The fashion world is a notoriously wasteful industry. Clothes are often only worn a few times and thrown away while manufacturing new clothing uses energy and resources. Fortunately, several eco-friendly fashion trends are becoming more popular as consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their clothing choices. Here are eight of the most popular eco-friendly fashion trends.
Second-Hand Clothing
Purchasing second-hand clothing is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Not only do you avoid the energy and resources used to produce new clothing, but you also keep clothing out of landfills. Also, the second-hand market is full of hidden gems, so you can find unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else. There are several ways to purchase second-hand clothing, including thrift stores, consignment shops, and online resale sites.
Avoid fast fashion brands when looking for second-hand clothing, as they are often the most environmentally damaging. They also tend to fall apart quickly, so you’ll likely have to replace them sooner than higher-quality clothing. Instead, look for second-hand clothing from sustainable brands or vintage clothing from any brand.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are often less expensive and require less energy to produce than new materials. Also, by purchasing items made from recycled materials, you’re keeping these materials out of landfills. Recycled materials are often just as high-quality as new materials, so you don’t have to sacrifice style or quality when choosing eco-friendly fashion.
There are several ways to incorporate recycled materials into your wardrobe, including recycled denim, upcycled clothing, and even jewelry made from recycled glass. Sustainable fine jewelry, for instance, is often made with recycled gold and silver. So, if you’re looking for a sustainable piece of jewelry, make sure to ask about the materials used before making your purchase.
When shopping for items made from recycled materials, research the company to ensure they are using sustainable practices. Also, look for items that can be easily recycled or reused so that you can reduce your impact even further.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Several eco-friendly fabrics are becoming more popular in the fashion world. Hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton are all sustainable materials that require less water and energy to produce than conventional fabrics. Also, these materials are often softer and more comfortable than traditional fabrics, so you can look good and feel good about your clothing choices.
Some fibers, like bamboo, are also naturally antibacterial, so they’re a great choice for activewear. And hemp fabrics tend to be very durable, so you can wear your clothes for longer without them falling apart. When shopping for eco-friendly fabrics, look for items made from 100% organic materials. Also, check the labels to see where the fabric was sourced and how it was produced.
Natural Dyes
Natural dyes are made from plant materials rather than synthetic dyes. These dyes are often more gentle on the environment and your skin. Also, natural dyes can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind colors that you won’t find with synthetic dyes. When shopping for natural dyes, look for items made with plant-based dyes, such as indigo or madder root.
Also, check the labels to see how the fabric was dyed. If the label says “black dye” or “blue dye,” it’s likely that the fabric was dyed with synthetic dyes.
Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is the antithesis of fast fashion. Rather than mass-produced, cheaply made clothing, slow fashion focuses on quality over quantity. Slow fashion brands often use sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials. Also, slow fashion brands typically produce limited runs of each item, so you’re less likely to see someone else wearing the same thing. When shopping for slow fashion, research the company to ensure they are committed to slow fashion principles.
Upcycled Clothing
Upcycled clothing is made from existing materials rather than new materials. This can include repurposing vintage clothing to creating new clothing from recycled materials. Upcycled clothing is often more environmentally friendly than new clothing, as it requires less water and energy to produce. Also, upcycled clothing is often one-of-a-kind, so you can be sure that no one else will wear the same thing.
The best way to shop for upcycled clothing is to buy directly from a designer or a trusted retailer. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.
Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing is a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. When shopping for vintage clothing, focus on quality over quantity. Look for items that are well-made and will last for years to come. Since vintage clothing is often more delicate than new clothing, take care of it properly. When shopping for vintage clothing, look for items that are made from sustainable materials. Also, research the company to ensure they are using sustainable practices.
The great thing about vintage clothing is that it’s already been broken in, so you know it will be comfortable. Also, vintage clothing often has a unique story or history, adding a special meaning to the piece.
Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create various looks. Capsule wardrobes are often made up of a few key pieces, such as a denim jacket, a white tee, and a black dress. When shopping for a capsule wardrobe, look for versatile items that can be mixed and matched. Usually, a capsule wardrobe comprises primarily neutral colors, such as black, white, and denim. However, you can also add a pop of color with a few key pieces.
Capsule wardrobes are a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. By only buying a few key pieces, you’re reducing the amount of clothing you need. Also, capsule wardrobes force you to be more creative with your clothing, resulting in unique and stylish looks.
You do not have to sacrifice style to be eco-friendly. There are many eco-friendly fashion trends that you can consider, such as natural dyes, slow fashion, upcycled clothing, vintage clothing, and capsule wardrobes. Just be sure to do your research to find brands that are committed to sustainable practices. With a little effort, you can easily find eco-friendly fashion that you love.
Read more: 5 Fashion Tips to Help You Look Stylish All Year Round
Veena is an up-and-coming fashion blogger with a unique blend of styling expertise, beauty insights, and makeup knowledge. She has been writing in to fashion for over 7 years. Veena is the founder of Fashionsgalaxy.com, where she brings a unique blend of fashion trends, style advice, and beauty hacks to her audience. Follow her on LinkedIn
