Clothes: Something we all love and devotedly turn to every single time we feel like celebrating something or wrapping the wounds we carry.
As marvelous as clothes are and as confident as we feel when purchasing new attire, the fashion industry has a massive environmental impact. Eighty-five percent of all textiles go to dumps each year. The textile sector is culpable for polluting local freshwater ecosystems and contributing to the climate crisis as a major consumer of resources, including energy and raw materials.
Data from research suggest that Gen-Z is very involved in sustainability, prioritizing eco-friendliness in their purchasing decisions and daily lives. They prefer to buy from sustainable brands, and as shocking as it may sound, they do not care if that means spending more; They are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products.
With our planet facing a triple planetary crisis-climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution-and Gen Z valuing sustainability as a driving force, numerous brands from the fashion industry are now embracing circular economy principles, adopting eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting ethical labor practices. Believe it or not, even Shein has made some efforts toward sustainability, although its business model does not really align with the principles of sustainability. The truth is that fast fashion is a disturbing trend that undermines any effort one would make to reduce its environmental impact.
Nevertheless, this article discusses several relevant strategies that may shape the future of sustainable fashion, reminding us of the importance of responsibility.
Choosing Sustainable Materials And Environmentally-Responsible Production Methods
After the Second World War, the fashion industry saw a rapid (and dreadful) development of synthetic textiles, with polyester becoming the most commonly used fiber in textiles. The production of chemical fibers substantially surpassed cotton, and today, synthetic fibers account for an estimated 60% of clothing. While not all chemical fibers are inherently detrimental, there is a significant number implying huge environmental risks and potential health concerns. As a response, sustainable fashion prioritizes eco-friendly materials to minimize the impact of this industry on the planet, using natural fibers such as linen, hemp, and organic cotton, as well as recycled materials. We should highlight that recycled materials minimize the need for energy-intensive extraction and production procedures.
Bonus sustainable fabrics include:
- Organic bamboo.
- Modal.
- Apple leather.
- Woocoa.
- QMilk fibers.
- Reclaimed deadstock.
- Spider silks.
- Mycelium-grown leather.
- Furthermore, minimizing waste is crucial for achieving sustainable garment manufacturing. Numerous waste management services are designed to help businesses – such as Mil-tek -, improving their disposal habits and providing educational opportunities so they can make good choices regarding waste in the future. If fashion brands know there’s someone just a phone call away who can handle their waste most sustainably, of course, they’ll take that opportunity.
Designing Clothes That Can Be Easily Disassembled, Repurposed, Or Recycled
Circular fashion refers to a holistic approach targeting clothing production that aims to eliminate waste, following a close-loop system where products are designed to be recycled, reused, and ultimately, at the end of their life cycle, biodegraded. This concept is rooted in the broader principles of the overall circular economy, seeking to create a restorative system that maximizes the value of resources. Unlike the fast fashion paradigm, which has been dominating the industry for decades, the circular fashion model is not characterized by rapid production cycles and low costs, empowering consumers to value quality over quantity. Key principles of circular fashion include:
- Design for longevity: This principle implies choosing high-quality materials that are not vulnerable to repeated wear and washing and focusing on robust construction techniques, such as quality stitching and reinforced seams. Moreover, attire with detachable components that can be effortlessly replaced or updated extends the garment’s life, advocating for ethical practices that challenge the fast fashion industry.
- Recyclability: Natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk are much easier to recycle than synthetic materials, making them a great choice for designing garments.
- Circular business models: Repair programs and take-back schemes have become increasingly popular to promote sustainability and reduce waste. Patagonia makes a notable example of sustainability in the fashion industry, launching the “Worn Wear” initiative to empower its customers to repair, reuse, and recycle.
Leveraging Technology For Digital Design And Prototyping
Digital tools, particularly 3D design and prototyping, clear the path toward sustainability by minimizing physical samples and enabling virtual design iterations. This advanced technology involves digitally creating a model that precisely represents a physical object, empowering designers to explore various designs and styles. Unlike physical samples, which require multiple iterations before finalizing a design, digital prototyping is less time-consuming and costly, reducing the necessity of materials and labor and thus minimizing material waste. Moreover, as the process of creating physical prototypes is energy-intensive, 3D designs contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. This technology also means less metal mined and fewer trees felled, overall providing a more sustainable approach to product development.
Promoting Slow Fashion
Retailers can educate customers about sustainability in fashion, empowering them to prioritize quality and sustainability over rush and no costs. Fast fashion, boldly stated, is a toxic ecosystem that traps people in a loop of endless consumption, where clothes lose their charm after just a few wears, and satisfaction is always just out of reach. It’s just another cog in the ever-turning wheel of consumerism, a system designed to keep us buying, needing, discarding, until we’re left with empty pockets and, ultimately, empty closets. Thus, retailers have a unique opportunity and responsibility: to shift the narrative. By promoting slow fashion, they can move beyond trends and toward timelessness, encouraging consumers to invest in quality over quantity. Educating people on the value of a capsule wardrobe doesn’t just reduce waste; it empowers them to redefine their style with intention and clarity. Through conscious messaging, transparent sourcing, and curated collections, retailers can spark a cultural reset where fashion becomes less about endless consumption and more about lasting connection.
