In the last few years, sustainable fashion, a concept that has been widely discussed in the fashion world, is still becoming a trend. So what is the definition of sustainable fashion and how important is it to our future? Join us to learn more about sustainable fashion in the article below!
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable Fashion is generally understood as fashion and garment products that do not create harmful impacts on the environment and economy, including from raw materials to production, use, and distribution. It means that the life cycle of a shirt does not cause adverse effects on the benefits of the environment, and the economy. And that product is really green and friendly.
The term ‘sustainability’, refers to any system designed to exist in equilibrium. The invention of tools and technological advancements make it possible for humans to consume natural resources to the extent that the ecological balance is disturbed. As humans are part of the natural environment and still depend to a large extent on natural resources, our well-being and survival depend on our ability to achieve environmental sustainability.
Sustainability in fashion here means being able to last. That is, a sustainable fashion industry must be one that has the ability to operate for the long term, for years and decades to come. In addition, sustainable fashion is also defined by the phrase “ethical fashion,” which means that garments are created without killing innocent animals or respecting human labor rights.
To summarize, by applying the concept of sustainability to fashion, sustainable fashion can be defined as a system in which the supply, production, and consumption of fashion products are designed to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability. By definition, sustainable fashion is not limited to a single product, it is a philosophy that also encompasses design processes, supply chain strategy and consumption. Sustainable fashion manufacturers are popping up more and more to make fashion healthier and more ethical!
7 Forms of Sustainable Fashion?
To better understand what sustainable fashion can bring to both manufacturers and consumers, we will share with you seven forms of sustainable fashion. Each person will have their own preferences and choose the form of sustainable fashion that suits their needs. Overall, they are like a loop where you can choose one or more different stages for your fashion product.
On-Demand & Custom Made
This form is the basic and first step in sustainable fashion, it is often called “number 1”. Fashion products before being delivered to consumers will be ordered according to requirements. That means the manufacturer will only produce the necessary items without overproduction, avoiding waste in the first step.
Green & Clean
Green & Clean is considered one of the important forms of sustainable fashion. After ordering enough goods, buyers should choose environmentally friendly fashion products and manufacturers. The chemicals used in the manufacturing process also need to be handled with care. It helps to protect the environment and the users themselves.
High Quality & Timeless Design
For sustainable fashion, high-quality products, and timeless designs will have a longer shelf life. This makes it possible for users to reuse it many times, and manufacturers save resources in the production of subsequent costumes. To do that, both the buyer and the manufacturer must have the best quality options.
Fair Trade & Ethical
Fair Trade & Ethical brings a lot of value to employees, users, the environment and raw materials. Workers need good wages, decent working conditions, and respect for the culture. Wildlife also needs to be preserved instead of becoming a fashion production material.
Repair, Redesign & Upcycle
Repairs, designs and upgrades are certainly an important part of sustainable fashion. Through these steps, users can continue to use previous fashion products. The extended lifespan of clothing means we can cut costs on new clothing production.
Rent, Loan & Swap
To diversify their clothes, users can rent, borrow or swap their clothes. Thus, fashion manufacturers do not need to produce too many excess clothes in stock, but the needs of many different users are still satisfied.
Second Hand & Vintage
One of the fashion forms that help users prolong the life of their clothes is second-hand and vintage. Old clothes will not be buried, burned, or thrown away in a landfill but reused in a more classic style. Of course, you must have high-quality clothing and timeless designs to satisfy this form.
Why Is Sustainable Fashion Important?
Sustainable fashion really brings a lot of great value to society, businesses and consumers. It helps to reduce waste, and production costs, and ensures fairness for labor and animal life. Read more to know its importance.
Create Less Waste & Reduce Carbon Footprint
Sustainable fashion can really help fashion manufacturers create less waste and carbon emissions. The fashion production system that is upgraded to sustainable fashion standards will help save maximum production fuel, and it is not difficult for excess waste to appear. In addition, the wastes were also treated promptly and efficiently. Reducing carbon emissions will certainly help the environment be better protected.
Ensure Fair Wages
Workers are also subject to protection. Only when the people who make quality products have a better life can they focus on production. Sustainable fashion can really bring about fair wages and efficient working conditions for any garment worker. In addition, sustainable fashion manufacturers will also provide a few other benefits to their employees such as health insurance, allowances and more.
Save Water & Animal Lives
In addition to participating in environmental protection by saving production costs, sustainable fashion can save water – an important factor that needs to be protected in today’s living environment. Sustainable fashion also helps people protect rare wildlife. Animal leather handbags or shoes will be less visible and will not appear in the future. Precious animals will not be illegally hunted and removed from their supposed lives. Surely sustainable fashion will bring about a better ethical life and living environment for the whole society.
What to look for to support sustainable fashion
To be able to support sustainable fashion, both fashion manufacturers and consumers need to meet certain requirements. Here are some criteria that can help a producer or a fan of sustainable fashion find what they need.
Low impact natural and organic materials
Natural and organic materials are one of important factors that can help you implement sustainable fashion from the very beginning. Usually this criterion will be made by garment manufacturers. However, consumers should also look for clothing made from natural and organic ingredients to increase demand in the market. Since then, fashion manufacturers have also focused on producing more sustainable fashion.
Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certifications
Manufacturers possessing Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certificates should be given preference. Both of these certificates show that the fashion product is produced by a sustainable fashion manufacturer.
The Bluesign Standard is awarded to textile manufacturers that provide safe working conditions for their workers and take actions to reduce their environmental impact. Bluesign considers the environmental impacts of all steps in the textile manufacturing industry from water pollution to air pollution. Textiles that meet Bluesign Standard ensure safety for workers, consumers and the surrounding community. When you buy a product certified by Bluesign Standard, you know that it has achieved one of the highest ratings for occupational safety and the environment.
Standard 100 is set by Oeko-Tex (International Association for Research and Testing in the Textile and Leather Sector). This is the standard to ensure that materials used in textile production are not harmful to humans. By monitoring and evaluating dyes, fabrics, chemicals and other manufacturing materials, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 ensures the safety of consumers and workers.
Locally made clothes and ones made in ethical sewing factories
Clothing made by an ethical tailor should be a priority in the fashion market. These fashionable products not only contribute to environmental protection but also help manufacturers save production costs and protect animals. If you want a sustainable fashion brand, sustainable clothing manufacturers are the best choice. Check out their ethical manufacturing process and sustainable products.
Second-hand or durable clothes
The lifespan of clothes will affect the production frequency of fashion manufacturers. If you reuse old clothes and buy only durable clothes, you can save a lot of money on clothes and participate in a sustainable fashion. It really brings a lot of value to society, employees, and yourself. Durable clothes can be reused many times, so choose quality clothes.
Conclusion
Sustainable fashion really brings more value to this society than we all think. It makes the environment a better, ethical way for both workers, consumers and animals to have a good life. Of course, apparel manufacturers will also benefit. Fast fashion is making the environment worse, we should promote sustainable fashion to bring a better life. Hopefully, the information we share here can help you!