Sustainable fashion isn't a trend; it's here to stay. Here's why.
When sustainable brands started making a resurgence around 2020, people balked at the prices and questioned the meaning of the word 'sustainable' at first. But four years later, the number of people shifting from fast fashion to sustainable brands continues to rise—and not without reason.
Sustainability advocate, stylist and knitter extraordinaire Jennifer Richie attributes the industry's success to its refreshing take on consumption. "The sustainable fashion industry, unlike most industries operating in the world today, views a healthy environment as an essential part of human survival," says Jennifer.
A little simple math shows that a higher price tag upfront can save significant money in the long run.
Thanks to social media and the phenomenon of "viral" styles, the demand for new clothing is at an all-time high. To keep up, manufacturers cut costs by using cheap fabrics and machine labor and recycling "trendy" patterns or cuts instead of creating originals. The results are ultra-trendy clothes that fade fast, look cheap, fake and unoriginal, and lack durability.
To counteract this, brands are on a mission to make sustainable, ethical clothing more widely available. They make their clothes using eco-friendly processes, paying employees a livable wage and creating safe workplaces.
"When employees feel valued by the company where they work, they produce better work," says Jennifer. "Clothes that are made well last longer."
The key to making sustainable fashion work for you and your wardrobe is opting for timeless—not trendy—pieces. For a slightly higher price, you can fill your closet with high-end pieces that won't go out of style and are built to last. This simple swap can extend a wardrobe's life from 10 wears to 10 years.
A little extra love and care for your garments can extend their life even longer. Invest some time and money into washing them as directed, whether by hand or dry cleaner and don't be afraid to try simple fixes, like adding new buttons or removing stains, before sending them to the landfill.
According to allgoodliving.com, "It takes over 2,700 liters of water just to make one cotton shirt. Moreover, the industry is responsible for 10% of the global carbon emissions." Meanwhile, the ethical practices you support by choosing to shop sustainably help effectively reduce this harmful impact every day.
"The best way to shop sustainably and on a budget is to shop secondhand," advises Jennifer. "Not only does this keep clothes in circulation and out of the landfill longer, it helps the local economy and provides a style boost."
Jennifer suggests trying shops like Queenie's Consignment or Finders Keepers in Decatur, Ecologie in Kennesaw, or MotherLode in Decatur and Athens for great, high-value finds that will enhance your wardrobe.
If you're looking for something brand new, she has a roster of tried and true sustainable brands as well. Yours Truly by Peter Jansen is a designer brand with unique pieces. Summersalt is her go-to for swimwear, while Mud Jeans and Everlane are great for high-quality denim.
Don't be fooled by fast fashion propaganda. Items created sustainably are vastly more chic than fast fashion. Whether you fill your wardrobe with finds from trustworthy brands, thrift shops or upcyclers, the options are infinitely more unique than anything you'll find on mall racks.
The reasons to go sustainable are endless. Upgrade your wardrobe, take care of your clothing, spend a little more upfront and save your wallet and the earth in the long run.
"The sustainable fashion industry, unlike most industries operating in the world today, views a healthy environment as an essential part of human survival." - Jennifer Richie
