Thanks to the slow fashion movement advocating for more sustainable practices in clothing production, many stakeholders in the fashion industry are making changes to minimize their environmental impact. Eco-fashion is not a fleeting trend but an emerging sector that’s likely to become a mainstay as sustainable clothes become increasingly available and affordable.
The growing trend of eco-friendly clothing has significant environmental benefits as fast fashion is a major contributor to carbon emissions. According to reports by the United Nations, the fashion industry accounts for around 10% of annual global carbon emissions. Going green with clothes helps reduce pollution, carbon footprint and water waste.
Eco-friendly clothes are often more durable and of better quality than clothes made of conventional materials. Organic cotton, for instance, is grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, making clothing produced from this material a better choice for babies, pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and those with skin conditions. Strict regulations from organic certification organizations guarantee the authenticity and origins of organic materials.
Eco-friendly fashion brands often provide more transparency about their business models and operations, so that consumers have access to more information about what they're buying. Many eco-friendly fashion brands also support ethical and sustainable consumption.
Terms like "eco-friendly fashion," "ethical fashion" and "sustainable fashion" are closely related, but they are not the same. Eco-friendly fashion is clothing made to reduce the environmental footprint. Ethical fashion refers to the treatment of workers in the supply and manufacturing process. Ethical fashion is associated with fair trade, improving the labor conditions of workers, and ensuring that living wages are met.
"Sustainable fashion" is a much broader term that encompasses the ethical, environmental and social impacts of goods. According to the UN, sustainability is defined as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainable fashion brings attention to the supply chain to ensure that every stage of the production process is sustainable, including the responsible sourcing of materials, manufacturing of goods, marketing, distribution and waste disposal. Though what's labeled as eco-friendly may not necessarily be sustainable, eco-friendly fashion is nonetheless a way for consumers to move towards sustainable living.
As a consumer, there are many ways to go green with fashion. One way is to check the materials to see if the fabric is eco-friendly before making a purchase. As a general rule of thumb, sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, linen and Tencel are more sustainable than synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon which are made from petroleum. Here are some eco-friendly fabrics to choose from:
Cotton is natural and biodegradable, and one of the most common fabrics used for clothing. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals, resulting in less soil degradation and pollution. Organic farming is also safer for farmers, and organic cotton textiles are safer for consumers. Organic cotton farms are strictly monitored and use less water and energy than conventional cotton farms.
Recycled polyester is produced from recycled water bottles and recycled packaging. The process involves chopping and melting used plastic and spinning it into fiber that is as lightweight and durable as virgin polyester fiber. One main benefit of recycled polyester is that it diverts existing plastic from landfills. Recycled polyester also requires less energy and resources to produce than virgin polyester.
Both hemp and bamboo are sustainable, fast-growing plants that require less water and pesticides to grow than regular cotton. Fibers created from these plants are stronger and more durable than cotton. Modern technology can turn these traditionally rough fibers into softer, finer and more breathable textiles that are also sweat-absorbent. Some hemp and bamboo fabrics have antibacterial properties, making them less prone to mildew. Hemp and bamboo clothing is also more suitable for sensitive skin. Bamboo is considered a more environmentally friendly material than wood pulp, especially when the former is used to make viscose rayon.
To create a more eco-friendly wardrobe, follow the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Build a capsule wardrobe of organic basics that you can rely on for a long time. Ideally, these pieces should be versatile, and easy for layering and mixing and matching.
Avoid impulse purchases by making a checklist. Evaluate items in your shopping cart before hitting the purchase button. Check your wish list against your closet to see if you already own similar pieces. Organize your belongings so you can easily check what you already have.
3. Take better care of your clothes
Pay attention to washing labels. Wash clothes less and at lower temperatures so the garments last longer. Wash with eco-friendly detergents. Air-dry clothes instead of tumble drying to save energy.
The second R is to reuse your clothes instead of discarding them. Think of creative ways to repair or repurpose your clothes, such as creating patchwork, distressed, frayed, cropped or cut-out designs. Another suggestion is to turn old tees into pillow cases.
Share your wardrobe with your roommates, family members or better half!
Organize clothes swaps or buy from thrift shops.
The last R is to recycle clothes. It’s not the best solution, but donating old clothes is still better than throwing them away.
YesStyle offers a capsule collection of fashion basics made from eco-friendly materials via the private label YS by YesStyle. Offerings range from eco-friendly activewear such as crop tops, hoodies and sweatpants, to wide-leg pants, skirts, dresses and jackets. Versatile and affordable, these timeless pieces are made of sustainable materials sourced from certified factories that meet international standards. YS by YesStyle’s organic cotton garments are made from GOTS certified organic cotton, while its recycled polyester garments have passed the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) for recycled polyester.
