Attention fashion-lovers: when you buy your clothes, do you consider the impact of your choices? Have you ever wondered about the environmental and social consequences of where your wardrobe is coming from? If so, then ethical fashion is worth considering. With this article, we will discuss the concept of ethical fashion as well as how to build an outfit with sustainable choices. Get your pencils and paper ready, it’s time to get creative!
1. What is Ethical Fashion?
Ethical fashion is an umbrella term for clothing and accessories that adhere to certain criteria regarding production, sustainability, and labor. It is about much more than sustainable materials: it is grounded in a consumer-focused production chain that benefits both the supplier and those wearing the clothing.
Sustainable Materials: The production and use of sustainable materials are at the core of ethical fashion. Organic cotton, hemp, and other natural fabrics are preferred for their lack of pesticide use and come from more sustainable sources of production. Animal-based products should ideally come from environmentally-conscious sources that limit their impact on the environment.
Fair Trade: Ethical fashion is heavily involved in the Fair Trade movement, ensuring that all workers in the production chain are compensated fairly for their labor. It emphasizes proper working conditions, humane wages, safe working environments, and worker support. In the past, the lack of regulation meant that some workers were subjected to long hours and hazardous material exposure, but today more transparency and safety regulations are in place.
Sustainable Production Practices: The production of ethical fashion is carefully monitored to ensure minimal impact on the environment. This includes minimizing the use of synthetic materials, pollutants, and non-biodegradable residues. Ethical fashion companies often use energy-efficient methods of transportation and production to further reduce their environmental impact. Many strive for zero-waste production and create systems in which dyed or processed materials are recycled back into the production process or upcycled into new materials.
Cruelty-Free Products: The production of ethical fashion emphasizes the use of cruelty-free products, free from any animal testing and exploitation. Even if animal products are used, ethical fashion companies strive to obtain them from humane sources.
Giving Back: An important aspect of ethical fashion is making sure that clothing is beneficial to those that wear it. Many companies give back to charitable causes, or use their profits to support impoverished communities. Ethical fashion companies often create quality jobs, employ local artisans, and recycle discarded materials, thereby contributing to a more equitable world.
2. Sustainable Options for Crafting a Look
Recycled Clothing
One of the most sustainable and affordable ways to craft a look is to go for recycled clothing. Second-hand clothes allow us to give a new life to something that has already been made and pre-owned. We can easily find outfits to personalize our style at vintage boutiques, charity shops, or online consignment stores. Additionally, we can upcycle some of our favorite items of clothing, investing a small time and effort to make them into something truly one of a kind.
Shopping Small
Another great option to craft a look is to look into local boutiques and smaller brands. Shopping small helps keep our clothing industry sustainable by supporting smaller businesses that use ethical production methods, fair wages, and natural materials. It also reduces our carbon footprint since our clothes don’t need to travel long distances to get to us. Plus, there is something unique and special about an item that was created with love and care.
Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is a movement focused on creating fewer items with higher quality, often using eco-friendly and natural materials. Instead of buying something that will end up in a landfill after one season, it is possible to invest in clothes designed to last. Durable and timeless pieces of clothing are essential for sustainability, and they can be incredibly fashionable too. Plus, investing in quality items will, in the long run, save us money and help us cut the laundry load.
DIY Projects
Apart from the options mentioned above, there is one more way to craft an unforgettable look- create it from what we already have! DIY projects are a great way to redefine our wardrobe without having to spend a dime. By customizing our clothes, we can use them longer, wear something unique, and upcycle materials that are already in our wardrobe. And even if you’re a beginner in the world of DIY projects, there are plenty of resources online to start with.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Last but not least, the fabrics we choose for our wardrobe can make all the difference when it comes to sustainable fashion. Natural materials such as organic cotton and Hemp are not only better for the environment but also softer and more durable. Look into eco-friendly fabrics when you craft your look, and your wardrobe will be sustainable and stylish.
3. Looking Good and Doing Good
The holidays are a great opportunity to spoil ourselves and those we cherish, but why not do it in a sustainable way? Shopping consciously allows us to do more good for the planet, and help empower others too. Here are several easy and colorful ideas for gifts that are as stylish as they are ethical.
- Fair Trade First: Supporting artisans and independent brands working with fair trade practices results in beautiful products with stories of empowerment and sustainability behind them. We love Fair Trade First, a brand that seeks out talented crafts people to collaborate with and pays them a fair wage for their work.
- Upcycled Jewelry: Upcycling is the perfect balance between fashion and sustainability. Look for stunning pieces created with repurposed materials, like these gorgeous ‘premium’ Upcycled Jewelry pieces. Make sure to check out the mission statement to ensure the most responsible production.
There’s been a growing trend of ethical fashion in outerwear, footwear and home decor. Sustainable fashion brands exist to provide style that’s much cooler than fast fashion yet is affordable and produced responsibly. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Flocky: For all your clothing needs, try Flocky. Their denim, for example, uses environmentally friendly fabric, produced without fertilizers and chemical treatments. All manufacturing is certified CO2-neutral.
- Wrap Solutions: These Wrap Solutions blankets are crafted of recycled and organic materials, and production is powered by renewable energy. Plus, each purchase supports a chosen charity that works to reduce plastic waste.
- Tony Pappas: Tony Pappas creates athletic wear from sustainable materials, like recycled single-use plastic bottles and organic cotton. Time to upgrade the joggers in your life and support a sustainable mission.
Be it to adorn you, make something special at home, or as a statement piece — with the right balance of style and sustainability, the perfect gift is just waiting to be discovered. After all, are no longer mutually exclusive.
4. A Different Approach to Shopping for Clothes
When shopping for clothes, not everyone needs the same experience. Some people want to rush in and out of the store, while others prefer to take their time to look around. But there are other, less conventional shopping strategies to consider when looking for the right clothing.
Make a List
When making a shopping list, be sure to include the pieces you want to buy as well as the stores where these items can be found. This way, instead of frantically searching around the store, you can always go straight to the specific piece you’re looking for.
Having a list can help maintain focus on the items you’re looking for instead of wandering away and purchasing something you don’t need. It can also be helpful to keep a mental list of colors, textures and textiles that you might be interested in.
Research the Styles
Research different styles and clothing items online before you set foot in the store. Search for fashion bloggers, magazines and other sources for inspiration and ideas. What kind of colors or patterns do you like? What hem length and neckline? Take notes of the items you’d like to purchase.
By researching online, you can make sure you get the exact item you want. You can compare different stores for different pieces and prices too.
Look Elsewhere
If you can’t find what you want in a store, be sure to look online. Many stores have online outlets, and you might be able to find better prices and options. It’s especially helpful if you know the exact item and store, then you can look up the product online to see if it is available.
- Shops which specialize in a specific style or type of clothing could have a better selection
- Thrift shops offer cheaper options, and you can find some great pieces of clothing that are unique
- Some boutiques specialize in specific colors or textures, which may not be found in standard stores
Take Breaks and Try it On
Shopping should be fun, so don’t forget to take breaks. This is especially important if you have been shopping for a long time and you feel overwhelmed. It’s also a good idea to try on clothing in the store. This helps prevent the hassle of having to return items after you purchase them.
The moral of the story is this: it is entirely possible to build beautiful and stylish outfits without compromising your ethical practices and beliefs. With the right knowledge and awareness, acting with sustainability no longer has to be a chore. Instead, it can be a rewarding and empowering experience!
