The fashion industry started around the 19th century and with it came the highs and lows and slight in-betweens. Some important things the Etherealism team has been looking at is why the fashion industry has become environmentally destructive, and how we as individuals and consumers, can create something sustainable within fashion?
First, let's take a look at what sustainable fashion is and why it matters.
Sustainable fashion is a movement that involves minimizing the consumption and production on clothing and accessories to minimize the environmental impact. So, in a nutshell, it’s all about using resources (natural or otherwise) efficiently.
But sustainability in fashion goes beyond that.
The concept of sustainability has risen in importance since the United Nations made it the main pillar for development in the 1990s.
Sustainable fashion does not involve only purchasing ethical brands, whether expensive or not, but also involves our habits as consumers- in terms of purchasing, recycling and re-using.
While areas like climate change and energy consumption are well known, the concept of sustainable fashion is not fully understood nor conceptualized very well.
Most research in the field focuses on fashion consumption but has various understandings of sustainability.
Another misconception is that most clothes can be recycled. In actuality, fabrics made from cotton, polyester or blends of this material cannot be recycled. They can only be downcycled or upcycled to make other materials or fibers.
As consumers, we need to be increasingly conscious about our purchases, to make a positive difference for the people involved in the making of our clothes.
About a decade ago, dozens of fashion brands emerged that dedicated themselves to ethical and sustainable practices across the globe.
Their articles feature-recycled materials, inclusive sizing, ethical working conditions, fair wages. To find out more information, check the About page.
They are committed to creating the change they want to see in the world. The brand work to empower the industry to embrace inclusion and build the future with like-minded people.
They make plus size clothes exclusive to plus size woman with exclusive specifications and patterns. Over 90% of their line is made with natural fibers, with dyes that that are fade resistant and less toxic. One of the brand’s main goals is to reduce our carbon footprint.
This a brand that is known for its fair-trade organic cotton basics materials. They go to great lengths to make sure its entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing and all the processes in between, are as clean and responsible as possible.
They Strive to produce thoughtful clothing that meets people's needs whilst being high quality, durable and sustainable.
Click Here for More Resources!
There is a lot to think about with sustainability when it comes to fashion.
Sustainability is the integration of environmental practices to minimize the consumption and production of clothing and accessories to minimize the environmental impact.
Apparel that is truly sustainable, is made, used, and reused in a way that is in line with the continuance and thriving of the environment, society, and the economy.
There are many ways to create a more ethical and sustainable wardrobe!
For more information, check out the references below.
On that note, I hope you find this issue useful, and it creates more awareness on the topic of sustainability in fashion~
<aside> 💚 Buy me a coffee | Koji Page
</aside>