What is sustainable fashion? All you need to know

What is sustainable fashion? 

 All you need to know

Buy less, Choose well, Make it last- Vivienne Westwood

    First of all, sustainable fashion is the term that refers to clothes and products manufactured in a way that environmental and social problems caused by the modern fashion industry, are taken into account. The modern industry represents easily accessible yet fashionable clothes produced in developing countries to benefit large companies. The products of these companies are sold at very low prices resulting in consumers buying more pieces than they need. This over consumer trend is what sustainable fashion is trying to stop, by reshaping the way designers and businesses manufacture clothes. Particularly, this new trend wishes to ensure better working conditions for workers, while using sustainable material. Simultaneously, it motivates all people to acquire a responsible attitude in relation to their purchases. Moreover, anyone who cares about clothes, should care about those wearing and making them too.

Ethical fashion is the recognition that there are human beings behind the clothes that we wear- Elizabeth Joy

But how can you become part of the sustainable fashion movement? 

 

• Investing in sustainable fashion brands and local shops 

   Supporting designers and fashion brands who use sustainable material and practices is highly important. Because of the fact that these brands are more likely to be more expensive than the fast fashion ones, it would be preferable to try and save up money in order to buy products from a company whose practices are ethical.

• Searching for vintage clothing

    Anyone can find vintage clothing in second-hand shops, while another option would be to search for clothes in your older relatives closets (like your parents and grandparents) and ask them if you can have some of the things that they do not want anymore. This way, a forgotten piece o clothing can be given a second life.

• Quality over Quantity 

    Choosing quality over quantity is very important. This way every item will last longer and your closet overtime will be full of high quality clothes. Furthermore, the idea of saving money in order to buy cheap clothes does not work, due to the fact that they will need to replaced after a we wears only.

• Look after your clothes

   Every time you buy a new piece, you are supposed to read all the tags that it has inside- something that nobody does. Although washing your clothes with the temperature, being aware if they are hand wash only or need dry cleaning will make them last longer. You could even consider buying a steamer instead of using an iron, in order to protect specific fabrics. 

• Learn how to repair your clothes

   Nowadays, many of us choose to throw away a piece whenever we spot a small defect. Learning how to repair small defects is very useful and quite easy. Ιf sewing is not for you, you could always find a professional to help you with that.

• Do NOT throw away your clothes

  Recycling and reusing clothes is what sustainable fashion is all about. Instead of throwing away your unwanted clothes you could try:

1. Donating them to a local shelter
2. Try to repair them
3. Sell them on a second hand app or shop
4. Put them in a recycling bin

• Educate yourself and inform others

   Getting to know the role of sustainable fashion and passing our knowledge to our friends and family is the best way to start making a change.

Fast fashion is not free. Someone somewhere is paying- Lucy Siegle

 

If we all adopt this new ideology, there will be significant environmental, social and economic benefits for all.