Five Steps to Buying Sustainable Fashion
The term ‘sustainability’ has gained traction in the fashion industry in recent years as we become more aware of the serious environmental impact of clothes. A number of leading fashion brands are making a conscious effort to focus on how to produce ethical apparel. However, it is important to remember that after all we’re the ones investing in the clothes that will shape not only our wardrobes but also the environmental landscape in coming years. In this blog, we have outlined five things to consider when purchasing new pieces of clothing to ensure that they are environmentally friendly.
- Material
There is currently an on-going debate about which fabrics are genuinely sustainable, and whether natural is necessarily better than synthetic. When looking to purchase clothes made from natural fibres, then recycled cotton, organic hemp and organic linen are all great options to consider. Recycled cotton is produced using post-industrial and post-consumer cotton waste and is considered to be a more sustainable material than organic cotton. Organic hemp and organic linen are also both excellent options which require minimal water and no added pesticides in the farming process. Clothes made from organic hemp can be tough but tend to soften with every wash, making it durable and a great sustainable option to add to your wardrobe. Whilst clothes made with synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are cheap and extremely versatile they can cause water pollution as microplastics can end up in oceans when we wash them. A 2016 research study found that during a typical clothing wash, roughly 700,000 synthetic fibres come off our clothing. So, when choosing your next new jumper, cropped tee or pair of jeans, it is great to consider the sustainability factor of the materials they are made from and the impact they may have on our environment through the production process and whilst you own them.
- Consider the source
While it may be tempting to resort to fast-fashion outlets, it is vital to consider the industry’s harmful effects on our planet. Fast-fashion describes mass-produced clothing which is easily accessible by the public due to cheap pricing of products. Since these clothes are inexpensive, it is easier for us to part with them and throw them out when they are no longer fashionable or become damaged, leading to £140 million worth of clothing going into landfill each. Fast-fashion also heavily contributes to the entire industry’s CO2 emissions, which currently sits at 10% and is expected to rise to 25% by 2050. Sustainable clothing is becoming increasingly fashionable and we have seen the likes of London-based brand Teatum Jones launch an entire collection made out of recycled materials. As designers and brands continue toward making sustainable fashion more accessible, you can do your bit by checking which brands are the most sustainable option for you. The website and phone app “good on you” makes it easier for consumers to shop in an ethically and more sustainably responsible way, just type in the name of a brand and, based on their 5 point system, it will tell you how positive or negative a brand is in terms of their impact on the planet, animals and humans.
- Durability
Investing in well-made items will help you avoid constantly replacing them and ditch the throwaway culture prevalent in today’s society. What you may save in the short-term, costs you in the quality and longevity of the product. Timeless and well-made clothes are easy to wear time and time again, reducing the negative environmental impact of throwing away less durable items. Therefore, a top tip for sustainably arming your wardrobe is to spend a little more on your fashion items, treating them as a long-term investment.
- Thrift-it
Another way to get more durable clothing without having to spend too much money is to utilise second-hand clothing platforms. Follow in the footsteps of Macklemore and get yourself to a local thrift shop to see what bargains you can find in your area. If you are more of an internet bug, then there are so many online options that allow you to purchase good quality second-hand clothing at bargain prices such as Ebay, Depop and Vinted. Some apps like Vestiaire Collective specialise in pre-owned luxury fashion items, allowing users to scoop up discounted designer pieces and vintage clothing. Options like this allow you to live your most luxurious and sustainable self on a budget, it’s a win win.
- Review industry-standard certifications
Finally, the rise of consumer awareness about the textile industry’s detrimental effects on the environment has seen brands attempting to “greenwash” their image, appearing more environmentally aware than they are in practice. To see whether a company is putting their money where their mouth is, it is always advisable to review industry-standard certifications such as Cradle to Cradle Certified and Fairtrade Textiles Standard and see if the brands are matching up to these standards.
Conclusion
Navigating the industry in a sustainable way may seem like a daunting task but following these five steps helps to ensure that you are building up the level of your wardrobe’s sustainability and that your individual impact on the environment is reduced. It is so important that we all contribute to changes in our lifestyle to achieve a sustainable fashion industry and environmentally sustainable planet.