Are We Really Moving Towards Sustainable Fashion?
Fast fashion, couture, sustainable fashion, pret a porter. All words we are familiar with when it comes to types of fashion and clothing. A big topic, especially with our ever-changing world is sustainable fashion and how the industries are actually changing.
To understand sustainable fashion, it includes four parts:
- Sustainable fashion needs ethical production
- Sustainable manufacture,
- Production quality and longevity, and
- Circular processes - a fashion that can be reused
Slow fashion never seeming to be as big, has slowly gained its awareness, and is a huge impact on the movement of sustainable fashion. After the large fall out of Rana Plaza in Bangladesh, 2013, the industry had to start thinking forward about its choices. Nearly killing 1,300 people, the garment factory suffered many losses due to inhumane treatment.
Multiple countries are being forced into workload with lesser compensation. It has shown that most garment workers make around $250-$300 a month due to the ‘pay per alteration’ preference. In some cases, garment workers are working 40+ hour weeks for underpaying.
With companies like Fashion Nova, Forever21, H&M producing fast-fashion pieces, it is difficult to not be constantly working due to a demand for new pieces constantly. Fast fashion is an issue, over time some brands have entered a more “reduce reuse recycle” attitude. Levi’s has begun a production of remastered jeans for sale, and less water while producing their jeans.
Alternative apparel has begun production with recycled vintage materials and cotton fabrics. H&M has made a brand of their own; ‘H&M Conscious’ made out of organic cotton or recycled polyester, as well as offering their shoppers an option to donate their unwanted clothing at its stores.
Some of the best fabrics known to be used for sustainability include linen, organic cotton, wool & cashmere. Although natural fibers may seem great, to promote longevity sometimes it’s best to search for other options.
To keep the process of circular fashion alive, sites like Poshmark, or Thredup. Not only is someone given the chance to make some extra cash, but these sites promote the sustainability of fashion by purchasing gently used items, whether it’s a designer or a department store.
Due to the trickle-down effect, the highest of the pyramid has affected fashion and trends, but due to the lower classes' change of style and trends, it has affected those in an upward motion. Now with people care more than ever about sustainability with their fabrics and clothing; larger designers have entered an era of consciously made clothing.
From burning their clothes in a landfill to now using them to be remastered or reused. Fashion is forward-thinking, and hopefully, we can rely on it to continue thriving.
Opinions and Perspectives
I've noticed more brands claiming to be sustainable lately, but I wonder how many are actually making meaningful changes versus just greenwashing?
Just started shopping on secondhand sites and I'm amazed at the quality items you can find! Saved so much money too.
The Rana Plaza tragedy was a huge wake-up call. Can't believe it took such a devastating event to start changing things.
Interesting to see H&M trying to be more sustainable, but they're still one of the biggest fast fashion producers. Feels a bit contradictory to me.
Recently switched to buying mostly linen clothes. They last forever and actually get better with age!
The $250-300 monthly wage for garment workers is absolutely shocking. We need to demand better working conditions.
I appreciate Levi's efforts to reduce water usage, but their prices have gone up so much. Makes it harder for average people to afford sustainable options.
Honest question, what's the point of organic cotton if pesticides are still used in processing?
True, but organic cotton still uses significantly less harmful chemicals overall compared to conventional cotton.
The circular fashion concept is brilliant. I've started hosting clothing swaps with friends, such a fun way to refresh our wardrobes!
Anyone else feel overwhelmed by how much research you need to do to shop ethically?
Totally agree about the research part. I tried creating a list of truly sustainable brands but it's so complicated!
The Fashion Nova business model is exactly what's wrong with the industry. New styles every week is just unsustainable.
I find it ironic that luxury brands are jumping on the sustainability bandwagon while still promoting overconsumption.
Been using Poshmark for years and love it. Though prices have gotten a bit crazy lately.
The trickle-down effect mentioned is fascinating. Never thought about how lower classes influence upward fashion trends.
Not sure why cashmere is listed as sustainable. The grazing practices are causing major environmental issues in Mongolia.
Good point about cashmere. I've read about the desertification problems it's causing.
Really encouraged by the growing awareness of sustainable fashion among younger generations.
My issue is the price point of sustainable fashion. Not everyone can afford $200 ethically made jeans.
The article doesn't mention the impact of synthetic fibers and microplastic pollution from washing.
Started mending my clothes instead of replacing them. Small step but feels good to extend their life.
Wish the article had covered more about the environmental impact of dyes and finishing processes.
Love that more designers are using deadstock fabric. Reduces waste and creates unique pieces.
The conscious collections often feel like marketing gimmicks to me. What about making their main lines sustainable?
Actually tried those H&M Conscious pieces. Quality wasn't great, defeated the whole purpose of sustainability.
We need more transparency in supply chains. Hard to trust sustainability claims without proper verification.