Sustainable fashion is a term we hear often, but what does it actually mean? In a world filled with scientific reports, articles, and conversations around sustainability in various industries, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Let’s break it down and answer the simple question: what is sustainable fashion?
At its core, sustainable fashion refers to any clothing, accessories, or collections made with eco-friendly materials or produced through ethical means. While it’s still a growing concept rather than a well-defined, fully realized category, sustainable fashion seeks to guide design and manufacturing processes towards better environmental and social practices.
Although there’s no single clear definition, sustainable fashion often falls into several categories, including ethical fashion, low carbon footprint, sustainable materials, slow fashion, and the growing movements of fashion resale and rental. Brands often fall into multiple categories, with each contributing to the broader mission of sustainability. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the defining features of sustainable fashion and what they mean for the industry.
Ethical Fashion
Ethical fashion focuses on the social aspect of sustainability. When we talk about ethical fashion, we’re often discussing the working conditions of garment manufacturers and raw material suppliers. Brands that are committed to fair trade practices and safe working conditions fall under this category. Ethical fashion also extends to the treatment of animals. For example, some leather brands ensure ethical practices by using by-products from the meat industry, reducing waste and minimizing harm to animals. Likewise, some wool producers allow sheep to shed wool naturally rather than forcibly shearing them, thus reducing stress on the animals.
Low Carbon Footprint
Fashion with a low carbon footprint is typically characterized by shorter supply chains. The shorter the distance from design to production to sale, the lower the carbon emissions associated with transportation. Brands that source, manufacture, and sell their products locally or within a small region naturally contribute less to pollution than brands with long, international supply chains.
Sustainable Materials
Sustainable materials are an exciting aspect of the fashion world. These materials fall into two main categories: natural and sustainable synthetics. Natural materials like cotton, linen, and silk are free from harmful chemicals and microfibers, although they require large amounts of water to grow, which can be a problem in areas already facing water scarcity.
On the other hand, sustainable synthetics are man-made but are often derived from natural sources. Piñatex, a natural leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers, is one example. It uses the inedible part of the fruit, reducing waste and providing a biodegradable alternative to traditional leather and plastic-based materials. Similarly, mushroom leather is gaining popularity as a sustainable option.
Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is a response to the fast-paced, disposable nature of the fashion industry. It focuses on creating high-quality, durable garments designed to last a lifetime. Slow fashion aims to reduce waste by ensuring that clothing doesn’t end up in landfills or oceans, advocating for thoughtful design and mindful consumption.
Upcycled, Recycled, and Recyclable Fashion
These three practices are essential for reducing fashion’s environmental impact. Upcycling involves creatively reusing old garments, while recycling transforms old clothing into new items. Recyclable fabrics, on the other hand, can be used again, reducing the need for raw materials and helping to conserve resources. These practices reduce the volume of waste in landfills and encourage more sustainable consumption in the fashion industry.
Resale and Rental Models
The rise of fashion resale and rental platforms is another major trend in sustainability. Apps like Depop and platforms such as Vestiaire Collective and HURR have gained popularity, particularly with Gen Z, who are more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion. Resale and rental business models promote circular fashion by encouraging the reuse of clothing, extending the life of garments and reducing demand for new production.
Conclusion
Sustainable fashion is an evolving concept that embraces multiple approaches, from ethical manufacturing and low carbon footprints to the use of sustainable materials and circular fashion practices. Whether it’s through reducing waste, ensuring fair labor practices, or embracing resale and rental models, sustainable fashion seeks to create a more responsible, eco-conscious industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their choices, the demand for sustainable fashion is only set to grow, shaping the future of the industry.