The effect that the fashion industry has on the environment is huge. Essentially, sustainable fashion is about focusing on making intentional choices that are not only environmentally friendly but also kind to the people who make the clothes.
Read on to learn more about the best sustainable fashion trends and steps if you want to shop eco-friendly this year..
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Leverage Second-Hand Shopping
If you’ve been to a thrift store before, you already know that you can find many treasures at an economical price. In the world of sustainable fashion, second-hand shopping is one of the most popular trends. You can find stylish and unique clothes at thrift stores and vintage shops without having to contribute to new production.
Second-hand shopping reduces waste and subsequently extends the life of clothing. This aspect is crucial for combating the environmental impact caused by the fast fashion industry. Typically, fast fashion causes consumers to wear clothes only a few times before they are discarded. You can find many online platforms, apps, and stores where you can purchase and sell second-hand clothes.
Wear Eco-Friendly Materials
Traditional cotton farming uses a lot of pesticides and water, which can harm the environment. On the other hand, organic cotton is made without the use of toxic chemicals and also uses less water. This aspect not only benefits the environment but also enhances the health of the farmers and communities that are involved in its production.
Clothes that are made of organic cotton, such as cotton bras, are not only gentle on the skin but also more durable. Compared to synthetic clothes, cotton clothes promote biodiversity and minimize harmful residues. Since they are gentler on skin, they make the best choice for you if your skin is sensitive.
Hemp is another eco-friendly material as it doesn’t require as much water and no pesticides. Clothes that are made from hemp and cotton are not only comfortable but also durable to the point of outlasting their traditional clothing counterparts.
Use Recycled Materials
Another sustainable fashion trend that you can integrate into your summer wardrobe is the use of recycled materials. Today, many brands are creating clothes from recycled fabrics, plastic bottles, and other waste materials. This aspect actually decreases the need for new resources and subsequently helps keep potential waste out of landfills.
Even a few of the world’s renowned fashion brands are developing clothes made from ocean plastic and transforming waste into high-quality and high-performance sportswear.
Your Best Bet: A Minimalist Wardrobe
If you want to look chic, classy, and beautiful in eco-friendly clothes this summer, then we recommend that you opt for a minimalist wardrobe. As a matter of fact, a minimalist wardrobe is one of the most effective ways to practice sustainable fashion. The minimalist approach is about possessing fewer, higher-quality pieces that can be paired and matched to create many outfits.
The potential benefits include less clutter, easier decision-making, and a smaller environmental footprint. You will be choosing quality over quantity and simultaneously creating a classy and versatile wardrobe that reflects your style. You can do this while being eco-friendly.
Declutter Your Closet
If you’re new to this entire concept of minimalism, you must be wondering how to build a minimalist wardrobe. To build a minimalist wardrobe, you must start by decluttering your closet. Only keep the items that you love and wear regularly. You might as well want to focus on versatile pieces that you can dress up or down, such as a nice pair of jeans, a chic white shirt, and the must-have black dress.
Invest in Timeless Items
The next step is to invest in high-quality and timeless items that will last for years. You might want to focus on natural fabrics, such as the following:
- Wool
- Cotton
- Linen
The reason is that these fabrics are often more durable and sustainable compared to their synthetic alternatives.
Practice Sustainability with DIY Fashion
DIY fashion is actually a fun way to practice sustainability. For instance, you can add patches to your clothes or bags and personalize them. You might as well use embroidery or paint to give your clothes a unique look and simultaneously extend their life. DIY fashion projects can range from simple alterations, such as hemming pants, to complex creations, like making a brand-new dress from old t-shirts.
These various DIY projects will allow you to express your creativity while making your wardrobe truly one-of-a-kind. You can also transfer old clothes into new and useful clothing styles.
Support Ethical Brands
Ethical brands are essentially companies that support sustainability, but also fair labor practices. Often, such brands use eco-friendly materials and ensure that their workers are paid fairly for their work and that they have safe working conditions. By supporting ethical brands, you can help increase demand for ethical practices in the fashion and clothing industry.
Your support can actually encourage more companies to adopt sustainable and fair clothing manufacturing methods.
