Are We Really Moving Towards Sustainable Fashion?

Have leading heads of fashion really changed for the better?
fashion · 2 min
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sustainable fashion
sustainable fashion. image source: FT

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.

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Opinions and Perspectives

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Amelie_Flutter commented Amelie_Flutter 3 years ago

Interesting to see how different countries approach sustainable fashion differently.

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SelfCareHaven commented SelfCareHaven 3 years ago

The future of sustainable fashion needs to be both ethical and accessible.

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TheFashion_Fix commented TheFashion_Fix 3 years ago

Local manufacturing could help solve many of these issues.

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EverleighJ commented EverleighJ 3 years ago

Just wish sustainable fashion wasn't so beige and minimal all the time.

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Ellie commented Ellie 3 years ago

Digital fashion shows could be a more sustainable alternative.

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Evelyn_7 commented Evelyn_7 3 years ago

The article missed discussing the impact of fashion weeks on sustainability.

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ClaraMoon commented ClaraMoon 3 years ago

We need more repair cafes and community mending events.

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Bridget-Chambers commented Bridget-Chambers 3 years ago

Just discovered cork accessories! Sustainable and they look amazing.

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ZaharaJ commented ZaharaJ 3 years ago

What about accessories? Sustainable bags and shoes are hard to find.

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Uplift-And_Inspire_2024 commented Uplift-And_Inspire_2024 3 years ago

Been following sustainable fashion influencers for tips. Really opened my eyes.

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Tess_Rose commented Tess_Rose 3 years ago

The pressure on garment workers to meet fast fashion deadlines is insane.

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Savannah-Reed commented Savannah-Reed 3 years ago

Love that vintage is becoming mainstream. Best form of sustainable fashion really.

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Rosa99 commented Rosa99 3 years ago

The article should have addressed the waste in packaging and shipping materials too.

5
SelenaB commented SelenaB 4 years ago

Found some amazing sustainable workout gear recently! More expensive but worth it.

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MaciB commented MaciB 4 years ago

Wish there were more sustainable options for performance wear and athletics.

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JuneX commented JuneX 4 years ago

Minimal wardrobes are trending but they're actually super sustainable too.

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ClaudiaX commented ClaudiaX 4 years ago

The repair and alteration skills gap is real. We need to bring back home economics classes.

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Nature_Lover_Vibes_777 commented Nature_Lover_Vibes_777 4 years ago

It's great seeing more men getting involved in sustainable fashion discussions.

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Optimist_Daily_111 commented Optimist_Daily_111 4 years ago

Started buying quality basics that last instead of trendy pieces. My wardrobe is smaller but better.

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Madisyn-Jefferson commented Madisyn-Jefferson 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned the role of blockchain in tracking sustainable supply chains.

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Josephine-Kelly commented Josephine-Kelly 4 years ago

Wonder if lab-grown materials will be the future of sustainable fashion?

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Sustainable_Eater_19 commented Sustainable_Eater_19 4 years ago

Looking forward to more innovations in sustainable fabrics. The current options are limited.

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Luxe_Closet commented Luxe_Closet 4 years ago

The push for sustainability has improved working conditions in some factories at least.

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PenelopeXo commented PenelopeXo 4 years ago

Greenwashing is rampant. Need better industry standards for sustainability claims.

6
Edgy_Trendsetter commented Edgy_Trendsetter 4 years ago

My local tailor has become my best friend. Alterations make clothes last so much longer.

1
MinaH commented MinaH 4 years ago

Interesting to see how sustainability is influencing high fashion runway shows.

5
Luxe_Vogue_2024 commented Luxe_Vogue_2024 4 years ago

Love that ThredUp makes it so easy to resell clothes. The fashion circular economy is growing!

3
HeartCenteredLiving commented HeartCenteredLiving 4 years ago

The working conditions described are horrifying. We're all complicit if we keep supporting these brands.

0
Draped_in_Glam commented Draped_in_Glam 4 years ago

We need better education about clothing care to make items last longer.

8
LilySun commented LilySun 4 years ago

Small brands are leading the way in sustainability but struggle to compete with fast fashion prices.

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Nadia-Gordon commented Nadia-Gordon 4 years ago

The article misses discussing the cultural shift needed to move away from disposable fashion.

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Noelle_Miracle commented Noelle_Miracle 4 years ago

Why isn't there more focus on extending the life of existing clothes? That's true sustainability.

4
FlexAndFlow commented FlexAndFlow 4 years ago

Not convinced about rental fashion. The cleaning and shipping still have environmental impacts.

0
Vogue_Fit commented Vogue_Fit 4 years ago

Rental fashion might be part of the solution. Tried it for special occasions.

4
Camila_Rose commented Camila_Rose 4 years ago

Been trying to buy only what I need, but social media makes it so hard to resist trends.

1
PhoebeH commented PhoebeH 4 years ago

The focus on natural fibers is great but we can't produce enough to meet global demand.

1
Retro_Finesse commented Retro_Finesse 4 years ago

Still concerned about microfiber shedding from recycled polyester though.

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Demi_Hope commented Demi_Hope 4 years ago

Finally brands are making recycled polyester mainstream. Better than virgin plastic at least.

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JessicaL commented JessicaL 4 years ago

Anyone else notice how sustainable fashion often comes in very limited size ranges?

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BlairJ commented BlairJ 4 years ago

The article should have mentioned the impact of fast shipping on environmental sustainability.

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Edgy-Vision commented Edgy-Vision 4 years ago

Learning to sew has completely changed my relationship with clothing.

2
RaquelM commented RaquelM 4 years ago

My grandmother used to make all her clothes. Maybe we need to return to those skills.

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Lorelai_Star commented Lorelai_Star 4 years ago

The fashion industry needs stricter regulations. Voluntary commitments aren't enough.

1
Emmeline_Magic commented Emmeline_Magic 4 years ago

Try recycled nylon swimwear! Been using mine for two seasons and it's holding up great.

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Shannon-Boyd commented Shannon-Boyd 4 years ago

What's everyone's experience with sustainable swimwear? Looking for recommendations.

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AnnabelleH commented AnnabelleH 4 years ago

The burning of excess inventory is criminal. Glad some brands are finally stopping this practice.

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Mindful_Moments_Daily_77 commented Mindful_Moments_Daily_77 4 years ago

Just discovered how much water it takes to make a single cotton t-shirt. Mind-blowing!

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JadeX commented JadeX 4 years ago

Interesting how the article doesn't mention the role of consumers in driving fast fashion demand.

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Grace_Light commented Grace_Light 4 years ago

We need more transparency in supply chains. Hard to trust sustainability claims without proper verification.

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Fierce_Fashion_05 commented Fierce_Fashion_05 4 years ago

Actually tried those H&M Conscious pieces. Quality wasn't great, defeated the whole purpose of sustainability.

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Luxury_Streetwear commented Luxury_Streetwear 4 years ago

The conscious collections often feel like marketing gimmicks to me. What about making their main lines sustainable?

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Flex-And-Flow_69 commented Flex-And-Flow_69 4 years ago

Love that more designers are using deadstock fabric. Reduces waste and creates unique pieces.

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Mindset-Shifter_77 commented Mindset-Shifter_77 4 years ago

Wish the article had covered more about the environmental impact of dyes and finishing processes.

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LilyThompson commented LilyThompson 4 years ago

Started mending my clothes instead of replacing them. Small step but feels good to extend their life.

3
VictoriaB commented VictoriaB 4 years ago

The article doesn't mention the impact of synthetic fibers and microplastic pollution from washing.

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Eliza-Nash commented Eliza-Nash 4 years ago

My issue is the price point of sustainable fashion. Not everyone can afford $200 ethically made jeans.

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Lacy-Delgado commented Lacy-Delgado 4 years ago

Really encouraged by the growing awareness of sustainable fashion among younger generations.

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Pilates-Power_X commented Pilates-Power_X 4 years ago

Good point about cashmere. I've read about the desertification problems it's causing.

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Tamara_Spring commented Tamara_Spring 4 years ago

Not sure why cashmere is listed as sustainable. The grazing practices are causing major environmental issues in Mongolia.

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Stylish-Voyage commented Stylish-Voyage 4 years ago

The trickle-down effect mentioned is fascinating. Never thought about how lower classes influence upward fashion trends.

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CarolineXO commented CarolineXO 4 years ago

Been using Poshmark for years and love it. Though prices have gotten a bit crazy lately.

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LiveLife-Well_555 commented LiveLife-Well_555 4 years ago

I find it ironic that luxury brands are jumping on the sustainability bandwagon while still promoting overconsumption.

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LaylaK commented LaylaK 4 years ago

The Fashion Nova business model is exactly what's wrong with the industry. New styles every week is just unsustainable.

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Limitless_Growth_777 commented Limitless_Growth_777 4 years ago

Totally agree about the research part. I tried creating a list of truly sustainable brands but it's so complicated!

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Radiate-Happiness_555 commented Radiate-Happiness_555 4 years ago

Anyone else feel overwhelmed by how much research you need to do to shop ethically?

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Shiloh_Skies commented Shiloh_Skies 4 years ago

The circular fashion concept is brilliant. I've started hosting clothing swaps with friends, such a fun way to refresh our wardrobes!

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Eliza_Star commented Eliza_Star 4 years ago

True, but organic cotton still uses significantly less harmful chemicals overall compared to conventional cotton.

1
TheWellnessEdit commented TheWellnessEdit 4 years ago

Honest question, what's the point of organic cotton if pesticides are still used in processing?

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Danica99 commented Danica99 4 years ago

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.

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Kara-Powell commented Kara-Powell 4 years ago

The $250-300 monthly wage for garment workers is absolutely shocking. We need to demand better working conditions.

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SarahKing commented SarahKing 4 years ago

Recently switched to buying mostly linen clothes. They last forever and actually get better with age!

2
MindfulBeauty commented MindfulBeauty 4 years ago

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.

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Aurora_Shine commented Aurora_Shine 4 years ago

The Rana Plaza tragedy was a huge wake-up call. Can't believe it took such a devastating event to start changing things.

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OpalM commented OpalM 4 years ago

Just started shopping on secondhand sites and I'm amazed at the quality items you can find! Saved so much money too.

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Selena_Luxe commented Selena_Luxe 4 years ago

I've noticed more brands claiming to be sustainable lately, but I wonder how many are actually making meaningful changes versus just greenwashing?

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