Sustainability In Fashion

We are ever growing, ever learning and ever eager to find new and improved ways of introducing sustainability into our daily lives. With the ever-increasing rejection of the fast fashion industry and consumers eager to join the eco revolution, fashion is becoming more environmentally friendly than ever. 

Acting responsibly is not just something we as consumers can do to aid the future of our planet. Companies and brands are adopting sustainability and making conscious, significant changes to ensure the future of fashion is secure, without harming the environment. 

Finding methods of production that use less chemical treatment, use less water and consume less energy are key to sustainable fashion and mean natural and recyclable materials are being introduced. 

Some brands are even going as far as to use recycled materials to create products. Think ocean plastics, ethically sourced leather (leather that is produced as a by-product of the meat industry, as opposed to leather sourced separately) and biodegradable materials are among those being used. 

Products produced with recycling in mind are a great way to reduce the overall footprint caused by the process of making these items. It breathes new life into old or unwanted fashion and means we can be guilt-free when making purchases, knowing there will be less impact on the planet. 

Another trend that is on the rise is rentable fashion. This limits the need to purchase products that will essentially be one-use. This has been popular for a while in the wedding industry, with dresses and suits available for a one-day rental, so the garments can be used over again by multiple people. 

This reduces waste products and also means that we have fewer garments gathering dust. There's nothing worse than useless clothing, especially when reusing can benefit the environment. 

Shopping locally is another sustainable trend that can help reduce the overall impact. While production may not be much more environmentally friendly, shopping locally helps to reduce the issues that arise from transporting goods. This means shipping costs and damages are no longer brought into the equation. 

Buying second-hand isn’t a new idea, but it is certainly one that is impactful. The rejection of fast fashion has seen a rise in thrift shopping and has allowed many old, forgotten garments to come back to life and be reworn. 

Vintage has always been desirable, but now more than ever people are shopping for pre-loved items, as it is not only fitting with the trendy, retro styles that have seen a comeback but is also helping save the planet. 

However hard we try to maintain sustainable habits, it can be difficult when previously accessible options become harder to follow. The rise in second-hand clothing sales has also seen an increase in costs, so those who previously used it as a cheap, world-friendly option may now struggle to afford items.