Let’s talk fashion.
For many of us, the way we choose to dress has a lot to do with our self-expression. The designers we like, the colours we select, and the pieces that bring our wardrobe together say quite a lot about our lifestyles and personalities. But have you ever thought about what your fashion and style say about your values? Ever thought about what it means to wear ethical clothing? When it comes to my fashion choices, it’s crystal clear – I want clothing that is made to last, with people and the planet in mind.
What’s the Deal with Ethical Clothing?
Many factors go into making sure your clothing is created the right way. But unfortunately, the fashion industry is one of the most exploitative and wasteful industries. So one of the most important questions to consider is the transparency of the brands and companies you buy from. Also, it’s essential that, as customers, we know what textiles and resources are used.
For example, Reformation is a clothing brand that gives essential information to its customers. When you click on a clothing item, it tells you how much carbon dioxide, water, and waste your garment has used up. You can then click for more information about the environmental impact of their clothing and learn about the factory and other initiatives they are involved with.
Part of the problem with the fashion industry is the waste it produces. According to research: “150 billion clothing items are delivered out of factories annually, yet Americans alone throw away approximately 14 million tonnes of garments each year, that’s over 36 kg per person.”
So when it comes to ethical clothing, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room: also known as Fast Fashion. No matter how well clothing is produced, it still uses resources. This means we need to change our shopping habits. Clothing can’t be seen as something disposable. Instead, we need to think carefully and mindfully about the pieces we add to our wardrobes. We have to ensure they’re made with quality and ethics. And more often than not, the two go hand in hand. Cheap-made clothes are lower in quality and often rely on synthetic materials that are bad for the environment and your health.
Ethical Fashion Tips
So what’s the solution, and how do we start?
- Build your own capsule wardrobe with basics that will get you through every season. Remember, invest in quality pieces that fit well rather than cluttering your closet with cheaply made items. Here are the top 10 essentials in my capsule wardrobe.
- If something is ripped or broken, fix it! No need to throw away clothing that can be improved. You may even get creative and start mending some of your older pieces to give them new life. Work with what you have and get creative!
- Give second-hand clothing a chance. You’ll be surprised what you can find in vintage or charity shops.
- When you must buy new, do your research and support brands and companies that do fashion right.
On to you: what are your ethical clothing tips? Comment below to share your fashion inspiration with us.
