The world is on its way to adopting a more sustainable way of life. Even though there’s still a long way to go, it’s happening. And the world of fashion is no exception. People demand changes in how brands approach manufacturing, advertising, and selling their products, and some brands are already providing those changes.
Today, sustainable fashion is not only about keeping a minimalist wardrobe (though that remains an important aspect) or embracing zero waste fashion. Brands worldwide keep finding new ways to produce eco-friendly clothing, so let’s take a closer look at how they do it.
The Switch in Customer Trends
Although the brands started demonstrating a more and more conscious approach to business, the need for sustainable fashion came, however, from customers. Of course, this seems natural. Such things happen in other industries too. For instance, a consumer demanding a market to offer him an online casino sms payment will eventually get such an option. Becoming more aware of their buying habits and their impact on the environment, the consumers basically demanded changes from producers.
So when a producer starts shifting in favor of sustainable fashion, does it come from its actual intent to reduce its impact or is this just a response to changing trends? Even though the answer may seem obvious to some, real-life examples show that green fashion brands are sometimes willing to go that extra mile to deliver a sustainable good to their consumers.
The Key Eco-Friendly Brands and Their Best Practices
The brands get endlessly creative in finding their way to sustainable fashion. And surely, they deserve to get more recognition for what they’re doing. Below is the list of producers who aren’t afraid to tackle fashion industry pollution and how they do it:
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Eileen Fisher
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organic materials
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ethical labor
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upcycled clothing, through an initiative encouraging customers to return old pieces
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Reformation
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using eco-friendly materials, including recycled cotton, Tencel, and deadstock fabrics
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informing the customers about specific item’s environmental impact
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ethical production
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Thought
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organic materials, like bamboo fabric
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ethical production
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Outerknown
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using innovative fibres
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recycled materials
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commitment to organic cotton
Organic materials and ethical labor form a fundamental part of several green brands. Using vegan leather, organic cotton, producing hemp clothing, while relying on fair pay and using traditional craftmanship – are only some of the ways how their vision gets embodied. Apart from the aforementioned ones, these also include:
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Everlane
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People Tree
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Stella McCartney
There are also brands that get extremely innovative in how they address their mission. For instance, Veja is known for using innovative materials, like plastic bottles and wild rubber, for sneakers production, while Re/Done is upcycling vintage Levi’s jeans to create unique creations blending classical style with modernist look.
Speaking of Levi’s—along with Timberland, they were pioneers of sustainable fashion, incorporating recycled materials and waste reduction as early as the 1990s. A compelling counterargument to those who claim green production harms business. Interestingly, Levi’s sustainability efforts extend beyond fashion, influencing modern workspaces with eco-friendly office designs and collaborative environments that reflect their commitment to responsible production.
The Impact of Sustainable Fashion on Traditional Fashion Businesses
The decision of one brand to use natural dyes and recycled fabrics doesn’t simply end there. It supports a global trend that, in turn, provokes change.
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Increasing popularity of green fashion
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Rise of resale and rental markets
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Appearance of new green regulations and
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A call for innovations
These and other effects make life for non-sustainable brands harder and, similarly to other industries, forces them to take difficult decisions. These often involve getting into sustainable fashion themselves, partially because of a risen demand, partially because reduce other costs.
Such an effect, however, still isn’t universal and differs from a brand to a brand.
Tips on how to Make more Sustainable Fashion Choices
Since it was the customers themselves who helped bring this revolution to life—at least in part—they also play a vital role in shaping its future. One of the most effective ways to do so is by engaging with brands on social media. Sharing experiences, providing feedback, and participating in discussions can amplify their influence. Here are some other simple yet impactful ways to contribute:
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Buy less. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Simple as it sounds, yet still challenging to many. Well-made garments simply last longer, so you won’t need to pay twice.
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Select brands wisely
Heard about a specific brand that uses biodegradable fabrics or sells eco-friendly activewear? Consider it as first, not mass production brands. While they usually may care less about the environment, they also contribute significantly to that carbon footprint in fashion.
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Second-hand and vintage
Not only do they look cool, but every such purchase reduces the demand for new production.
Overconsumerism is for sure one of the worst things we can do to our planet. Thus, making even small changes to how these products are produced (and in what quantities, of course) is already a step forward in our battle with indifference. The aforementioned sustainable fashion brands and their ways of conducting business give hope that we are actually able to change our long-existing fashion patterns.
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