the role they play in our lives. As more and more people start to care about sustainability, we’ll start to see more collaborative consumption models emerge. (Think: clothing rental platforms and subscription services.) And as social media influencers continue to use their platforms to promote sustainable fashion, we’ll all start to shop a little bit smarter and a little bit cooler.