Quality and sustainability can both be found in the same sentence and wardrobe.
Ethical fashion is a movement that promotes clothing production and consumption that is environmentally and socially responsible. It aims to minimise harm to people, animals, and the planet while ensuring fair and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
Ethical fashion refers to clothing, accessories, and footwear that are made and consumed in ways that are environmentally responsible. If you’re interested in adopting a more ethical approach to your fashion choices, here’s a guide to help you get started.
Educate yourself
Learn about the environmental and social issues in the fashion industry. Understand terms like fast fashion, fair trade, sustainable fashion, organic materials, exploitative labour practices and the impact of textile production on the environment. Understanding the problems is the first step toward making ethical choices.
Buy less, choose well
Embrace minimalism and create a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need for excessive clothing. Focus on a smaller number of high-quality pieces. This can help reduce your environmental footprint and simplify your life.
Avoid impulse buying. Think before you purchase and invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last longer.
Consider the cost per wear. Higher-quality items may be more expensive upfront but often cost less in the long run due to their durability.
Mindful consumption
Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item and if it aligns with your values. Avoid impulsive buying and strive for conscious consumer choices.
Be mindful of accessories. Apply ethical principles to accessories as well. Consider ethical accessories. Extend your commitment to ethical fashion to accessories like shoes, bags, and jewellery. Look for brands that use sustainable materials and fair labour practices.
Prioritise quality over quantity
Invest in high-quality, durable clothing that will last longer. Avoid the temptation to buy cheap, disposable items that contribute to waste and exploitation.
Choose sustainable materials
Look for clothing made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, recycled fibres, and other sustainable options. These materials are produced with fewer chemicals and have a lower environmental impact. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester that contribute to microplastic pollution.
Check the stitching, seams, and overall construction of the garment.
Support ethical brands
Research and support fashion brands that prioritise ethical and sustainable practices. Look for companies that are transparent about their labour practices, environmental impact, and supply chain, use eco-friendly materials, and pay fair wages to workers.
Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or B Corp, indicating a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Support campaigns and initiatives that push for transparency in the fashion industry. Demand brands to disclose information about their supply chains.
Supporting brands that prioritise labour rights is crucial for ethical fashion.
Support vegan and cruelty-free fashion. If you’re concerned about animal welfare, choose vegan and cruelty-free fashion options, avoiding leather, fur, and other animal-derived materials.
Be mindful of your footprint. Consider the environmental impact of your clothing, from production to transportation. Choose locally made or locally sourced items to reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
Support sustainable initiatives
Support organisations and initiatives that promote ethical fashion, such as Fashion Revolution, which advocates for transparency and sustainability in the industry.
Care for your clothes
Extend the life of your clothing by following care instructions, washing in cold water, air-drying when possible, and avoiding excessive ironing to make your clothes last longer. This reduces the environmental impact.
Repair and maintain
Instead of discarding damaged clothing, learn basic sewing and mending skills to repair items or take them to a professional tailor. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your clothing.
Minimise micro-fibre pollution
Microfibres from synthetic fabrics contribute to water pollution. Consider using a Guppy friend bag or other filtration solutions when washing synthetic materials.
Support eco-friendly dyes and printing
Look for products that use non-toxic, water-based dyes and printing techniques to minimise harm to the environment and the health of workers.
Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Practice responsible consumerism by reducing your clothing purchases, repairing items when they’re damaged, and recycling or upcycling old clothes to give them new life.
Repurpose items when possible, and recycle or donate clothing that you no longer need. Second-hand shopping is a great way to extend the life of clothing and reduce waste.
Second-hand and vintage shopping
Vintage clothing not only adds uniqueness to your style but also reduces the demand for new production.
Buying secondhand or vintage clothing is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to reduce the demand for new clothing. It also gives clothing a longer life.
Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms for second-hand clothing.
Advocate for change
Get involved with or support organisations advocating for workers’ rights and sustainable fashion practices.
Advocate for policies that promote ethical practices in the fashion industry.
Remember, the journey towards ethical fashion is a process, and it’s about making better choices whenever you can. Every small effort counts in creating a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Interact with brands, inquire about their supply chain and environmental initiatives, and raise awareness by discussing your concerns with others.
Stay informed and spread the word
Stay updated on developments in the ethical fashion industry. Follow organisations and influencers, promoting ethical fashion and sustainability.
Encourage brands and retailers to adopt ethical and sustainable practices. Share your concerns with them, and support policies and regulations that promote ethical fashion.
Share your knowledge about ethical fashion with friends and family. Encourage them to make mindful choices, too.
Remember that making a full shift to ethical fashion doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start by making minor changes and gradually aligning your choices with your values. Over time, your conscious decisions can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.